Little Rock, AR April 2026

Locally Owned Globally Connected

The Best Investments

As I get older, I find myself reevaluating the things in which I invest my money, my time, my energy. I’ve come to realize that the best investments are the ones that shape who we are and how we serve others.

The biggest investment I’ve made in my professional career was in this publication. An enormous amount of planning, work and detail is poured into each issue. Every magazine represents emails, interviews, edits, design decisions and collaboration. Big investments require patience, diligence, faith and a hefty dose of pluck. They aren’t always easy, but they are deeply rewarding.

This month, we are thrilled to spotlight meaningful investments – the kind that strengthen homes, enrich culture and build businesses.

Thank you to artist Laura Welshans for lending her stunning piece Willow Heights Trail to our cover. Laura spent years observing landscape, traveling, gardening and learning before embarking on projects that often take weeks to complete because she works in delicate layers. Learn more about her process and pieces in A Long Investment.

As homeowners, we understand the need to invest in our homes, whether through small updates or large-scale renovations. This month, we highlight Kris and Karen Upton’s remarkable renovation project. Though the two real estate experts have owned many homes, this was their first foray into remodeling, and the outcome is beautiful. Read all about it in Investing in Home.

Investing in the arts is one of our community’s priorities, and Ballet Arkansas is investing in its own artists by spotlighting choreography from five dancers in the upcoming Origins: A New Works Celebration at the North Little Rock Event Center. Read more in New Voices, New Movement & New Ideas.

Small business owners understand the importance of a strong digital presence. Virginia Johnson, owner of Digitru, helps service-based companies turn their websites and social media into smart investments for growth. Discover more in Smart Digital Investments.

Our biggest priority at Little Rock City Lifestyle is sharing local stories and supporting small businesses. I was honored to be a guest on the Small Business Big Stories podcast this past winter, and we’re excited to share its big story with you.

These are just some of the features waiting for you in this issue. We hope you have a beautiful April and a Happy Easter to all who celebrate. Thank you for investing your time with us.

STEPHANIE HASBROUCK, PUBLISHER

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Stephanie Hasbrouck

stephanie.hasbrouck@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Anna Yanosick | anna.yanosick@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Anna Yanosick, Stephanie Hasbrouck, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bo and Ally Cunningham with Arkansas REM, Sarah Bussey Photography, Matthew Sewell Photography, Olivia Mayernick with Wildflower Creative

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Making You Smile

At Daniel & Jones Orthodontics, we help kids, teens, and adults feel confident in their smiles with braces and Invisalign treatment customized for your smile. Our Board-Certified orthodontists combine the latest technology with a kind, thoughtful approach that puts patients at ease. With offices in Little Rock, Benton, and Bryant, we make high-quality care and amazing smiles possible for every family.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1 – 3: Coldwell Banker RPM Group recently held its annual recognition event CBRPM Next. | 1: Allison Pickell, Belen Lambert and Matilde Lara. 2: Eleanor Day, Jerald Gardner, Allison Pickell and Kayla Lewis. 3: Cecelia Gadberry and Caroline Otwell. 4: Conserva Irrigation of Little Rock Owner Mark Zitzer at the Maumelle Area Chamber Of Commerce Casino Night. 5: Holly Tilley and April Burris at the FORM/Formation opening reception at Art Group Gallery. 6: The Promenade at Chenal hosted the Barbie Truck Tour, celebrating all things Barbie, with more than 300 guests. 7: Susan Hurst and Clarence Cash at the FORM/Formation opening reception at Art Group Gallery.

Curated Luxury Timepiece Selection

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When it comes to your financial future, it’s important to work with someone who takes time to understand you and your situation. We take a step-by-step approach to identify your goals and develop specific strategies to help you achieve them. Contact me today to see how personal service can make a difference.

business monthly

Westlake Group Names Brian Morris COO

Westlake Group has promoted Brian Morris to Chief Operating Officer following his record-breaking tenure at the company’s Benjamin Franklin Plumbing division. In his new role, Brian will oversee daily operations across the entire Westlake portfolio, focusing on scaling the company’s service and construction arms. “Brian understands exactly what it takes to identify an imperfection, create a solution and see it through to an elite finish,” says Allen Westlake, President of the Westlake Group. “His leadership ensures our growth is both rapid and sustainable.”

Artist Virmarie Suria DePoyster Paints Clinton Portrait

Congratulations to artist Virmarie Suria DePoyster, who was chosen to paint former President Bill Clinton’s portrait in honor of his 80th birthday this year. The portrait was revealed in a private ceremony and is now on view at the Clinton Presidential Center. More of Virmarie’s pieces can be viewed at Art Group Gallery in Pleasant Ridge Town Square.

PANDORA Opens at The Promenade

The Promenade at Chenal is thrilled to announce that PANDORA, the world’s largest jewelry brand, has officially opened its newest store at The Promenade at Chenal. The store opened in March 2026, joining more than 2,600 Pandora concept stores worldwide. Stay tuned for more exciting new-store announcements at tanger.com/chenal.

Investing in Travel Yields a Lifetime of Stories.

What Brings

Christian Brothers Automotive is located in West Little Rock on Chenal Parkway across from Splash Car Wash. Our most important mission is “To glorify God by serving our team, guests, and communities with excellence.” We are proud to be a member of our community. We offer full Automotive Repairs on most makes, (including but not limited to); Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Ford, GM, Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, Chrysler, Dodge, and VW. At Christian Brothers West Little Rock we have the same diagnostic equipment as the manufacturer(s). We perform everything from Oil changes to engine replacements, including tire replacement, batteries, and routine maintenance.

TODAY 501-430-5539 | cbac.com/west-little-rock 15516 Chenal Pkwy, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211

INVESTING IN HOME

Moving was not part of the plan. But when Kris and Karen Upton first saw their Cammack Village home, they knew it was meant to be.

“We were drawn to this home for its character and solid foundation. Built in 1955, it had a warmth and authenticity that immediately felt right, along with the kind of craftsmanship that stands the test of time,” Karen says.

When it comes to homes, one could say the Uptons are experts. Kris is the owner and CEO of RPM Group, a full-service Arkansas-based real estate firm that celebrated its 70th anniversary this past year. Karen is a co-owner of the business and President of Coldwell Banker RPM Group. Together, the two have worked in real estate for more than 20 years.

But even with their years of experience, the couple had never embarked on a personal home remodel – until they purchased their Cammack Village home on Sunset Drive.

“Our goal in remodeling was to honor its history, elevate the floor layout and make it more livable for our family,” Karen says.  “We focused on thoughtful updates that brought in modern functionality, improved flow and added comfort — while preserving the charm and integrity that made the home special in the first place.

“The result is a home that feels both rooted and refreshed,” she says. “It lives well for today, yet still reflects the era and style in which it was built. It’s comfortable, welcoming and timeless — a place that feels easy to be in and meaningful to come home to.”

It’s often said in real estate that “the home chooses the buyer,” and for the Uptons, this cliché rang true. The two were not looking to buy a home. In fact, they had just settled into their “forever home” in Chenal at the time.

“After recently building our forever home on the golf course in Chenal, Allison Pickell, a friend and top-producing agent at our firm, suggested that we tour the home. My husband was more than a little surprised, but it helps that we have talented agents deeply knowledgeable about local market characteristics and skilled

“WHEN BUYERS CAN SEE PAST SURFACELEVEL DETAILS AND FOCUS ON THE BONES, LAYOUT AND POSSIBILITIES, THEY OFTEN DISCOVER A HOME THAT CAN BE TRANSFORMED INTO SOMETHING SPECIAL.”

in aligning taste with value. Kris and I quickly decided on the first tour that this should be our new home,” Karen says.

The couple enlisted the talents of RPM Group Construction and Amy Terry, designer and owner of AC Designs, to bring their vision to life.

Most of the changes were cosmetic, Karen says. “The only structural change we made was to open the wall between the kitchen and dining room. It allowed more light to stream into the kitchen and provided a beautiful view,” she says.

Every room was painted and updated – including the kitchen and bathrooms. The results were stunning, but the process did present some challenges.

“One of the biggest challenges was striking the right balance between preserving the home’s original character and updating it for modern living,” Karen says. “Because we kept the existing footprint, every change was carefully considered.

“Working with an older home also meant navigating structural limitations and making updates behind the walls that

aren’t visible but were essential,” she says. “The process required patience and intentional decision-making, which guided us to a more thoughtful and timeless result.”

Karen says her favorite remodeled area is the vast sunroom at the back of the home, which serves as a dining and gathering space.

“It functions as a true multi-purpose room – part bar area, part dining space and part comfortable seating area,” she says. “The room has floorto-ceiling windows that visually connect the room to the pool and outdoor living space, filling it with natural light and making it feel like an extension of the outdoors.”

While investing in a move and subsequent home remodel may not have been part of the plan, Karen says it was well worth the effort. She advises house hunters to look beyond the homes they tour to see their true potential.

“Consider what it could become,” she says. “Having been in the real estate business for over 20 years, we’ve lived in new construction, older homes and properties that required significant remodeling. We have moved over 10 times in less than 20 years. Time and time again, we’ve seen that some homes simply need a little vision and TLC to reach their full potential.”

Karen advises investing in a strong team to help bring the vision to life. “A great builder and designer can make all the difference,” she says.

“When buyers can see past surface-level details and focus on the bones, layout and possibilities, they often discover a home that can be transformed into something special.”

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.

New Voices, New Movement & New Ideas

Ballet Arkansas is closing out its 47th season with a bold first: a free production featuring original choreography by its own company artists. Titled Origins: A New Works Celebration , the program will take place on May 1 and May 3 at the North Little Rock Event Center, standing as the first performance in this venue.

Unlike traditional repertory programs that blend classical and contemporary works, Origins is composed exclusively of original pieces by Ballet Arkansas company members.

Executive and Artistic Director Michael Fothergill describes the production as an important step for the organization.

“The program centers on new voices, new movement and new ideas, serving as a reflection of this pivotal moment in the company’s evolution and a clear expression of where we are and where we are headed,” he says.

The choreographers — Murray McCormack, Liev Ewart, Kerridwyn Schanck, Deanna Stanton and McKenna Ulbrick — were selected through an open company call, each presenting original work for consideration.

“The program highlights fresh choreography while exploring the compelling duality of the performer and the choreographer, showcasing our dancers not only as interpreters of movement, but as innovative creative voices in their own right,” Michael says.

Following the performance on May 3, guests are invited to a ticketed Season Wrap Party, a celebration involving audience favorites from the 2025-2026 season, a meet and greet with company artists and an exclusive first look at the 2026-2027 season.

For Michael, it was incredibly rewarding to see the company dancers develop their choreographic voices.

“Witnessing the creative journey unfold has been inspiring, and I am immensely proud of the dedication, curiosity and artistry our company members have shown throughout this process,” he says.

Origins: A New Works Celebration Features Original Choreography by Ballet Arkansas Company Members

A HISTORIC VENUE DEBUT

The performance also will mark a milestone for the venue itself. Origins will be the first performance of any kind at the new North Little Rock Event Center in Argenta.

“To inaugurate the North Little Rock Event Center as a dance venue is truly historic,” Michael says.

The collaboration represents a landmark partnership between the City of North Little Rock, North Little Rock Tourism and Ballet Arkansas. It developed through conversations with North Little Rock Tourism about how to expand Ballet Arkansas’ Live at the Plaza , a free outdoor concert series in Argenta.

“As that series continued to grow in both scope and audience engagement, we began exploring what the next evolution of that partnership could look like and how we might build upon its success in a way that served even more people,” Michael says. “When plans for the North Little Rock Event Center began to take shape, it felt like a natural extension of those discussions.”

INVESTING IN THE ARTS

Ballet Arkansas evolved from the Little Rock Civic Ballet, founded in 1966 by Lorraine and Donald C. Cranford. Today, under the leadership of Michael and his wife, Catherine, the organization ranks among the 75 largest ballet companies in the United States, according to the Dance Data Project.

“Ballet Arkansas is where it is today because of the steadfast support of so many — our audiences, donors, civic partners, educators, artists and the broader public who have believed in our mission for nearly five decades,” Michael says. “Soon entering our 48th year, the company has grown and flourished from humble, yet deeply inspiring beginnings into a professional organization with national impact.”

The company provides about 10,000 K–12 students with access to educational programs and live performances. In addition, Ballet Arkansas offers world-class training through the Ballet Arkansas School for Dance.

“The organization also creates meaningful semi-professional performance opportunities through its Community Cast productions — including The Nutcracker Spectacular and several other annual presentations — allowing dancers of all ages to experience the magic of performing alongside a professional company,” he says.

Michael emphasizes that investing in local performing arts is an investment in Arkansas communities.

“When Arkansas audiences support local arts organizations, they are helping to sustain jobs for artists and educators, strengthen arts education for young people and ensure that high-quality cultural experiences remain accessible close to home,” he says.

As the company closes its current season and enters a new one, Origins stands as a declaration of how far Ballet Arkansas has come and where it intends to go.

“We could not be more proud of what we have accomplished, and we are even more excited about where we are headed,” Michael says. “Above all, we remain profoundly grateful to everyone who continues to invest in Ballet Arkansas and help make our future bright.”

For more information, visit balletarkansas.org.

“We remain profoundly grateful to everyone who continues to invest in Ballet Arkansas and help make our future bright.”

Small Business Big Stories

NEW PODCAST SHARES STORIES OF LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

It’s not often small business owners get the recognition they deserve. A new podcast is changing that by giving these hardworking entrepreneurs a voice. Small Business Big Stories , hosted by David Munsey and produced by Kayla Sherman, spotlights small business owners across the country, challenging misconceptions and highlighting the resilience it takes to build a business from the ground up.

The idea for the podcast sprang from David’s desire to provide small businesses with a platform. And it’s no wonder he has such an affinity for them — his grandfather founded Munsey products, and his great uncle popularized the toaster oven.

“I just always have been fascinated by business in general, but small business more specifically, and that’s what shapes the global economy, especially in the U.S.,” David says.

Growing up in Little Rock, David’s parents owned The Fresh Approach, a grocery store on Shackleford that specialized in all organic, homegrown products. Today, David manages Better Lawn and Gardens, a landscaping company founded by his father, and 403 Builders, his kitchen and bathroom remodeling company.

After realizing small business owners needed an accessible way to share their journeys, David started Small Business Big Stories in 2025. He books the guests and leads each conversation, while Kayla edits and produces the podcast.

“The biggest joy is bringing people in that run small businesses and getting to witness their story and hear their successes and watch as they remind themselves of how resilient they were — how determined to make it — and just how much it took to get where they’re at,”

Kayla says.

“Small businesses shape every community in the country and provide employment, good commodities,

experiences — all these things for people that are often overlooked,” David says.

The podcast has featured a broad spectrum of small businesses, from a mobile Western hat bar and a car dealership to a pet resort and a jewelry shop. Rather than relying on a rigid interview structure, David creates a casual space.

“I just want it to flow and be a natural conversation so that they can tell their story, and people can learn from it,” he says.

He describes sitting down with the owner of Leiva’s Coffee, Geovanni Leiva, a fourth-generation coffee farmer whose mission is to eradicate poverty in the coffee industry.

“Small businesses are making an impact globally here in Little Rock,” David says.

In the first two episodes, David chatted with Tony Knight, owner of Little Rock Landscape, and Gregg Curtis, the founder of The Good Earth, both in the landscaping industry like David himself.

“Hearing Greg’s perspective on starting a business, running a business, all the way to phasing out and selling it, from start to finish. Hearing that and what it took to be successful was fascinating to me,” David says.

As for the podcast’s future, David hopes to continue uplifting small business owners by expanding beyond Little Rock and hosting a networking event to bring together past guests and local business leaders.

Reflecting on interviews, he notices a common thread among successful small business owners.

“The people that they surrounded themselves with have really been a catalyst for their success, whether it’s a customer or employee or both,” David says. “It’s people that shape the small businesses.”

To listen, check out Small Business Big Stories on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

“I just always have been fascinated by business in general, but small business more specifically, and that’s what shapes the global economy, especially in the U.S.”

ARTICLE BY ANNA YANOSICK PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLIVIA MAYERNICK WITH WILDFLOWER CREATIVE

SMART DIGITAL Investments

DIGITRU FOUNDER VIRGINIA JOHNSON HELPS BUSINESSES

TURN WEB, SOCIAL AND SEO INTO MEASURABLE GROWTH

Every marketing dollar matters for small businesses, and strategist Virginia Johnson knows how to make it count. As founder of Digitru, she helps service-based companies in Little Rock turn their websites, social media and SEO into smart investments for real growth. Whether it’s a martial arts studio or a restaurant, Virginia and her team guide businesses at any point in their marketing journey.

“I always tell clients I spend their money the way I would spend it in my own business,” Virginia says.

What are some of the biggest visibility challenges you see small businesses facing right now?

The biggest challenge is lack of focus. Many small businesses are trying to be everywhere at once without a strategy. They are posting inconsistently, chasing trends or reacting instead of planning. Another big challenge is foundation. I still see

“What I love most is the relationships. We are all building as we go. We are all learning. That collaboration and shared growth are energizing.”

businesses without a clear website, no SEO structure, an unclaimed Google Business Profile or no defined customer journey. Visibility is not just about posting more. It’s about being findable, clear and consistent.

For small businesses with limited budgets, where should they focus first to make the greatest impact?

This depends heavily on the stage of the business. But before spending heavily on marketing, I always look at systems. Is your customer experience smooth? Is your inquiry process simple? Does your website convert? There is no point driving traffic to a broken funnel. From there, I often recommend starting with foundational SEO and Google visibility for service-based businesses. If someone is actively searching for your service in your town, that is high-intent traffic. Capturing that is powerful. Then layer in paid ads or expanded content as revenue grows.

What type of website design services does Digitru offer?

We offer full website builds and redesigns for service-based businesses. Rather than offering onesize-fits-all packages, we begin by understanding the business, the stage it is in, its goals and what marketing foundations are already in place. From there, we recommend the best next step. If a client is starting from scratch, we handle everything from setup to copywriting to design and development. We work across platforms like WordPress, Wix and Squarespace, depending on the client’s needs. Most of the sites we build include core pages such as Home, About, Services and Contact, along with additional pages like blogs, events or resource sections as needed. For businesses that already have a website but feel it may be outdated or underperforming, we offer complimentary website audits and can guide them through the next steps.

What excites you most about working with local entrepreneurs?

I primarily work with small service-based businesses across various industries — martial arts studios, banks, construction companies, restaurants, nonprofits, car dealerships. It keeps me sharp. What you learn about buyer behavior in one industry often informs another. But what I love most is the relationships. We are all building as we go. We are all learning. That collaboration and shared growth are energizing.

For more information, visit digitru.com

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

BAGGO, Brats N’ Blues

Don’t Miss Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas’ Entertaining Fundraiser Sunday, May 3

Mark your calendars for an afternoon of friendly competition, great food and live music at Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas’ BAGGO, Brats N’ Blues fundraiser on Sunday, May 3, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Sunset Lodge at Rusty Tractor Vineyards.

Guests will enjoy a lively BAGGO tournament alongside live music from Whiskey Halo and will celebrate with recent Habitat homebuyers. Enjoy delicious brats and burgers hot off the grill. Drinks will be flowing, with beer, wine and a Tito’s vodka specialty cocktail to keep the celebration going.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. Attendees can also take part in a wine pull, whiskey pull and a 50/50 raffle, giving everyone plenty of chances to win prizes while supporting Habitat’s projects. Every ticket and toss helps build safe, affordable homes for families in Central Arkansas.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit habitatcentralar.org/events .

A MEANINGFUL CAUSE

Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas strives to make homeownership affordable for more individuals and families. The organization partners with hard-working individuals and families to help them build a better life for themselves and their loved ones – because decent, affordable shelter offers strength, stability and self-reliance.

Habitat homes are sold with an affordable mortgage that is less than 30% of the homeowner’s monthly income. The affordable payment creates financial stability allowing for homeowners to invest in their families and future. For more information on how you can support Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas, visit habitatcentralar.org

APRIL 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 2ND – 30TH

Cooking Classes at Eggshells Kitchen Co.

Eggshells Kitchen Co. | 6:00 PM

A cooking class at Eggshells is the ultimate culinary experience. Held in-store at its location in The Heights, Eggshells’ cooking classes invite the best and brightest Arkansan gourmet chefs to teach their favorite recipes and skills, so you can replicate at home. Visit eggshellskitchencompany.com for a complete list of classes and to reserve your spot.

APRIL 11TH

Paws on the Promenade

The Promenade at Chenal | 11:00 AM

Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at The Promenade! Enjoy a family-friendly celebration of furry friends with a community dog walk, pet-friendly activities, treats, games, photo ops, giveaways and fun for the kids. The event also will feature adoptable pups and kittens from the Humane Society of Pulaski County and a playful Doggie Contest with prizes. For details, visit tanger.com/chenal

APRIL 11TH

2026 Central Arkansas Heart Ball

Statehouse Convention Center | 6:00 PM

Be part of the 2026 Central Arkansas Heart Ball at the Statehouse Convention Center, a fundraising gala for the American Heart Association. The event celebrates sponsors and supporters, featuring dinner, dancing and a chance to raise money for life-saving research.

APRIL 16TH – 17TH

Ballet Arkansas Presents Icons of American Dance

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts | 7:00 PM

At the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, this mixed-repertory performance honors influential American choreographers through a lineup of masterworks and world premieres. Visit balletarkansas.org for tickets.

APRIL 16TH – 19TH

Wildwood Park for the Arts Lanterns Festival

Wildwood Park for the Arts

Experience the light of the Lanterns Festival, hosted by Wildwood Park for the Arts. This seasonal tradition brings the community together for a bright evening, filled with family fun and brilliant views. For tickets, visit ci.ovationtix.com.

APRIL 18TH – 19TH

The Arkansas Premiere of Giselle

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Ballet Arkansas concludes the season with the Arkansas premiere of Giselle, the Romantic era’s iconic full-length ballet, telling a haunting story of love, betrayal and redemption. Performances take place at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, with a variety of showtimes over the weekend. Visit balletarkansas.org for tickets.

APRIL 18TH

West Little Rock Farmers Market

Breckenridge Village

The West Little Rock Farmers Market at Breckenridge Village is a new weekly in-person community market that will launch on Saturday April 18, and run every Saturday through the end of October in the parking lot of the Breckenridge Village shopping center outside of the Root Cafe. In addition to local produce, the market will feature live music, kids activities, gardening workshops and cooking demos.

APRIL 18TH

Evolve Gala 2026

Statehouse Convention Center | 6:00 PM

The Centers will host the 2026 Evolve Gala on April 18 at the Statehouse Convention Center to raise funds for its nationally recognized Human Trafficking Treatment Program. Piano Specialists of Arkansas will provide a piano for music at the event. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit trellis.org/evolve2026

APRIL 25TH

Spring Plant Sale at Mother Vine Market

Mother Vine Market | 10:00 AM

Mother Vine Market will host its Spring Plant Sale on April 25 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The event will feature three vendors on-site offering Arkansas native plants, vegetable starts, flower starts and more for spring planting. Mother Vine Market is located at 17900 Lawson Road. For more information, visit mothervinemarket.com.

Artist Laura Welshans Patiently Works in Layers to Distill Stunning Landscapes

A LONG INVESTMENT

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I create minimalist abstract paintings inspired by landscapes. Particularly, geological formations shaped by erosion. I’m drawn to places like southern Utah, the Grand Canyon, the Wasatch Range, Ireland’s Causeway Coast and all around me in Arkansas.

What inspires me most are the essential forms within those environments: the curve of a canyon wall, the fracture of basalt cliffs, the silhouette of desert mesas and the shapes of water in creeks and lakes. I reduce these influences into simplified shapes and layered color fields. Negative space plays a central role in my work; it creates stillness and allows the forms to breathe.

WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS?

Art is a long investment. I began painting in 2016 and have worked full-time as an artist since 2018, but the real investment began long before that, in years of observing landscape, traveling, gardening and learning to see shape and negative space. Each painting can take weeks. I work in layers with acrylic underpainting, oil and charcoal line work, sometimes adding powdered granite  and allowing surfaces to build slowly. I often

step away from a piece and return to it with fresh eyes. My process is one of reduction. I distill landscapes of canyon walls, desert mesas, mountain ridges, even the winding path of my garden into essential forms. It’s patient work. I’m not trying to replicate a scene; I’m trying to uncover its structure.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO INVEST IN LOCAL ART AND LOCAL ARTISTS?

Investing in local artists strengthens the cultural fabric of a community. Artists document a region’s landscape, history and emotional identity in ways that are unique and personal.

When you support a local artist, you’re not just purchasing a painting, you’re sustaining creative work, small business and cultural vitality within your own city. You’re helping ensure that art continues to be made where you live.

There’s also something deeply meaningful about owning work created by someone who walks the same streets, hikes the same trails and shares the same community. It creates connection and pride of place.

To view more of Laura’s works, visit Art Group Gallery and  laurawelshans.com .

CHAMPIONS