Kent dover, allison pickell, kelly o’dwyer, paulette richie, dana kellerman, inez reeder, jim McAdams, marva caldwell, stephanie hurst, karen upton
Not Pictured: Kim robbins, leigh spann, doug wingfield
Cheers to the Foodies!
Julia Child said it best. “People who love to eat are always the best people.”
This month we celebrate food, glorious food — those who create it, share it, sell it, read about it and transform it into art.
In a time where we are hard-pressed to find topics that we all can agree upon, food is the great peacemaker. As James Beard said, “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” When we gather around the table to break bread, something magical happens. We dust off the day and are rejuvenated by conversation and cuisine.
We hope that our “Foodie” issue will bring the same peace to you as you devour it, page by page – beginning with exquisite cover art by talented local artist Shelley Gentry. Read more about how Shelley is “Turning the Ordinary into Extraordinary” in our artist spotlight. We introduce you to culinary power couple John Burt and Paige Russell-Burt. These two juggle life and career in the most delicious way. Next, we showcase friends and entrepreneurs who have turned their love of bloody marys and a popular family recipe into big business that’s “Bloody Darn Good.”
We venture down Lawson Road to Mother Vine Market, where Kirk and Leigh Ann Wallace have created a popular roadside shop that features locally grown and made treasures. It’s more than a market – it’s an experience! We sit down with two local foodie influencers – The Mighty Rib and Pharmtofoodie – who are sharing their love of local cuisine with thousands of followers each day. And Paper Hearts Bookstore owner Beth Quarles shares her favorite cookbook picks and extends an invitation to the Paper Hearts/Sterling Market Cookbook Club.
Lastly, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include a bit of October fun in this issue, so we make a visit to Mount Holly Cemetery, where Tales of the Crypt takes place in October each year. Don’t miss this historic event!
We hope you have a wonderful October, filled with fall festivities and delicious food with those you love. Cheers, friends!
STEPHANIE HASBROUCK, PUBLISHER @LITTLEROCKCITYLIFESTYLE
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Stephanie Hasbrouck stephanie.hasbrouck@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Alex Hardgrave alexandra.hardgrave@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alex Hardgrave, Stephanie Hasbrouck, Beth Quarles, Katherine Jones
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sarah Bussey Photography, Katie Adkins Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
Stanley is central Arkansas’ most trusted name in jewelry, and Laura Stanley is proud to continue the family tradition. A 3rd generation jeweler, she specializes in custom design, personal shopping for just the right piece, estate jewelry, or re-designing those pieces that just aren’t working for you anymore. Working by appointment is a private and personal experience, and once you visit her salon, you’ll feel the difference! Laura’s passion for fine jewelry comes through with every project.
city scene
1 – 3: Community members and Immerse Arkansas celebrated the ribbon cutting of The Station, the state’s first youth shelter. 4 – 5: Baker and Chenal Elementary schools had a special visit from the Arkansas Secretary of Education, Jacob Oliva, and members from DESE last week. They visited teachers who received top merit pay last year including Mrs. Balmat, Mrs. Wilcoxon and Mrs. Heffington. 6: Little Rock officials and guests celebrated the expansion and renovation of Little Rock Animal Village. 7: Hudson Hall and Bryson Jackson participated in the Best of the Best Pickleball tournament at the Little Rock Athletic Club.
PULASKI COUNTY SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
IMMERSE ARKANSAS
LITTLE ROCK ANIMAL VILLAGE
PULASKI COUNTY SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
IMMERSE ARKANSAS
CHARLOTTE HALL
IMMERSE ARKANSAS
Resources to Help at Every Step
Allison is a “go-getter” who made “moving on” suprisingly exciting & fun. My dog loves her. What better recommendation could you want! Bonus, my realtor is now my friend.”
- Lindy
Meeting Allison through a Google search was a blessing. Her patience and guidance in preparing our home were invaluable. So pleased with the results, I recommended her to a friend—both of us are thrilled with Allison’s expertise!”
-
Becky
INTRODUCING MICHAEL RYAN CO BY PAGE TIMBER WORKS
Boswell Mourot Fine Art Presents “Looking Forward ... and Back to the Future”
Boswell Mourot Fine Art presents “Looking Forward … and Back to the Future” — featuring the landscapes and sculptures of Robin and Harry Loucks. A reception will be held from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, and is open to all. The show will be available for viewing 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday or by appointment through Nov. 16.
Married for nearly 40 years, the two have been awarded for their work and often collaborate from their home studio.
Scan to read more
Art Group Gallery Presents the Art of Matt McLeod
This month, Art Group Gallery presents Journal Entries Inspiring Moments in The Life of An Artist, the latest collection of paintings by Matt McLeod. Opening reception is 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3. The show will be on display through the month of October.
Art Group Gallery is located at 11525 Cantrell Road, in Pleasant Ridge Town Center. For more information about the gallery, visit artgrouparkansas.com
Scan to read more
Registration is Open for Project Zero Fundraising Events
Next month is National Adoption Month, and Project Zero is hosting events to support its cause. Registration is open for the Aiming for Zero Sporting Clays Tournament to be held Friday, Nov. 1, and the Chasing Zero 5K and one-mile fun run slated for Saturday, Nov. 2. To register for either event, visit theprojectzero.org/events
Project Zero’s mission is to help the more than 200 children statewide who are waiting to be adopted connect forever families until there are zero without.
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
SESSENISUB
Winery/Brewery
Lost Forty Brewing lost40brewing.com
Moody Brews moodybrews.co
River Bottom Winery at BoBrook Farms bobrookfarms.com
Rusty Tractor Vineyards rustytractorvineyards.com
Stone’s Throw Brewing stonesthrowbeer.com
Coffee Shop
Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee guillermoscoffee.com
Mugs Coffee Co. mugscoffeelr.com
Mylo Coffee mylocoffeelr.com
Want to suggest a
Nexus Coffee and Creative nexuscoffeear.com
Pettaway Coffee pettawaycoffee.com
CULINARY COUPLE
JOHN BURT AND PAIGE RUSSELL-BURT ARE SETTING THE STANDARD FOR LOCAL CUISINE
Some say it can be challenging to work alongside your spouse. But Sterling Market’s executive chef and executive pastry chef, John Burt and Paige Russell-Burt, have been married for several years and have successfully worked together in multiple kitchens throughout their careers.
So, what’s their secret ingredient?
“People will work with us, and they will say, ‘You’re the same person at work,’” Paige says. “We do everything the same.”
ARTICLE BY ALEX HARDGRAVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE ADKINS PHOTOGRAPHY
“We have similar pet peeves at work,” John says.
The couple credits this to coming up in similar, strict fine-dining kitchen environments.
John and Paige have been at the helm of the local food hall Sterling Market since its inception in 2023. Prior to this, they worked with Sterling Market owner Fidel Samour at his other venture, Fidel & Co Coffee Roasters.
Paige credits their development to the great connections and healthy work environment Fidel fosters.
“Immediately, we were a little team,” Paige says.
Paige took over the bread and pastry operations, while John revamped lunch and breakfast items.
For a while, they say Fidel hinted at developing a restaurant concept, which finally came to fruition when the building across the street from the shop opened.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
The couple first met while working together at the Los Angeles restaurant Flores. They proceeded to work together at another restaurant called Hatchet Hall. In 2015, while working there, Paige was named to Zagat L.A.’s culinary 30 under
“IT’S ALSO ABOUT GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.”
— JOHN BURT
30 list. Also, while there, the two officially began dating and married in 2017. They moved to Little Rock the following year, and Paige joined the team at Mylo Coffee as a baker. John soon joined the team, as well.
Paige’s passion for pastries started at home in Conway.
“I really just grew up baking a lot with my family and my grandma, and when I was graduating high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do,” she says.
She decided to attend a pastry program program in Chicago. There, she was connected with chef Paul Virant, who was opening the restaurant, Perennial Virant, in the city.
There, Paige learned many farm-totable techniques that she and John apply to their work today at Sterling Market, including pickling and preserving food.
John comes from a military family, so he moved around for much of his childhood, but he always worked in restaurants and enjoyed it. After he graduated high school, he attended culinary school in Baltimore and worked his way up in kitchens throughout D.C.
John says his first real fine-dining job experience was in Baltimore at Woodberry Kitchen, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant. There, he first learned about whole-animal butchery and observed
the ways in which the restaurant used all local, fresh ingredients.
“It really set the standard for how I wanted to work from then on,” John says.
SHARING THAT STANDARD AT STERLING
When the couple creates the menus for Sterling Market, they stay true to their roots and highlight what is in season.
“It’s also about giving back to the community,” John says. “On the one hand, it’s sustainable. We know who and where it’s coming from. You can taste the difference and see the difference in quality.”
The restaurant has expanded to include an outdoor space for live music and other events.
The couple plans to continue working together in kitchens and dreams of opening their own restaurant one day — a small place that serves lunch and a Sunday supper.
“Something that doesn’t stretch us too thin, but where we can still do what we want and do it well,” John says.
As Sterling Market continues to grow and thrive, the couple plans to regain more time for their hobbies and travel with their children in the years to come.
BLOODY Darn GOOD
ARTICLE BY ALEX HARDGRAVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BUSSEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Brunch, football games, holidays — all are perfect settings for a bloody mary, according to Diana Allen, co-founder of the popular Bloody Darn Good mixer company based in Little Rock.
For 20 years, Diana made her signature cocktail for friends and family on special occasions. She would talk about wanting someone to start a bloody mary business with her, but considered it a “pipe dream.”
Then a few years ago, through their mutual love of tennis and bloody marys, she met Marisa Thames, who helped turn the dream into a reality.
“Marisa has her law degree and suggested that she could get us ready for that,” Diana says. “She is the brain behind this.”
While Marisa may have been the brain behind the business, Diana’s grandma Elizabeth was the inspiration behind the recipe. Serendipitously, in April 2023, on Grandma Elizabeth’s 95th birthday, Bloody Darn Good officially received its permit, and the women were allowed to launch. Grandma’s smiling face, holding a cigar, adorns every glass bottle.
“We had to ask her to use the photo, and she said, ‘Oh my gosh, people are going to think I smoke,’ because she’s holding a cigar, but it’s really just a photo op,”
THE PERFECT RECIPE OF FRIENDS, FAMILY AND BUSINESS
“ONE THING WE LOVE ABOUT OUR MIXES IS THAT WE TRY TO KEEP ALL the bad stuff OUT OF IT. SO, THEY’RE ALL NATURAL.
AND LOW IN SODIUM.” — Diana Allen
Diana says. “But now she’s really liking the attention. My whole family has really enjoyed it and embraced it for sure.”
What makes the bottle stand out beyond its colorful appearance are its all-natural ingredients.
“One thing we love about our mixes is that we try to keep all the bad stuff out of it,” Diana says. “So, they’re all-natural, gluten-free and low in sodium.”
Varieties include the smooth and versatile OG; the sangria-inspired Morning Light; the spicy Hot Mama; and the dill-infused Dyl Pickle.
The mixes aren’t just for bloody mary making. Consumers can add them to taco sauce, poached eggs, pasta sauce or as a chili base.
Marisa and Diana made the test batches in their home kitchens and commercially started producing bottles out of AR Kitchen. Still, it was a labor-intensive process, so they welcomed the help of their friend and tennis coach, Kent Wood, who had all the machinery in place to bottle the mixes and was happy to co-pack their products.
Now, local restaurants, including Hill Station, U.S. Pizza, 42 Bar and Table, Capital Bar, El Sur, Fassler Hall, Flying Saucer and many more, are using their mix. It also is sold in more than 160 stores in Arkansas and in other nearby states.
Diana and Marisa have been stay-athome mothers since their kids were born, so they say it’s been a fun change for them to get out, meet new people and share their passion with the community.
Over glasses of bloody marys, the two agree that what they love most about their business is bringing people together to enjoy a drink they love.
And the public seems to love them, too.
“I’ve never found a person who liked bloody marys who didn’t love ours, so our feedback has been really good,” Diana says.
In fact, most would say, it’s bloody darn good.
For more information about Bloody Darn Good, visit bloodydarngood.com.
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE ADKINS PHOTOGRAPHY
Mother Vine Market Welcome to
Driving down Lawson Road, one can’t help but notice the charming red cottage nestled among the trees with rows of garden beds lined up neatly beside it. On the other side of the garden stands another small building and a beautifully-painted sign prompting weary commuters to stop for a while at Mother Vine Market.
Kirk and Leigh Ann Wallace opened the market in April, after life prompted them to slow down and make a home in Little Rock, where Kirk was born. Their own story is as intriguing as the business they’ve cultivated.
The two met somewhat accidentally in 1999, and it was love at first sight. After six years together, they traveled to Sydney, Australia, where they wed and began the first leg of life’s adventure together.
As with every great adventure, theirs was not without its challenges. In 2011, the couple found themselves in financial difficulty and decided to become oil rig drivers because the pay was lucrative.
“For the next decade, we hauled crude oil across Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico,” Kirk says. “It was challenging but rewarding.”
“Ultimately, this work taught me that I wasn’t afraid of hard work, but it also showed me the importance of balance,” Kirk says. Leigh Ann says she learned the meaning of the quote, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
In 2021, Kirk experienced a health scare that motivated them to move closer to their loved ones. The two previously had stumbled upon the listing for the home on Lawson, but it had several offers on it so they did not pursue it.
Only months later, the home was back on the market, and Leigh Ann and Kirk jumped at the opportunity to buy it.
“The property had the right amount of land, offering us space without the isolation we experienced in West Texas. It was an ideal fit for us with plenty of room for Wylie, our mini Australian Shepherd, and potential for a large garden, something we had long desired,” Kirk says. “It felt like everything aligned to bring us back to where we started, closer to family and ready to begin a new chapter.”
Luckily for the community, Kirk and Leigh Ann decided to start that large garden and invite other local growers and makers to share their goods, as well.
“We named our market Mother Vine Market inspired by the long, sprawling wisteria vine located on our property. A mother vine nurtures its offshoots, and we envisioned our market as a nurturing ground for local makers and growers, helping them thrive and connect with the community,” Kirk says.
However, the transformation was not an easy one, Kirk explains. “The physical labor was intense. Leigh Ann and I transformed our plain-grass lawn into the market mostly by ourselves, battling through all weather conditions and fatigue. It was a true labor of love.”
Now the 2-acre space features a 5,000-square-foot raised bed garden and a climate-controlled indoor shop that accommodates local handmade, homemade and home-grown products year-round.
“Additionally, our grounds are home to a flock of chickens and three heritage breed pigs, which are a delight for both children and adults to feed and interact with,” Kirk says. “And, of course, there’s Wylie, the unofficial ‘boss’ of Mother Vine.”
The couple’s mission is simple, “to source as much goodness from our local community and region and support local makers and growers.”
“The daily interactions with our customers often include heartwarming comments like, ‘This is my happy place’ or ‘I feel so at peace when I shop here.’” — Kirk Wallace
“Ultimately, our focus at Mother Vine Market is to nurture a robust local ecosystem where consumers support growers and makers, creating a cycle of economic vitality that enriches our entire community.”
The market is open from Thursday through Sunday, and the couple say many of their “regulars” are Thursday and Friday afternoon commuters enjoying a welcomed bit of peace at the end of a busy work week.
“The daily interactions with our customers often include heartwarming comments like, ‘This is my happy place’ or ‘I feel so at peace when I shop here,’” Kirks says. “It’s these expressions of joy and contentment that reinforce the value of what we’re doing.”
Mother Vine Market is located at 17900 Lawson Road in Little Rock. For more information, follow @mothervinemarket on social media and visit MotherVineMarket.com
ARTICLE BY ALEX HARDGRAVE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
A CONVERSATION WITH TWO LOCALLY LOVED FOODIES
Contributed by Jack Lin
MEET THE MEN BEHIND THE MIGHTY RIB AND PHARMTOFOODIE
Kevin Shalin of The Mighty Rib and Jack Lin of Pharmtofoodie have garnered quite the following with their cuisine-centric social media accounts. This month, we visit with them to find out what inspires their content and their palates.
Contributed by Kevin Shalin
Contributed by Kevin Shalin
Kevin Shalin The Mighty Rib
WHAT FIRST INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE FOOD CONTENT? CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE STORY BEHIND YOUR NAME?
I was a high school teacher, and I wanted a hobby. I didn’t know anything about food, but I liked to eat at different places, and that’s what motivated me. Then, on a trip to Kansas City with my wife, we stopped at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q, and I had this amazing rib. The next day, we flew back to Houston, and at the time, food blogs were very popular; I got one of these blogs, and when I thought about what to call it, I thought about those ribs, and I was like, “Let’s see… the Mighty Rib!”
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE LITTLE ROCK FOOD SCENE, AND WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE FUTURE?
It’s nice to see certain neighborhoods growing. SoMa has grown so much that it’s spilling into Pettaway Square, and we see more going on in Argenta. One thing I’d love to see is some younger chefs from around the country coming here so we could have more chef-driven restaurants.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST MEMORABLE PART(S) OF YOUR FOODIE CAREER SO FAR?
People may think it’s the time that my post about dinner, not supper went really viral, but that didn’t do anything to change the community. I’d have to say it’s the shift I made toward being more of a restaurant and food advocate during the pandemic when it was a really hard time for restaurants. I’ve also wanted to switch gears and use the Mighty Rib platform to help nonprofits like Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families Soup Sunday and the Cornbread Festival.
“One thing I’d love to see is some younger chefs from around the country coming here so we could have more chef-driven restaurants.” — Kevin Shalin
“When folks ask me, ‘What have I eaten lately?’ my eyes probably light up with excitement.” — Jack Lin, Pharmtofoodie
WHAT FIRST INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE FOOD CONTENT? CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE STORY BEHIND YOUR NAME?
Pharmtofoodie comes from a combination of my “daytime” career as a pharmacist and my voracious appetite for food. My interest in photography was first inspired by my dad, who is often seen with a camera in hand, shooting both subject matter and landscape pictures. Then, my wife and kids’ Father’s Day gift of a Big Green Egg catapulted me into the world of competition BBQ as a member of the AhhTownley BBQ team.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE LITTLE ROCK FOOD SCENE, AND WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE FUTURE?
I have so much love for the Little Rock food scene. I’m excited to see the development of Breckenridge Village into an unprecedented food and entertainment-centric location. I created a couple of Reels highlighting Mt Fuji’s former location right before their transition across the plaza and then the opening at their new spot. Growing up here, it held a lot of sentimental value as a place we often reserved just for special occasions. My hope for the future of Little Rock is the sustainability of the more adventurous palate.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST MEMORABLE PART(S) OF YOUR FOODIE CAREER SO FAR?
My favorite part of running PharmtoFoodie has been the friendships and connections made in the community. When folks ask me, “What have I eaten lately?” my eyes probably light up with excitement. It brings me the most satisfaction when someone says, “I never knew that existed in Little Rock,” in reference to things like kimbap from the local Asian grocery store on Saturdays or the Filipino bakery across the river. Pharmtofoodie was named in the 2024 Arkansas ambassadors class with Arkansas tourism.
Contributed by Jack Lin
Dr. Tina S. Ipe MD, MPH
bringing ARKANSAS HISTORY to life
TALES OF THE CRYPT CELEBRATES 27TH YEAR AT MOUNT HOLLY
ARTICLE BY KATHERINE JONES
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
Mount Holly Cemetery has been the final resting place for hundreds of Arkansans since its founding in 1843. Each year on the second Sunday in October, Tales of the Crypt brings their stories to life.
Beyond the iron gates on 13th Street, visitors touring the cemetery’s historic grounds are introduced to the “residents” of Mount Holly through short scenes written and performed by the drama students of Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School. Each scene
is stationed among the monuments, and students are dressed for their moment in history by local costumer Holly Payne.
Founded in October 1995 through a collaboration between Arkansas Historic Preservation, Parkview faculty and the Mount Holly Cemetery Association, this beloved event is also an immersive learning experience.
The first performances reflected an early history of Arkansas, and students had no shortage of subjects to research. Mount Holly is home to 11 governors, 22 Little Rock mayors and two Pulitzer Prize winners, among many other notable citizens. Over the years, the focus has deepened to reflect the diversity of its residents.
“We’ve really tried to broaden the scope of the stories that are told,” says Judy Goss, a retired Parkview drama teacher and Mount Holly board member. “It’s a living cemetery; people are still being buried there. We’ve looked to make stories more diverse because it tells the community about their history.”
Tales of the Crypt is free to the public thanks to a generous sponsorship by Crow Burlingame/Bumper to Bumper and other local supporters. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, Oct. 6, from 2-4 p.m., with one-hour tours led by student guides featuring 24 students acting out 13 scenes from Arkansas history. Guests can take the east or west tour, or circle back to see both. For more information, visit mounthollycemetery.org
Let’s Get Cooking!
ARTICLE BY BETH QUARLES, OWNER OF PAPER HEARTS BOOKSTORE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
A CULINARY READING LIST AND COOKBOOK CLUB TO INSPIRE LOCAL HOME CHEFS
Salt Fat Acid Heat
by Samin Nosrat
If you are going to own just one cookbook, this modern classic should be the one. Nosrat helps you master the four elements of cooking (hence the book title). The simple illustrations inspire joy in the kitchen. Salt Fat Acid Heat is praised by both James Beard award winners and home cooks. The book also makes a great wedding shower or housewarming gift!
Kismet: Bright, Fresh, Vegetable-Loving Recipes
by
Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson
A recent Paper Hearts/Sterling Market Cookbook Club pick, Kismet is a joyful collection of vibrant and fresh recipes that will make your mouth and belly happy. Mediterranean takes on classics such as Harrisa Party Wings make this a book for all to enjoy.
Trejo’s Tacos: Recipes & Stories from L.A.
by Danny Trejo
You might be laughing that this is a pick of mine, but you won’t be laughing when you end up using this book week after week. This boxing bad boy is a pro in the kitchen as evidenced by his successful restaurants and his cookbooks. This book is especially great for entertaining guests at parties with recipes for drinks, sides, dips and more. The Cheesy Bean Dip recipe will win anyone over!
Pasta Grannies: The Secrets of Italy’s Best Home Cooks
by Vicky Bennison
You might have seen one of the viral videos of Italian grandmothers making pasta dishes in their homes. Now there is an official cookbook. This narrative cookbook gives a peek into the kitchens of Italian women making pasta from scratch for generations. It is heartwarming and inspiring. This is a book you will want to spend time with — a slow burn if you will. The recipes will challenge you in the kitchen, but the payoff is so rewarding.
Join the Cookbook Club! Sterling Market’s head pastry chef Paige Russell-Burt and I collaborate on cookbook picks and discussions. Gathering at Sterling Market, participants bring a recipe from the featured cookbook and enjoy a potluck-style tasting. No membership is required! We only ask that participants get their cookbook from a local independent bookstore or library. Follow Paper Hearts Bookstore on social media for more information.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 5TH
World Cheese Dip Championship & Foam Fest
Dickey Stephens Park | 12:00 PM
The World Cheese Dip Championship and the former Foam Fest Craft Beer Festival have joined forces to bring an exciting event to central Arkansas. For tickets, visit harmonyclinicar.org
OCTOBER 5TH
River Market Live! Hispanic Heritage Celebration
River Market Pavilions | 5:00 PM
Visit the River Market Pavilions Saturday, Oct. 5, for Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau’s River Market Live! Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Enjoy live performances, dancing, food, local vendors, games and more. Admission is free.
OCTOBER 11TH – 20TH
Arkansas State Fair
Arkansas State Fairgrounds | 9:00 AM
The Arkansas State Fair will be held Oct. 11-20. The event attracts more than 400,000 visitors each year and features a livestock show, bull riding, rides for all ages and many live musical acts. Tickets are available for purchase at Barton Coliseum.
OCTOBER 12TH
Harvestfest in Hillcrest
Historic Hillcrest District on Kavanaugh | 11:00 AM
Harvestfest will celebrate its 30th year as one of the premier fall festivals in Hillcrest. The event will feature more than 100 vendors, food trucks, live music, a dog show, pie contest, VIP area, beer garden and kid’s area.
HARRY LOUCKS - SCULPTURE
ROBIN LOUCKS - ABSTRACT LANDSCAPE
Turning the Ordinary into Extraordinary
Artist Shelley Gentry Hopes Work Inspires Appreciation of Everyday Objects
Multifaceted. That’s how Shelley Gentry describes her art. Whether she’s painting etched glass, sparkling crystal or colorful abstracts and florals, her work reflects her appreciation of ordinary things.
“In my everyday life, I am regularly stopped in my tracks by the way light and shadows elevate the patterns and colors of ordinary objects if you just look closely enough. Whatever catches the light on any given day could inspire an entire series for me,” she says.
“I’ve developed a hobby of visiting estate sales because I can find the most amazing ‘sparkly’ glass objects there and love to consider the history of the treasures that I bring home to paint. My hope is that anyone who views my paintings also has the experience of seeing an everyday object with new appreciation.”
See Shelley’s work at Art Group Gallery in Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11525 Cantrell Road.
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
Top Left: Shelley Gentry Top Right: “The Good Stuff” by Shelley Gentry Bottom: “Stems” by Shelley Gentry
ARTIST’S PALETTE
