Tag Archives: South Main

Arkansas Visual Artists encouraged to apply for more Downtown Little Rock mural projects

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Arkansas visual artists are invited to submit concepts and proposals for two new pieces of public art to be installed in downtown Little Rock this fall.

Downtown Little Rock Partnership released an RFP for each site-specific location. The first location is a roughly 900 square foot wall within the first floor of the parking deck at Scott and 6th Streets. The area is included in Baker’s Alley, behind The Rep on Main Street. The second RFP is for a “selfie wall” in SoMa, located at 112 Daisy Bates Drive.

“We are excited to be able to add two new pieces of public art to downtown Little Rock’s growing collection,” said Gabe Holmstrom, Downtown Little Rock Partnership Executive Director. “With the great response to Jason Jones’s “Playtime” mural at Capitol and Main, we want to keep the creative momentum going. We can’t wait to see what our incredible Arkansas artists come up with.”

The deadline to submit proposals for both locations is September 25. Completion of each art installation is set for October 30. To learn more and to submit applications, artists may visit http://downtownlr.com/pages/public-art/murals/.

These projects are an initiative of Downtown Little Rock Partnership’s Public Spaces subcommittee, which is chaired by Carol Worley. As part of its public art strategy, Downtown Little Rock Partnership is dedicated to collaborating with Arkansas artists to present public art that enhances the city’s imaginative capacity, enlivens neighborhoods, contributes to economic vitality, sparks civic exchange, and enhances community connection.

Mardi Gras on South Main

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2016 Mardi Gras ParadeJoin in one of Little Rock’s most beloved festivals, the SoMa Mardi Gras Parade on South Main!

At noon today (Saturday, February 6)

Floats, bands, stilt walkers, puppets…the parade will have it all! Also featuring music and beer in the Bernice Garden, and of course the highly anticipated Root Cafe Beard Judging to be held after the parade. Special events will be going on all along South Main, so come celebrate Mardi Gras in SoMa!

SoMa Mardi Gras 2016 events:

The Bernice Garden will be hosting the Root Café’s 4th Annual Beard Judging and a Mardi Gras Biergarten featuring Stone’s Throw, Lost Forty, Flyway and Diamond Bear. The Lemon Cakery, Hot Rod’s Weiners and Kincaid’s Coffee will also be set up.

The Green Corner Store- free Mardi Gras face painting from 11-12
Customers in Mardi Gras outfits from recycled materials can register for a great door prize.

Loblolly Creamery- creating a special Mardi Gras ice cream flavor and will have Mardi Gras sundae specials. Also will have an ice cream photo booth.

Root Café- The 4th annual Little Rock Beard Contest judging after the parade at the Bernice Garden. Judges will be Mayor Mark Stodola, Capi Peck of Trio’s and Amber Brewer of Yellow Rocket Concepts. Renee Shapiro will emcee.

Boulevard Bakehouse- Mardi Gras cookies and king cakes for sale.

Sweet Home & clement- free Mardi Gras beads, hot apple cider and gingersnaps.

South Main Creative- free make-and-take recycled craft workshop from 2:00-3:00.

Midtown Billiards- beads and étoufeé.

Esse Purse Museum and Shop- Flyway beer on tap, sponsored by Tonic Media. 10-50% off select items.

Creative Class of 2015: Scott Walters

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scottwaltersOctober may have ended yesterday. But since this is about Creativity, the Creative Class stretches into November for one day this year.  Scott Walters uses his position as Rector of Christ Church to build connections and raise awareness of a variety of art forms and creative disciplines.

Through his leadership and encouragement, two different public gallery spaces have been created at Christ Church, an Arts at Christ Church series has been launched (featuring all types of music from Grammy winning soul to Renaissance chamber), the basement has been turned into The Undercroft music venue with regular performances, and a partnership with the Arkansas Literary Festival has been undertaken.

Concerned with the built environment, he has led walking tours of downtown which have focused not only on the history of the neighborhood but also looking at its present and envisioning its future possibilities.  Because Christ Church is at a hub of development in the River Market, Creative Corridor, SoMa, MacArthur Park and Hanger Hill, he is exploring ways to more actively integrate the church into its greater community.

Interested in historic preservation, he is currently shepherding an effort to restore the historic stained glass windows at the church. A student of poetry, philosophy and urban planning, he can often be found engaged in discussions about those topics.  But he is just as likely to discuss comedians, YouTube videos, and the local music scene.