Here’s to New Adventures and Explorations!
Happy July! Summer is in full swing, and many of us are experiencing new and memorable adventures and explorations. I can think of no better time for us to present to you our Founders Issue.
This month we celebrate those who have made this adventure in publishing possible. We hope you will take a moment to pause on our Founders Page and read every single name. These remarkable individuals joined us in a mighty leap of faith to bring you this beautiful magazine. They each are amazing businesses, run by fascinating and talented individuals with big hearts for our community. We encourage you to follow and support them all!
Speaking of fascinating and talented individuals, I would like to introduce Alex Hardgrave, our editor-extraordinaire and co-captain on this incredible adventure. Alex graduated with honors from Indiana University and holds a degree in journalism and English. She is a gifted writer and editor, and we are thrilled to have her on board. Alex will lead our editorial department as we tell the stories of this beautiful community.
This month we feature some noteworthy people and places. Whether you are hoping to hike across Arkansas, get away for a relaxing spa weekend, hunt for the perfect home, dive into the pages of a new book or simply are in search of the ultimate frozen treat, we’ve got you covered.
In celebration of summer and the wanderlust it inspires, we feature “The Road Less Taken” by the incredibly talented artist April Burris on our cover. Read more about April, her art and inspiration in this month’s Artist Spotlight.
We hope you have a happy and safe Independence Day and enjoy all of the wonderful and wander-filled days of July, friends!
STEPHANIE HASBROUCK, PUBLISHER @LITTLEROCKCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Stephanie Hasbrouck
stephanie.hasbrouck@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Alex Hardgrave | alexandra.hardgrave@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stephanie Hasbrouck, Alex Hardgrave, Beth Quarles, Katherine Jones, Pauli Reep
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
David Dedman, Michael Baxley, Danny Albright, Jon Yoder, Julie Gayler
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
Stephanie Hasbrouck LITTLE ROCK CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER
Coldwell Banker RPM Group CBRPM.COM
Crain Ford of Little Rock CRAINFORDOFLITTLEROCK.NET
Allison Pickell, Realtor ALLISONPICKELLREALTOR.COM
Core Wellness COREWELLNESSUSA.COM
Restoration Health RHLITTLEROCK.COM
Page Timber Works PAGETIMBERWORKS.COM
Daniel & Jones Orthodontics DANIELORTHO.COM
Laura Stanley Personal Jeweler LAURA.DIAMONDS
CertaPro Painters of Central Arkansas CERTAPRO.COM/LITTLE-ROCK
Boswell Mourot Fine Art BOSWELLMOUROT.COM
Mother Vine Market MOTHERVINEMARKET.COM
Art Group Gallery ARTGROUPARKANSAS.COM
The Punchbowl @PUNCHBOWLLR
Hannah Rabinowitz, The Skin Clique LINKTR.EE/HANNAHRABINOWITZ_NP
Fresh I.D. SHOPFRESHID.COM
city scene
WHERE
NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1 — 2: Coldwell Banker RPM Group recently sponsored a race at Oaklawn where they enjoyed cheering on the winner, Wreaking Havoc. 3 — 5: Boswell Mourot Fine Art recently held an opening introducing two of the gallery’s newest artists, Katie Adkins and Brent Rowley. 3. Boswell Mourot Fine Art Owner Kyle Boswell with Little Rock City Director Virgil Miller. 4. Artist Brent Rowley, Artist Susan Chambers and Gallery Associate Tee Sorrentino. 5. Photographer Katie Adkins and guests. 6 — 7: Art Group Gallery recently held a pop-up event featuring Abbethornarts by American textile artist Abigail Henthorne and Silver n Sage by jewelry artist Christie Young.
Art Group Gallery Offers Classes for All Levels
Did you know that Art Group Gallery not only showcases works from talented local artists, but it also offers classes for aspiring artists? Whether you are a beginner or advanced student, Art Group Gallery has a class for you. The gallery’s teaching artists are skilled in various painting mediums, so pick the one that suits your interest and let the adventure begin.
Registration forms are available at the Art Group Gallery front desk. Unless otherwise noted in the schedule, all classes are offered to adults ages 18 and older. Space is limited. Visit artgrouparkansas.com to view class schedules or to register.
Boswell Mourot Art Show Opens July 20
Boswell Mourot Fine Art is pleased to present the works of Brad Cushman, Yelena Petroukhina and Keith Runkle. An opening reception will be held from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 20. The show will run through Aug. 10. For more information about Boswell Mourot Fine Art, visit boswellmourot.com
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Mother Vine Market Showcases Local Makers and Growers
Mother Vine Market isn’t just a market – it’s an experience. Opened Thursday through Sunday, Mother Vine’s goal is to “source as much goodness from our local community and region and support local growers and makers.” Located at 17900 Lawson Road, the market features handmade gifts, crafts, cards, jewelry, tinctures, teas and soaps, as well as homemade breads, pastries, salsas, sauces, jams and spices. Not to mention the homegrown produce and Ozark Mountain Creamery Milk. It’s a one-stop-shop for locally-sourced treasures!
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ARTICLE BY ALEX HARDGRAVE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID DEDMAN
LOCAL HIKER AND PHOTOGRAPHER SHARES HIS STORY AND HIKING TIPS
AN ARKANSAS ADVENTURER
David Dedman, 54, who can be found on Instagram at arkansas.wanderlust, has lived in the Natural State his entire life, but continues to explore
his parents and went on similar trips with his wife and sons as they grew up. However, around 2012, he felt his life had become too sedentary as he
“I’VE MADE A LOT OF REALLY GOOD FRIENDS THROUGH THAT INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT.
PHOTOGRAPHY FRIENDS. LIFELONG FRIENDS.”
and capture new parts of it for himself and his online community.
His most recent adventure was a five-day solo trip where he floated down the entire Buffalo River, a roughly 130-mile journey. As he was getting ready to go to sleep one night on the trip, he was surprised to see the night sky fill with purple and blue light. Then he realized what it was he was seeing — the Northern Lights.
Due to a geomagnetic storm, the strongest recorded since 2003, many states in the U.S. were able to see this natural phenomena that is normally only seen in places like Northern Alaska and Iceland.
“I don’t know that I’ve seen many cooler things or had many cooler experiences in nature than that one,” he says.
He didn’t even know it was coming, but once David noticed the lights, he set up his camera and captured some of his favorite photos to date.
David grew up in Arkansas going on hiking and camping trips with
spent all day doing IT work and he decided to make a change.
He began by mountain biking, but when his wife also wanted to join in, they began to do more hiking and boating on nearby rivers.
Since then, they have been traveling throughout Arkansas and beyond. They even own a cabin along the Buffalo River and a spot on Lake Ouachita where they escape as often as possible.
Around the same time David started hiking, he also began taking pictures as a way to better commemorate his travels.
“I just got completely sucked into it, and it is definitely my number one hobby today,” he says.
His social media showcases the two passions simultaneously and he has garnered a large community.
“I’ve made a lot of really good friends through that Instagram account,” David says. “Photography friends. Lifelong friends. And I have just really gotten to know people all over the state.”
He says he has been using his Facebook more often recently, and there he fields a lot of questions from people wanting to get started exploring the natural state for themselves.
What are some of his suggestions to these interested newcomers?
“Don’t be afraid to get your feet wet,” he advises. David says there are many great trails, such as the Little Missouri River Trail and the Old River Trail on the Buffalo River, where newcomers will come across areas they need to cross into water, and they shouldn’t be afraid of that.
Second, he suggests that new hikers start off small. They should not try to go for a long or difficult trail on their first one. Along with that, beginners should not have to plan to travel far to start exploring the state. David says there are many great trails in Little Rock and the surrounding areas. Alltrails.com is a great resource for finding trails and planning a hike near you.
“You can just get out and test yourself and see if it’s what you want to do,” he says.
Lastly, he suggests people join hiking Facebook groups to find more information, tips and even friends to hike with if they’re worried about going solo.
“IT’S MADE A
REALLY INCREDIBLE DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE.”
There are 52 state parks and seven national parks in Arkansas, but David is quick to list three “crown jewels” he suggests whenever anyone asks him where to visits: Petit Jean State Park, the Buffalo River and Blanchard Spring.
At Petit Jean State Park, he says hikers should look to the Seven Hollows Trail if they want a hike that is not as steep as the one to Cedar Falls but still gives great waterfall views.
Along the Buffalo River, he says travelers can follow the Lost Valley Trail, which he says “feels like another world,” but is also not a difficult hike.
At Blanchard Springs, David suggests checking out the tours to learn the history behind the area.
His outdoor exploring has afforded him countless unforgettable experiences and he encourages everyone to try hiking for themselves, no matter their age or experience.
“It’s made a really incredible difference in my life,” he says.
AND FIND YOUR PEACE GET LOST
Exploring The Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Think Texas home-style ranch meets Southern luxury. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. Whether you’re a new or experienced golfer, the expansive, 18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets. Guests can interact with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen, and make s’mores fireside at one of the many fire-pits around the resort. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property without feeling crowded by other guests.
ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE
“Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more.”
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors such as local wagyu beef and fresh garden greens grown at the on-site garden. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, or light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place. Eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace with appetizers, small plates and cocktails. Listen to live music on the terrace and take in the night sky or cool off with a refreshing beverage after a day of activities at this charming spot. Located at the center of the resort, indoor and outdoor seating is thoughtfully arranged to invite guests to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them.
After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com
REALTOR ALLISON PICKELL OFFERS VALUABLE ADVICE TO HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS
House Hunting 101
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BAXLEY, DANNY ALBRIGHT
Photo by Michael Baxley
Photo by Michael Baxley
Photo by Michael Baxley
Buy the size you want and the location you want and grow into it. It doesn’t have to be perfect on day one.
Summer is one of the most popular times to buy or sell a home. Schedules have opened up, children are out of school, and there is plenty of time to explore what’s on the market. But before setting out on an exhaustive house hunt, consider some expert advice.
Allison Pickell has been a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker RPM Group for 11 years, and helping clients is one of her favorite aspects of the profession.
She says house hunters should first decide what is important to them, so they will know what to look for as they explore their options.
“For couples in their 30s, many buying their second and/or what they hope to be their forever home, I recommend considering the larger home that might need some updating,” she says. “Buy the size you want and the location you want and grow into it. It doesn’t have to be perfect on day one. A fresh coat of paint throughout, some flooring updates if needed right away and some inexpensive lighting changes can go a long way.”
Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, Allison reiterates, home isn’t either. “Live in it a bit and build up some equity. Then remodel your kitchen and/or bathrooms … not necessarily all at once,” she says. “If you work through projects over a few years, you will love your house more and more with each step.”
When considering a fixer upper, Allison says, it is important to take time to research the home’s
issues. “Have a contractor give you a remodel quote. Interview a friend that has been through a remodel and ask them on the back end about their experience. Go check out retail stores that sell materials for the finishes you desire and get centered with how much things cost. In my personal opinion, having a designer or architect involved is worth every penny if you are going to move walls or take a project back to the studs and build it back out.”
Whether searching for a fixer or a move-in-ready home, Allison says it’s extremely important for home buyers to view homes in person. She says one of the top mistakes new home buyers make is spending too much time looking at homes online.
“You have to see it in person to know if it is really the one or not. Spend more time driving neighborhoods you like and checking new listings out with at least one drive-by before scheduling an appointment to see it,” she says. “My buyers can often rule out 25% of the homes that interest them just by checking out the area around the homes that interested them online.”
For many, buying a home is just half of the journey. For those who also must sell a home, Allison has some valuable words of wisdom. First and foremost, she says, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so take the time to properly prepare your home for market.”
Photo by Michael Baxley
Photo by Danny Albright
The most common mistake sellers make, she says, is rushing to market without making their homes sell- or show-ready.
“I offer a wide variety of services to my clients to help with this process. I can take on as much as they want me to do, or I can give them a list and they can tackle it themselves,” she says. “Staging makes a huge difference. For some homes, it involves depersonalizing, decluttering and tackling delayed maintenance.
“Staging is different from decorating,” she explains. “Decorating is intended to show your personal style. Staging is intended to neutralize a home to have broader appeal to all.”
Allison advises home sellers also remedy any delayed maintenance on their home before putting it on the
market. “Buyers want to spend their money on the fun improvements and don’t want to buy your problems. And if you need to sell as-is, plan to price it accordingly.”
Feeling overwhelmed with the process? A real estate agent can help.
“Your home is one of your single biggest assets,” Allison says. “You want someone with experience to help you navigate the steps. Professional realtors can help you understand your options at every step of the journey. Preparing a home and marketing the home are very important, but it is even more important to have an experienced agent in your corner from contract to closing.”
To contact Allison or to view available homes in the area, visit allisonpickellrealtor.com
Photo by Michael Baxley
FROZEN
FUN
Stay Cool This Summer With Sweet Treats Around Town
ARTICLE BY ALEX HARDGRAVE | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
The summer heat is here, and there is no better way to beat the July swelter than with a frozen treat.
THE ORIGINAL SCOOPDOG
Take a drive through ScoopDog in North Little Rock for delicious custards and classic 100% beef hot dogs. Owner Joe Yanosick calls it a picnic all year long. Since 1999, this family-owned business has offered freshly made frozen custard boasting fun names like the Standard Poodle and the Chocolate Lab.
You’ll always be met with a smiling face whenever you come and leave with a full stomach.
Nestled in SoMa, Loblolly Creamery makes everything from scratch, sourcing many ingredients from local farms, Marketing Director Tabitha Cummings says.
They’re known for rotating fun flavors, two of which will be back this summer: the Mighty Peach and the Little Rocket Pop Sorbet.
Mark your calendars for National Ice Cream Day, July 21, which they have dubbed National Loblolly Day to mark the anniversary of its opening in 2017.
With their flagship location in Hot Springs, Scoops has just added a new store on Broadway Street.
Scoops is known for daily slow-churned ice cream in 25 flavors. Beyond ice cream, Scoops offers smoothies, coffee and sweet treats.
LOBLOLLY CREAMERY SCOOPS
If you can’t decide between a scoop of rich ice cream or a bite of rich fudge, you won’t have to choose at Kilwins, which can be found in the River Market District.
Stepping into the shop will make you feel like you’re in an old-time soda fountain, and the classic ice cream will make you glad you came.
Found in the beautiful Heights District, it is the perfect place to pop into for a gourmet ice pop. Since 2017, this family-owned establishment has provided quality handmade pops to the community, ensuring that they use the best ingredients they can find.
At Shake’s, off of West Haven Drive, they use old-fashioned processes to ensure their frozen custard is great.
Their menu offers the custard dressed up in classic sundae fashions, but you can also mix in different toppings or opt for a float.
KILWINS
SHAKE’S LE POPS
SOMETHING to SMILE ABOUT
Everyone deserves to smile with confidence. Whether it’s time to schedule an appointment for your child or start your dream smile, Dr. Alex Jones of Daniel & Jones Orthodontics answers some of the most common questions for the orthodontist.
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD FIRST VISIT THE ORTHODONTIST?
If permanent teeth are coming in and you’re worried, come see us! By age seven, we can see most major issues that could cause problems later. Consults are free and can give you an idea of what’s ahead. Some kids benefit from early treatment, but many can come back when permanent teeth arrive.
WOULD INVISALIGN WORK FOR ME?
Invisalign is a great option we use daily for many different cases. It works best when worn full-time, any time you’re not eating or drinking. The more you wear them, the faster your smile comes together.
I DON’T KNOW IF I CAN KEEP UP WITH INVISALIGN ... WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
We get it! Many of our patients, especially adults, opt for clear or gold Iconix brackets for a subtle fixed option.
DOES GETTING BRACES STILL REQUIRE GOOEY IMPRESSIONS?
Gooey impressions are history. Our state-ofthe-art handheld scanners take a 3D record of your teeth, no goo involved.
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in the confidence that a new smile can bring. Trust the process and you’ll love the results.Daniel & Jones Orthodontics has been serving Central Arkansas for more than 30 years. Schedule a free consult and take the first step in loving your smile. Follow @danielandjonesortho and visit danielortho.com for more information.
ARTICLE BY KATHERINE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON YODER
Dr. Alex Jones Offers Advice for Those Exploring Braces Options
SUMMER READING
EXPLORE THE PAGES OF THESE PAPER HEARTS BOOKSTORE PICKS
ARTICLE BY BETH QUARLES PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
The Secret Garden: An Illustrated Edition of the Classic Novel
by Frances Hodgson
Burnett and illustrated by Kate Lewis
A classic novel is newly updated with stunning illustration by Kate Lewis. When orphaned Mary Lennox comes to live at her uncle’s great house on the Yorkshire moors, she discovers a secret garden that has been walled and locked for years. Mary discovers a way in and becomes determined to bring the garden back to life. This gorgeous book is perfect for any age reader and book collector.
Bite by Bite
by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
Bite By Bite is a lyrical book of short essays about food, offering a variation of tastes, smells, memories and curiosities from nature. Aimee Nezhukumatathil explores the way food and drink evoke our associations and remembrances. This is a wonderful home library addition for families who spend much of their time together around tables.
The Act of Disappearing
by Nathan Gower
Julia White is struggling through her life in the aftermath of losing her mother and the failure of her first published novel. Enter Jonathan Aster, world-renowned photographer, with a proposal: he has a never-before-seen photograph of a woman falling from a train bridge, clutching what appears to be a baby, and he wants Julia to research the story. Alternating between present-day Brooklyn and Kentucky as it enters the 1960s, this stunningly beautiful debut novel is sure to hold your attention.
The Swimmers
by Julie Otsuka
The Swimmers is a novel portraying a dedicated group of recreational swimmers and what happens when a crack appears at the bottoms of their community pool. The story starts as a catalog of spoken and unspoken rules for swimmers at an aquatic center but unfolds into a powerful story of a mother’s dementia and her daughter’s love. Even though I read this book months ago, I cannot stop thinking about it.
RO A D CHOW
A FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACK
GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? This easyto-pack and satisfying snack is a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare it together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!
BREAKFAST COOKIES
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
DIRECTIONS:
• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pepitas
• 1/2 cup raisins
1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.
3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)
4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.
JULY 3RD, 10TH, 17TH, 24TH, & 31ST Wednesday Spins
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts | 5:00 PM
Want something fun to get you through the mid-week slump? Each Wednesday, experience a night of art, music and fun at the Museum. Drinks and music start in the Cultural Living Room, and gallery educators will be around from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to give a deeper look into the exhibits.
JULY 4TH 40th Annual Pops on the River
First Security Amphitheater | 5:00 PM
Gates open at 5 p.m., ending with a finale of fireworks at 9:15 p.m. This free event will feature performances from Kemistri Band with Nicky Parrish, Midnight South and the Rodney Block Collective. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will close out the music for the night.
JULY 6TH, 13TH, 20TH, & 27TH Little Rock Farmers Market
400 President Clinton Avenue | 7:00 AM
Go see for yourself why this farmers market has been a community mainstay for 50 years. Farm-fresh produce, home-made goodies and handmade art can all be found at this market held every Saturday.
Saturday, July 20, 6-9 p.m.
Show runs through Aug. 10.
Brad Cushman
Yelena Petroukhina Keith Runkle
JULY 7TH, 14TH, 21ST, & 28TH
Bernice Garden Farmer’s Market
Bernice Garden | 9:00 AM
Stock up on fresh produce or explore local crafts under the beautiful canopy of the Bernice Garden in SoMa. With free admission and free onsite parking, this market is fun and easy for the whole family.
JULY 19TH, 20TH, & 21ST
Annual Indoor “Sidewalk Sale” at Art Group Gallery
Art Group Gallery | Various Times
Shop a variety of orginal artworks at affordable prices at the Art Group Gallery’s annual Sidewalk Sale. Sale hours will be 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 19-20, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, July 21.
JULY 27TH & 28TH
Christmas in July
Little Rock Zoo | 9:00 AM
Santa is on vacation and he’s making a stop at the zoo! Bring your kids and have them deliver a gift to their favorite zoo animal, play Christmas trivia and enjoy the holiday early.
Mother Vine Market
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
COVER ARTIST APRIL BURRIS SHARES HOW A LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS INSPIRES HER WORK
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE GAYLER
Though life has taken her across the country and briefly in search of a different career path, all roads eventually led April Burris back to art, Arkansas and the great outdoors.
Born in Blythe, Calif., April grew up in Clinton Arkansas, in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. In college she studied economics in search of a “more reasonable career,” but art kept calling her home.
“It didn’t take long before I found that for me, art is inescapable and is truly a part of who I am,” she says. “I began painting in my early 20s and during the early days I painted mostly large, abstracted works.
“Moving back to Arkansas and rediscovering the beauty we overlook each day inspired a shift in my work,” she says. “I became so overwhelmed by the incredible landscape of my home that I began to explore showcasing our beautiful state through my paintings.”
A self-proclaimed “outdoor girl at heart,” April says she grew up exploring the woods and to this day remains most at home outside.
“Keeping this in mind, it makes sense that, inspired by impressionists, I too, bring my work outdoors. A practice known as painting en plein air – French for ‘outdoors’— I often can be found standing outdoors at my easel, attempting to capture the feeling of a fleeting sunset, a field of cattle or a back alley with great lighting.”
April has competed and won or placed in several regional and national plein air painting competitions. She is a partner at Art Group Gallery in Pleasant Ridge Town Center, where her work is on display. She was the Artist in Residence in the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion during the first quarter of 2024. Her work also is currently represented by Art on the Square in Bentonville. To see examples of her work, visit artgrouparkansas.com .
“The Road Less Taken” by April Burris
