Thanks to Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design and Alex Foundation, children around the state with an interest in design and architecture have opportunities for creative outlets in those areas over the summer. In June and July, Fay Jones School offers seven sessions of five-day camps in Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Wilson, Little Rock, El Dorado, and Bentonville (sessions in Fayetteville and Bentonville are already full, but you can apply for the wait list). Students in the Delta can find similar opportunities through Alex Foundation’s STE+AM Initiative, which offers students hands-on learning opportunities in architecture and design through sessions in McGehee and Lake Village, both in July. Alex Foundation is a nonprofit whose mission is to expose students to career possibilities in architecture and design with a special focus on children in the Delta. Alex Foundation is the winner of the American Institute of Architects’ 2019 Diversity Recognition Program. Learn more at fayjones.uark.edu and alex-foundation.org. Email [email protected] to request an application for camps in the Delta.
Northwest Arkansas Homebuilders Association Parade of Homes
The Northwest Arkansas Homebuilders Association presents its 28th annual Parade of Homes June 7-9. The event is a self-guided tour of more than 35 homes from Bella Vista to Farmington featuring a mix of custom builders, production builders, and remodeling contractors. Participating homes will be judged based on Best Curb Appeal, Best Kitchen, Best Master Suite, Best Floor Plan, Best Remodel, and Best Overall in seven price range categories, and awards will be announced on June 6. Find a map of the homes and plot out your visit at nwaparadeofhomes.com.
This home featured in the 2018 Parade of Homes was built by Celtic Custom Homes and took home the award for Best Floor Plan in its price range category. Interior design by Katie Grace Designs.
Ruby: A Southern Tradition Opens in Springdale
This spring, Angela Sullins transitioned careers from an elementary school teacher to owner of Ruby: A Southern Tradition, a new boutique in Springdale near Tontitown. While the store is most directly named after Angela’s great-grandmother Ruby, her inspiration for the shop includes all of the special people in her life, such as her mother, stepmother, aunts, grandfathers, husband, and children. “What excites me most about opening this shop is that people feel at home here,” she says. “Women come shopping together and, before you know it, the room is filled with laughter and ‘small world’ meetings.” Ruby is located at 246 S. Maestri Road, Building 5, Suite 1 in Springdale.
Image via facebook.com/rubyasoutherntradition
Southern Food & Wine Festival
Sponsored Content | All images courtesy of Murphy Arts District
Murphy Arts District is getting ready to host the fifth annual Southern Food & Wine Festival May 9-11. Not familiar with this celebration of all things food and wine? Well, you should be! We talked with MAD’s executive chef, Austin Johnson, and sommelier, Eric Railsback, about the event. Read on for what to expect at the Southern Food & Wine Dinner (a sold-out event for 175 ticket holders on Friday, May 10), Grand Tasting (Saturday, May 11—get tickets here), and throughout the rest of the weekend in Murphy Arts District.
Roasted asparagus salad with beets and pickled rhubarb, prepared for the 2018 Southern Food & Wine Dinner.
At Home in Arkansas: Austin, tell us about some of the dishes that will be served Friday at the Southern Food & Wine Dinner.
Austin: Friday will be about a collaboration between old colleagues and great friends. We have four world-class chefs—Mike Reilly, Aaron Abramson, Adam Purcell, and Michael Rellergert—each preparing a dish for this dinner, and each will bring an idea and inspiration behind their dish. We have worked it out so each course will complement the one coming before it. A lot of the chefs will be shipping in ingredients from the city they are coming from, whether that’s London or New York, so each course will have its own unique feel of time and place.
AHIA: You’ve worked at restaurants all over the world, including in Paris and Copenhagen, before becoming executive chef at Griffin Restaurant. What does “Southern cuisine” look like to you?
Austin: Well, I’m still discovering that. I’m looking forward to going through a full four seasons in this state, especially these next few months. It’s an exciting time to cook, no matter where in the world you are.
AHIA: Eric, what types of wines can attendees expect to find paired with some of these dishes?
Eric: We will be pouring wines from all over the world. We have producers from Corsica, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara, and the Finger Lakes in attendance, and each course of the dinner will be paired with one of their wines. I am especially excited to have Sandrine Leccia from Domaine Yves Leccia in town from Corsica. Corsica is one of the hottest regions right now, and the wines are extremely hard to get. The fact that we can bring this kind of talent into El Dorado really makes this year special, and it says a lot about the direction the festival is heading.
AHIA: What about the wines available at the Grand Tasting on Saturday?
Eric: The beverage selection at the Grand Tasting will be very diverse with a little something for everyone. We will be pouring lots of local favorites, like Lost Forty Beer, as well as many wines from Moon’s distribution portfolio. In addition to local distributors, wine makers from Camino Cellars in Napa, Empire Estate Winery in the Finger Lakes, and Presqu’ile Winery in Santa Barbara will be there walking guests through the wines. I think the Napa wines from Camino will be fan favorites—wine maker Tadeo Borchardt is making some of the best wines in the Valley, and they are extremely hard to find. An allocation of nine cases of each of his wines made it to Arkansas this year, so fans need to jump on these early.
Click here for a full schedule for the Southern Food & Wine Festival, which includes special workshops like Learn to Taste Like a Master Sommelier and How to Cook Like a Michelin-Starred Chef.
Art by Design Showcases Interior Designers in Memphis
Above: A vignette by Diane Martin at Art by Design in 2018. Photography by Selavie Photography.
Now in its fourth year, Art by Design returns to the Liberty Bowl Stadium in Memphis May 8-12 to showcase vignettes by 22 area design firms. The event is a fundraiser for ArtsMemphis, a nonprofit organization that gives grants to individual artists and arts organizations in Memphis and throughout Shelby County. “We encourage designers to include work from local artists and ArtsMemphis grantees,” says Sarah Watkins, coordinator of Art by Design. “We also ask them to truly be creative and think ‘outside the box.’” Last year, the event welcomed 1,200 attendees and raised $150,000 for ArtsMemphis; as it continues to grow, Sarah says she hopes more Arkansans will visit the show, making it more of a regional event, as well as consider participating as featured designers. Tickets for general admission and five special events are available now online.
Shayla Copas Publishes Book About Entertaining
Above: A Kentucky Derby-inspired scene from Four Seasons of Entertaining. Photo by Janet Warlick.
Since beginning her practice in 1997, Shayla Copas has become as well known for her event and entertaining design as for her interior design. On April 28, Shayla releases her first book, Four Seasons of Entertaining, which showcases 16 different high-style soirées. The entertaining spreads feature gatherings based around holidays, like Christmas and Cinco de Mayo (featured on the cover), as well as less common celebrations, such as the Kentucky Derby. “In Four Seasons of Entertaining, we hone in on my designs as well as share recipes, tips, and ideas, but nothing in it is predictable,” Shayla says. Following the book’s release, Shayla will embark on a book tour through 20 states across the nation. Four Seasons of Entertaining is available for pre-order at shaylacopas.com/book.
Art Exhibits We’re Looking Forward to in April
All across the state, regional and worldwide artists showcase their work
Rooted
South Arkansas Arts Center | El Dorado | April 1-29
Little Rock artist Holly Tilley celebrates her solo exhibition at the Merkle and Price galleries with an opening reception April 6. Which scenes play in our memory forever? Who impacts us, even in a fleeting interaction? These are the questions Holly grapples with throughout this collection of more than 30 works in pastel, watercolor, and oil. Find out more about this exhibit at saac-arts.org and RSVP to the opening reception here.
Above: “High on Cotton” by Holly Tilley, oil on canvas, 30×48
The Heart of a Nation
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Fort Smith | April 4 – July 28
The annual invitational is a competitive exhibition open to all artists. This year’s theme, The Heart of a Nation, encourages artists to consider both the meaning of heart as well as a nation in their works. The exhibit opens April 4 with a reception offering a sneak peek at the 65 pieces from artists all over the state, country, and world. Find out more about the exhibit at fsram.org and RSVP to the opening reception here.
Above: “Lorraine Hotel, MLK” by Dennis McCann, pastel, 30×42
Mid-Southern Watercolorists 49th annual Juried Exhibition
Historic Arkansas Museum | Little Rock | April 12 – July 7
The Mid-Southern Watercolorists is a nonprofit organization founded in 1970 by five Little Rock artists to celebrate watercolor artists in the region. Out of 159 paintings submitted from 12 states and Puerto Rico, 33 pieces have been selected to show in this exhibit at Historic Arkansas Museum’s Trinity Gallery. Find out more about the exhibit and RSVP to to the opening night reception at 2nd Friday Art Night on April 12 here.
Above: “Alter Ego” by Selma Blackburn, watercolor and gouache, 22×30
Wait of World: buZ blurr–Age Progression
The Bookstore at Library Square | Little Rock | April 12 – May 2
BuZ Blurr, a Clark County native, exhibits a collection of his post-modern art called Wait of World at the Bookstore at Library Square. The exhibit will focus on photographs, Mail Art, and pieces of the artist’s graphic stencil technique (seen below). The opening night reception is also a part of downtown Little Rock’s 2nd Friday Art Night. Find out more about the exhibit and RSVP to to the opening night reception here.
Above: “Self Portrait” by BuZ Blurr
Heavy Metal: Arkansas Women to Watch 2019
Arts & Science Center of Southeast Arkansas | Pine Bluff | April 20 – June 22
Sponsored by the Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, this exhibit features the work of four Arkansas artists: Michele Fox, Amanda Heinbockel, Robyn Horn, and Holly Laws. The traveling exhibit has already been shown in Fort Smith, Russellville, and Arkadelphia, and after it closes in Pine Bluff, will travel to four other locations in Arkansas in the summer and fall. An opening reception will be help April 25 from 5-7 p.m. Find out more about the exhibit at asc701.org and acnmwa.org.
Above: “1109 Layers of Steel” by Robyn Horn, steel, 2007
Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea
Clinton Presidential Center | Little Rock | April 27 – October 27
This family friendly exhibit features more than 20 larger-than-life sculptures made entirely from debris collected from beaches. The exhibit is sponsored by the Regional Recycling & Waste Reduction District and is meant to illustrate the importance of keeping our waterways litter-free. The exhibit opens to the public April 27. Find out more about the exhibit at clintonfoundation.org.
Above: Image courtesy of washedashore.org
Gingiber Opens Studio and Storefront in Springdale
Stacie Bloomfield founded her paper and home design brand, Gingiber, in 2009 after creating fanciful animal illustrations to use as décor in her own daughter’s nursery. Now, the company has grown to include lines of art prints, stationery, coloring books, home décor, and craft materials such as quilt patterns and embroidery samples. This spring, Stacie opens a storefront and studio at 1503 Carley Road, the former location of Euna Mae’s. The shop will play host to workshops on drawing, painting, paper crafting, and various fiber arts, the first of which is a print-making class on April 20. Keep an eye on Gingiber’s website and social media for more information on upcoming workshops and for an announcement about a grand opening and 10-year celebration this May. gingiber.com
Image courtesy of Gingiber
Selah Design Studio Relocates in Rogers
Above: Selah’s new location at 226 S. First St, Suite A in Rogers.
Amy and Brad Koogler, owners of Selah Design Studio, have relocated their full-service interior design studio and to-the-trade showroom to downtown Rogers. When Amy opened the studio in 2015, she named it Selah after the Hebrew word for “melodic pause.” “I decided if I ever opened up my own place, I wanted it not to have the hustle and bustle feel of retail,” Amy says. “I wanted a quiet place to reflect and truly help our clients and fellow designers with their projects.” The new location, which Amy describes as “cozy,” features a selection of furniture, rugs, art, lamps, and accessories as well as an in-house workroom capable of completing window treatments, bedding, and upholstery for residential and commercial projects. Selah’s new location is 226 S. First St, Suite A. selahdesignstudio.com
Image via facebook.com/selahdesignstudio
Spring Floral + Gardening Workshops
Learn from the professionals at one of these Arkansas classes
March 15
Pigmint Floral Studio | Fayetteville | 6 p.m.
Learn how to create a medium floral arrangement like a pro and some tricks to help your flowers last longer. Class is $65 plus a registration fee. Click here to sign up.
March 17
Freckled Hen Farmhouse | Fayetteville | 2 p.m.
Join Faith Hundley of Flora at Freckled Hen Farmhouse for a workshop on the basics of wreath making using a mix of fresh greenery, flowers, and preserved pieces. Class is $65 and includes all materials as well as refreshments. Click here to sign up.
March 19
Bloom Flowers & Gifts | Bentonville | 6 p.m.
Leaders of this workshop will guide participants through how to create Bloom’s “Signature Style Bouquet.” Class is $49.97; light snacks and beverages provided. Click here to sign up.
March 19
Tipton & Hurst | Little Rock | 6 p.m.
Tipton & Hurst’s lead designer Chris Norwood will teach a class on designing spring flowers at Tipton’s Heights location. Class is $75, which includes all materials. Call 501-666-3333 to sign up.
March 20
The Meteor Cafe | Little Rock | 6:45 p.m.
Join Phantom Palm for a Terrarium Building Workshop at The Meteor Cafe. Class is $45 and includes all materials; The Meteor will be offering happy hour pricing on food and drinks to ticket holders. Click here to sign up.
April 11
Good Earth Garden Center | Little Rock | 6 p.m.
Good Earth will teach you how to create the “perfect combo pot” using a variety of plantings. Class is $75, which covers all materials and refreshments; you may upgrade to a larger pot for an additional fee. Call 501-868-4666 to register.
April 12
Pigmint Floral Studio | Fayetteville | 6 p.m.
Learn how to create a medium floral arrangement like a pro and some tricks to help your flowers last longer. Class is $65 plus a registration fee. Click here to sign up.
April 18
Cabbage Rose | Little Rock | 6 p.m.
Cabbage Rose and Festive Haus team up once again for Blooms & Bubbly. This time, participants will create an Easter centerpiece to take home in time for the holiday. Class is $50 and includes materials and refreshments. Click here to register.
April 20
Botanica Gardens | Little Rock | 9:30 a.m.
Angie Sunderman leads a free seminar on using all five senses to choose plantings for your garden. This workshop is free. Click here to register.
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