Downtown Bentonville, Inc. is working to incorporate art into daily life all around the square.
Executive Director Daniel Hintz wants to bring all types of creative people, from painters to fashion designers to musicians and theater troupes, together with venues where they can display their creations.
"There's obviously a renewed interest in downtown Bentonville, but there's also an incredible opportunity for artists and those that want to invest in that world," he says.
"The challenge here is how do we support a sort of infant economy."
Hintz thinks looking beyond wall art is key. He's excited to see Nancy Martin's Pop Up Fashion Store set up in Studio 124.
The art gallery normally has paintings hanging on the walls, but owner Thomas Merritt says he's just as excited to have clothing hanging on the racks.
"I always had the feeling that art and design transcended the paints and the sculpture," Merritt says. "There's a lot that goes into your clothing everyday... The way it's sewn, the way they do the folds, it's a pretty incredible thing to see in person so why not show that."
Martin, has practiced law for 30 years, but decided to pursue her passion, and started designing clothing. She's glad to be in a place where the art culture seems to be exploding.
"I like to call it the rise of the creative class," she says. "I don't think there's any doubt that Crystal Bridges has been the catalyst for all this ."
Hintz says shows like Martin's will help the city capitalize on the world class museum just around the corner.
"We need to be able to highlight the various elements those pieces of the creative economy here in Bentonville and bring them into new venues," Hintz says. "Bringing all those folks up and saying 'Here's what we have here in Bentonville,' not only supports them, but also creates a very interesting brand for Bentonville that may not necessarily be out there right now."
Martin's clothing will be on display through November 3. For more information visit her website.
Executive Director Daniel Hintz wants to bring all types of creative people, from painters to fashion designers to musicians and theater troupes, together with venues where they can display their creations.
"There's obviously a renewed interest in downtown Bentonville, but there's also an incredible opportunity for artists and those that want to invest in that world," he says.
"The challenge here is how do we support a sort of infant economy."
Hintz thinks looking beyond wall art is key. He's excited to see Nancy Martin's Pop Up Fashion Store set up in Studio 124.
The art gallery normally has paintings hanging on the walls, but owner Thomas Merritt says he's just as excited to have clothing hanging on the racks.
"I always had the feeling that art and design transcended the paints and the sculpture," Merritt says. "There's a lot that goes into your clothing everyday... The way it's sewn, the way they do the folds, it's a pretty incredible thing to see in person so why not show that."
Martin, has practiced law for 30 years, but decided to pursue her passion, and started designing clothing. She's glad to be in a place where the art culture seems to be exploding.
"I like to call it the rise of the creative class," she says. "I don't think there's any doubt that Crystal Bridges has been the catalyst for all this ."
Hintz says shows like Martin's will help the city capitalize on the world class museum just around the corner.
"We need to be able to highlight the various elements those pieces of the creative economy here in Bentonville and bring them into new venues," Hintz says. "Bringing all those folks up and saying 'Here's what we have here in Bentonville,' not only supports them, but also creates a very interesting brand for Bentonville that may not necessarily be out there right now."
Martin's clothing will be on display through November 3. For more information visit her website.
