Living Spaces

The Apartment of Barbara Counce: Heirlooms & Legacies

Family heirlooms passed down from one generation to the next aren’t mere objects – they’re a window to a person’s history. Barbara Counce has lovingly filled her apartment with heirlooms, antiques and vintage items honoring the warmth, bonds and people of the past. The 1-bedroom Ultra boasts a versatile floor plan, upgrades like custom tilework, and a private balcony view, but it’s Barbara’s treasured heirlooms that are the heart and soul of the place.

Heavy on the antiques with lots of vintage, Barbara makes use of every square inch of her apartment for a wonderfully put-together look. From an antique silver service to a kitchen table once transported by covered wagon, heirlooms create depth and interest.

Although she retained a few pieces, Barbara passed down most of her Fiestaware® collection.

A portrait of Barbara’s children Carol Counce and Steve Counce is part of the decor. An upholstered chaise lounge brings a touch of European flair to Barbara’s room.

A headboard with decorative carvings belonged to Barbara’s great-great grandfather. The intricate knot-work of her mother’s tatting is on display.

Ready for Some Artsy, Outdoor Fun? Take a Public Art Tour!

World Peace Fountain Holding On and Letting Go

If you’re trying to decide what to do on a Saturday afternoon, or have an urge to get outside and be present in your surroundings, a self-guided public art tour is a great option. Public art is everywhere in Northwest Arkansas. Cities have devoted time and resources to cultivating outdoor art that is free and accessible. Now with the warmer weather of spring, it’s the perfect time to explore public art in downtown Fayetteville, Bentonville and beyond.

Enjoy Local Jackrabbit

Funky in Fayetteville

Fayetteville has long been known for its vibrant downtown, including the historic square, lush gardens and the Fayetteville Farmers Market. It’s also home to a wonderfully eclectic collection of public art, including large-scale murals, community-minded sculpture, and globally curated street art by local and world-renowned artists.

It’s easy to tour public art in Fayetteville on foot, by bike or by car. On the historic square, find Jason Jones’ Enjoy Local mural and the thought-provoking Hank Kaminsky sculpture World Peace Fountain at the Town Center Plaza. Nearby, the sides of buildings are the canvas for gnomes, owls and other critters including the climbing bear cubs in Ernest Zacharevic’s Bearly Legal mural.

Public art burst onto the scene with the 2017 Green Candy Public Art Project. Curated by global creative house JustKids, international and local street artists installed large-scale art in downtown and the Dickson Street Entertainment District.

Green Candy works like crochet artist Gina Gallina’s giant strawberry with bees hanging from a tree, and Jason Jones’ edgy jackrabbit wearing a gas mask are available as eye candy to those who enjoy walking downtown.

Other murals can be found along the city’s paved and natural trails. Holding On and Letting Go: The Struggles and Strength of the Tsa La Gi depicts the journey of the Cherokee, connecting to the Razorback Regional Greenway.

For an inventory of public art in Fayetteville, visit fayettevillestreetart.com.

Bucky Ball LOVE

Astonishment by Perception

Bike-centric Bentonville

North in Bentonville, it’s equally easy to enjoy an afternoon of artsy fun downtown. The city has made public art a priority with installations around town for everyone to see. From colorful murals at 8th Street Market to neon art signage downtown, it’s easy to find dynamic public art in Bentonville. In this bike-centric city, public art means everything from a mashed-up pile of neon bicycles (Tyler French’s Orange Bike Tower) along the Razorback Greenway, to wayfinding murals like GO GO GO at the 8th and J street tunnel.

Via trail from downtown, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is home to paved walking trails with spectacular views and outdoor art. The Art Trail hosts works such as Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture and Stella the bronze pig by André Harvey.

Box Turtle Stella Ocean