CommsCon: Northwest Arkansas Celebrates Creativity and Community Building
Northwest Arkansas is gearing up for CommsCon 2024, a two-day event focusing on community building and communications skill development. This innovative gathering brings together creatives, arts, and culture nonprofit organizations to share knowledge and ideas. The event takes place at the Fayetteville Public Library on September 10 and 11, leveraging partnerships with the University of Arkansas Office of Career Connections, Fulbright College, and School of Art.
One highlight of CommsCon is a poetry reading class centered around thoughtful discussions and collective knowledge. Led by local poet, writer, and teacher Julia Paganelli Marin, this class encourages participants to tap into their inner poet, exploring the world of contemporary poetry through the works of U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón.
Rogers Historical Museum’s “Last Call” Exhibition
The Rogers Historical Museum has launched a poignant temporary exhibition, “Last Call: History of Alcohol in Ozarks,” which will run from March 15 to November 9, 2024. This captivating display delves into the complex and ultimately triumphant story of the rise of the retail alcohol industry in Northwest Arkansas. Highlights include an authentic Ozarks copper still, a vintage wine bottling machine, and numerous historic photographs and local stories.
Fenix Art at Millar Lodge
Fenix Art, situated in Millar Lodge at the Mount Sequoyah Center, is engaging with visitors through various artistic media. The gallery operates on specific hours: Thursday and Friday from 1 pm to 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. Awol Erizku’s work, encompassing photography, film, painting, sculpture, and installation, offers a unique perspective on African American culture and art.
In September, Hillfolk Textile Studio will present a special drop-in weaving engagement inspired by the “Knowing the West” exhibition. This event is free and open to all, taking place at the Studio.
Genealogy Course and Local Book Club
For those interested in tracing their roots, a beginner’s genealogy course is available. Led by Susan Riggs, this class offers individualized attention and explores local and state repositories as well as DNA introduction. Enrollment is restricted to OLLI members.
In addition, a local book club is featuring regional authors, with selections including
- “Up South in the Ozarks” by Brooks Blevins
- “Ozark Dogs” by Eli Cranor
- “Forgotten Fayetteville” by Jerry Hogan
- “The Home for Unwed Husbands” by Molly Giles
Participants are responsible for obtaining their own copies of the books and will discuss them in class.
Festivals and Events Abound
Northwest Arkansas offers a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. For families, weeklong day camps for children aged 4 to 14 are available. Other highlights include the Eureka Springs 77th Annual Folk Festival, the Van Cliburn Concert Series, and the 53rd Annual Classic Car Show and Shine Weekend.
The Goshen Farmers Market provides a community setting for shopping and socializing. The Original Ozark Festival and the Northwest Arkansas Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are also highly anticipated events.
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