Art up your Life: NWA Mag

By Sarah Osterman Myers

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Northwest Arkansas is such a splendidly unique region – an amalgamation of several cities all boasting vibrant customs, artistic styles, recreation and cuisines. Artosphere: Arkansas' Arts and Nature Festival is an extension of that very splendor. For its seventh annual celebration, the festival plans to showcase the community’s many distinctive characteristics while also exposing locals to incredible national work.

The lineup of programming, which runs May 10-27, is quite impressive. Every nook and cranny, from Fayetteville to Bentonville, will be utilized for both free and ticketed performances, events and activities. From guided architectural bike tours, to circus escapades to physical theatre, there will be no shortage of innovative offerings.

“Patrons tell us all the time that this is one of the most exciting and innovative festivals they have ever attended,” said Erin Rogers, public relations director at Walton Arts Center and Walmart AMP. “To have orchestra music, folk music and family entertainment all in a low-cost setting is unheard of.”

On top of being budget-friendly, Artosphere takes away that “one night only” mentality by extending its programming over 18 days, so if a challenging schedule or weather disappoints, there’s always another chance. This also allows festival lovers the time and space to see, hear, feel and interact without feeling pressured or rushed. Maybe that’s why over 37,000 tourists, artists, beer drinkers, nature lovers and exhausted fathers attended last year – it’s a way to pause, enjoy, interact and learn.

One of the headlining events this year is Trail Mix, which includes two full days of free music, art, hiking, and biking along local trails and the Razorback Regional Greenway. This extravaganza is perfectly planted in the middle of National Bike Month and illustrates Northwest Arkansas’ commitment to bike infrastructure.

“This year, with ‘the bicycle’ being a popular theme, we are emphasizing sustainable modes of transportation and the bicycle’s connection to nature and social change,” said Rogers.

Indeed, most of the outdoor events use “the bicycle” for inspiration and hope to spark meaningful dialogue about nature.

Another huge component of Artosphere is the music. Jason Howell Smith, executive assistant to the president/CEO at WAC, manages theArtosphere Festival Orchestra and is excited about the sheer variety and breathtaking talent on this year’s roster.  

“I love that I get to work with some of the nicest, most talented musicians from around the world who love coming to Northwest Arkansas each year to make beautiful performances together,” said Smith.

The range of work includes Russian Masterworks by Rachmaninoff and Mussorgsky, Hawaiian ukulele by Paula Fuga, String Quartet performances by Dover Quartet and Aizuri Quartet, and Americana folk by The Okee Dokee Brothers. While none will dissatisfy, Smith is most enthusiastic about the first concert.

“Each year, the first concert is magical,” said Smith. “This season it will be spectacular – with the orchestra performing two of Russia’s greatest masterworks. Maestro Rovaris will conduct and the performance will blow your mind.”

Smith is personally a lover of classical music because he feels it speaks directly to the soul of the listener. During last year’s Artosphere, he witnessed a young woman smiling and crying simultaneously while listening to Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2. Later he learned she was an exchange student from Japan who had never before attended a live orchestra concert.

“She said it was the most beautiful experience and she would carry the memory of it for the rest of her life,” said Smith. “Those are the moments we at Artosphere work for – to catch lightning in a bottle year after year.”

Take some time to celebrate and interact with art and nature this May. For more information about the Artosphere Festival, a complete event lineup and to purchase tickets, visit www.artospherefestival.org or call WAC’s Box Office at (479) 443-5600.