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Celebrating Inspiring Women

Mary Ann Evans, otherwise known as the brilliant George Eliot, wrote, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” That quote really resonated with me this month as we feature inspiring women in our community whose professional paths have taken them in wonderfully unexpected directions. They are powerful examples of what it means to keep growing, evolving and stepping boldly into new seasons.

We begin with the amazing Holly Tilley, who enjoyed a successful career in marketing and advertising before becoming the talented artist she is today. We are thrilled she lent her beautiful piece, Blooms, for our cover this month.

Our Inspiring Women feature spotlights several remarkable women in our community: Allison Pickell, a talented, top-producing Executive Broker/Realtor who earned the 2025 International President’s Elite award; Toni Rose, the first Black woman to be named Chief Deputy of the Pulaski County Detention Facility; artist Sandra Sells, a former Army mechanic who now creates stunning wood sculptures; and Ronald McDonald House CEO Janell Mason, who provides compassionate support to families with children receiving care at nearby hospitals. We are honored to share their stories and wisdom with you.

We believe there is no greater force than Women Empowering Women . That is why we are especially proud to feature the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. For 28 years, this organization has been the only statewide foundation focused solely on women and girls in Arkansas, and its work continues to make a meaningful impact.

We also are honored to feature Keri Miller in Beauty from Ashes. Keri creates artisan soaps, candles and skincare products using gentle, eco-friendly formulas inspired by her mother. She has beautifully turned grief into purpose, and we are grateful to share her work and the heart behind it with you.

Looking for the perfect way to pamper yourself or mom this month? Spa owner Brandy Kyle has created a beautiful space to relax, reboot and renew. Read more in The Spa at Rockwater.

After spoiling mom with a spa day, don’t forget to give her a gift she is sure to love. We have rounded up unique and memorable finds in Mother’s Day Gift Inspo

These are some of the stories waiting for you in this issue. We hope you have a beautiful May. To all the mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, godmothers, fur mothers and mother figures out there, we celebrate you this Mother’s Day!

STEPHANIE HASBROUCK, PUBLISHER @LITTLEROCKCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Stephanie Hasbrouck stephanie.hasbrouck@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Anna Yanosick | anna.yanosick@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Anna Yanosick, Stephanie Hasbrouck, Bailey Morris, Kali Kasorzyk, Pattie Noble

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sarah Bussey Photography, Hailey Faria Photography, Merrick Multimedia

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.

inside the issue

Tilley’s Blooms celebrates

“When

Women Empowering Women

2026

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN MAY

city scene

1 – 2: Little Rock showed up to celebrate Mardi Gras with beads, parades and plenty of laughter! In typical SoMa fashion, the neighborhood let the good times roll with music, tasty food and local vendors. 3: Boswell Mourot Fine Art hosted an Artist Talk with Anna Stiritz and Brent Rowley.

4: Artist Brent Rowley at his art opening at Boswell Mourot Fine Art. 5: Coldwell Banker RPM Group recently visited Oaklawn for its annual Day at the Races. 6: RPM Group CEO Kris Upton and Coldwell Banker RPM Group President Karen Upton at A Day at the Races. 7: Artist April Burris painted live during Art Group Gallery’s 2nd Friday Extended Hours event.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

business monthly

In Tandem is One of Five Works featured in Origins

Choreographer McKenna Ulbrick’s In Tandem will be featured in Ballet Arkansas’ Origins: A New Works Celebration May 1 and May 3 at the North Little Rock Event Center. In Tandem represents the fading human connection present in today’s society. The piece explores the relationship of two individuals who struggle to connect even when seemingly close in distance due to the rise of technology and increased innovation. For tickets, visit balletarkansas.org

Parker Post Boutique Opens at The Promenade

Parker Post Boutique is officially open in their gorgeous new space — right next to Lush Cosmetics at The Promenade at Chenal. Stop by to meet their friendly team and discover your next favorite spring style piece. Stay tuned for more exciting new-store announcements at tanger. com/chenal.

Art Group Gallery Artists Update Collection at the Marriott

Last month, Art Group Gallery artists gathered at the Little Rock Marriott to refresh the hotel’s collection with new work. Like the gallery’s main location in Pleasant Ridge Town Center, the Marriott display is updated periodically during what the artists call “Marriott Rehang Days.” The hotel is open seven days a week, and guests can view artwork throughout the property, including the lobby concourse, Heritage Grill and the M Club.

Photography by Matthew Sewell Photography

Free Little Art Gallery Becomes CommunityWide Expression of Creativity

Andrea Kilpatrick, elementary art teacher at Little Rock Christian Academy has created a “Free Little Art Gallery” in the hallway outside her classroom. The gallery is similar to the popular free little libraries but offers artwork instead of books.

“What began as a small way for my students and me to spread a little joy has grown into something much bigger,” she says. “Teachers, staff members and students across campus have felt inspired to contribute their own creations, making it a truly community-wide expression of creativity.”

Your New Ritual Starts Here.

In a world that rarely slows down, The Spa at Rockwater offers a place to pause. From results-driven facials and therapeutic massage to NovaLash eyelash extensions and expertly tailored brow services, each treatment is thoughtfully designed to restore, refresh, and elevate the everyday.

Set against a serene waterside backdrop, it’s where advanced care meets a calming, resort-inspired experience. Because caring for yourself isn’t an indulgence—it’s essential.

Inspiring Women

Giving Flowers to the Women Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies and Serving Others

This month, we celebrate four women whose impact spans service, real estate, nonprofit leadership and artistry: Toni Rose, who made history as the first Black woman to hold the position of Chief Deputy of the Pulaski County Detention Facility; Allison Pickell, a top-producing Executive Broker/Realtor who earned the 2025 Coldwell Banker International President’s Elite award; Artist Sandra Sell, a former Army mechanic who now creates stunning wood sculptures; and Janell Mason, Ronald McDonald House CEO, who provides compassionate support to families when their children are being treated at nearby hospitals.

ARTICLE BY ANNA YANOSICK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BUSSEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Toni Rose Chief Deputy of the Pulaski County Detention Facility

WHAT LASTING IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE — LOCALLY OR BEYOND?

I hope the impact I leave behind is showing people that leadership is about service and integrity. I’ve spent nearly three decades working in corrections, and along the way I’ve tried to lead in a way that’s fair, compassionate and focused on doing the right thing — even when it’s hard. I also hope my journey shows others that where you start does not define where you can go.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE PROUD OF THAT WON’T SHOW UP ON A RÉSUMÉ?

I’m most proud of the people I’ve been able to encourage or mentor along the

way. Over 29 years, you work with a lot of people, and watching someone grow in confidence or step into leadership themselves is incredibly rewarding. Awards and titles are wonderful, but the relationships you build and the lives you touch are what really stay with you.

WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU RECEIVED THAT STILL GUIDES YOU TODAY?

One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is to lead with integrity and treat people fairly. Positions and titles may change, but your character and the way you treat others will always define you. That advice has guided me throughout my career.

“Awards and titles are wonderful, but the relationships you build and the lives you touch are what really stay with you.”

Photo by Sarah Bussey Photography

Allison Pickell Coldwell Banker RPM Group TopProducing

Executive Broker/Realtor

WHAT LASTING IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE — LOCALLY OR BEYOND?

As a Central Arkansas realtor and long-time Little Rock resident, the lasting impact I hope to make is to help strengthen neighborhoods and connect people to places where they can truly belong. Through my work in real estate and with our neighborhood association, I’m dedicated to keeping our neighborhoods strong by creating more beauty, advocating for thoughtful infrastructure and partnering with city leaders to improve the place we all call home. I also volunteer with my church and Mount Holly Cemetery, a historic cemetery, because preserving the stories and sacred spaces of our past matters to the future of our community. As a mother of two grown children and a mentor to newer realtors, I believe it truly takes a village to do this work well, and that our entire industry rises when agents are well-trained, ethically grounded and deeply invested in the people they serve.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE PROUD OF THAT WON’T SHOW UP ON A RÉSUMÉ?

One thing I’m proud of that will never show up on my résumé is how consistently I show up for my neighborhood and my clients as a real person, not just a ‘top-producing realtor.’ I’ve spent years investing in my community through participation in neighborhood and business associations, by attending local events, and I make a point to be the calm, steady person people can lean on during what’s often a very stressful life transition. I love helping solve problems and providing practical solutions.

WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU RECEIVED THAT STILL GUIDES YOU TODAY?

One piece of advice that’s really stayed with me is that something good can come out of everything, even when it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. Life has its share of challenges, but I’ve learned to focus on the positive and look for ways to grow from every experience, good or bad. Gratitude is truly an attitude, and keeping that mindset helps me find meaning and light even in difficult times.

Photo by Sarah Bussey Photography

Sandra Sell Artist

WHAT LASTING IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE — LOCALLY OR BEYOND?

Art has a significant impact on my life, offering both balance and purpose. Through creative expression, I am able to cultivate my thoughts and ideas into objects. The path I took to becoming a full-time artist is long-range planning and dedication to my desire. Initially, making an impact wasn’t my focus, but over time, I have considered that my unrelenting persistence worked out in the long run. I hope my dedication can influence others and inspire their own curiosity.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE PROUD OF THAT WON’T SHOW UP ON A RÉSUMÉ?

I crochet afghans and potholders for relaxation — a skill my mother taught me when I was young. The rhythmic motion comforts and reminds me of spending time with her.

WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU RECEIVED THAT STILL GUIDES YOU TODAY?

Showing up to the studio is a must no matter the level of creativity I am feeling. If I am not feeling creative, there are always maintenance tasks to do. Organize supplies, clean equipment or review unfinished projects to stay productive.

CONTINUED >

“I hope my dedication can influence others and inspire their own curiosity.”

Janell

Mason

Chief Executive Officer, Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana

WHAT LASTING IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE — LOCALLY OR BEYOND?

I hope my work leaves families with seriously ill or injured children feeling fully supported, comforted and never alone. Even small moments of normalcy for families can make a huge difference during a child’s medical journey. More than 10 years into my role as organizational leader, I’m blessed daily to connect with families and witness the impact of our programs, made possible by generous donors, dedicated volunteers and our laser-focused board and teams. In that time, we’ve grown our programs from two to nine across four regions, reaching more families than ever. I’ve also focused on mentoring our team, giving them opportunities to develop as leaders so their impact multiplies and our programs grow stronger. Beyond our region, I’m honored to serve on the Ronald McDonald House Global Board of Trustees, helping strengthen this mission worldwide. I hope that the heart I have for this work continues to ripple outward, creating a network of care and compassion that families everywhere can rely on.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE PROUD OF THAT WON’T SHOW UP ON A RESUME?

For me, seeing our three sons grow into genuinely good humans is the icing on the cake. Each of them has stayed true to who they are and found their own unique path. Watching the way they treat others, with kindness, respect and compassion and hearing friends and colleagues comment on those same qualities makes me incredibly proud.

WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU RECEIVED THAT STILL GUIDES YOU TODAY?

Practice gratitude and joy each day. My personal mantra is “make today count.” For me, it begins with gratitude and joy. I try to start and end every day by reflecting on what’s good, before I go to sleep and again when I wake up. It’s a simple practice, but it changes your perspective. About eight years ago, I brought that idea into our work. I bought red bells for each member of our Ronald McDonald House team and labeled them “Good News.” Whenever we receive good news, we ring them, and other team members join in the celebration. We also have a Good News bell for families. It’s a small ritual, but it reminds us to pause, celebrate progress and be grateful for the moments that matter.

Photo by Sarah Bussey Photography

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THE SPA AT ROCKWATER

Enjoy a Perfect Day of Pampering in a Resort-Like Setting

ARTICLE BY ANNA YANOSICK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAILEY FARIA PHOTOGRAPHY

If there is anyone who deserves a moment of relaxation, it’s mothers. This Mother’s Day, treat her to a well-earned pampering at The Spa at Rockwater.

“The Spa at Rockwater is the perfect Mother’s Day destination because all of our focus goes directly to the client,” Owner Brandy Kyle says. “Our intention is to pamper and

“Our intention is to pamper and refresh each client individually ... You are the singular focus of our service providers, the second you walk through the door.”

refresh each client individually. No distractions, no bustling waiting room. You are the singular focus of our service providers, the second you walk through the door.”

Visitors can admire scenic views of the resort-style pool, alongside the Arkansas River Trail and the Arkansas River, all framed by the distant skyline of the state capitol.

The spa provides a full menu of services, including facials, massage therapy, lash and brow treatments and waxing.

For first-timers, Brandy recommends the spa’s signature facial, featuring cleansing, exfoliation, a hydrating mask, a neck and shoulder massage and moisturizer — fully customizable to individual skincare needs.

The most popular Mother’s Day treatment is the Mom’s Day Out package, which gives guests a full-service relaxation experience, complete with a facial, a massage and a spa lunch from Chicken Salad Chick.

“I believe self-care is especially important for mothers because they are constantly doing for others,” Brandy says. “Taking that time to recharge allows them to return to their families feeling refreshed and appreciated.”

Mothers are always caring for everyone else. This time, let her be the one completely taken care of.

To book appointments, visit rockwaterspa.glossgenius. com/booking-flow

Mother Vine Market Mother Vine Market

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.

Women Empowering Women

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Is Advancing Opportunity, Education and Economic Mobility for Women and Girls

To say the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas supports women would be an understatement. This 28-year-old organization is the only statewide foundation focused solely on women and girls in Arkansas.

“We strive to not only expand educational opportunities for women who do not have access to them, but also empower and equip women with the necessary resources for emerging occupations, improve the economic status of Arkansas women and girls and promote entrepreneurship,” says Chief Growth Officer Sarah Riffle.

The idea was born in 1998, when Olivia Farrell, former CEO of the Arkansas Business Publishing Group, and Pat Lile, then president of the Arkansas Community Foundation, identified leaders for the “Top 100 Women in Arkansas” list for Arkansas Business. After being honored, those 100 women joined forces to create an organization for and by women.

Today, WFA leads initiatives and conducts research to identify barriers and opportunities facing women and girls across the state.

The Girls of Promise Initiative encourages girls to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) at a time when interest in these fields often wanes.

“Through programs like Girls of Promise Conference and the Tjuana Byrd Summer Internship, girls and young women have increased exposure to opportunities they

ARTICLE BY ANNA YANOSICK PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

didn’t know possible, helping to grow their confidence and build pathways toward a more financially secure future,” Sarah says.

After a 2018 WFA report revealed that eastern Arkansas has both the highest rates of women living below the poverty line and the most women-owned businesses, WFA established the Women’s Economic Mobility Hub to provide technical support and $5,000 grants to help female entrepreneurs thrive, particularly in the Delta region.

Complementing this work, the annual Power of the Purse luncheon has celebrated accomplished women across the state, bringing together more than 800 attendees to share inspirational stories of leadership since 1999.

By uplifting women and girls, WFA is brightening Arkansas’s future.

For more information, visit womensfoundationarkansas.org

The most recent cohort of Women’s Economic Mobility Hub graduates

•

Beauty from Ashes

What Began as Care for One Has Become Comfort for Many

Keri Miller found a special way to honor her late mother while also bringing comfort to others. After learning how to make coldpressed soap to ease her mother’s pain during chemotherapy, she founded Beauty from Ashes Candle Co., which offers artisan soaps, candles and skincare products using eco-friendly and phthalate-free formulas for gentle nourishment.

FROM GRIEF TO GIVING

When Keri’s mother, who lived in Canada, was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Keri knew she needed to find a way to support her despite the distance. During her research, she discovered that unscented soap made with premium ingredients like cocoa butter could help soothe skin sensitivity caused by chemotherapy.

“The first Beauty from Ashes product was Sharon’s Caring Gentle Soap — named after my mom and inspired by her belief that sharing is caring,” Keri says.

Since its founding, Beauty from Ashes has donated more than 1,300 bars to cancer patients.

“I usually give them directly to people at events or through businesses that support cancer patients,” Keri says. “It’s been incredibly eye-opening and humbling, as it shows just how many people are either battling cancer or are connected to someone who is.”

In addition to its signature soap, Beauty from Ashes offers a luxury Arkansas-based candle line called The Arkansas Collection, created to honor the state’s natural beauty and inspired by its many landmarks. One example is the Eureka Springs candle, which blends notes of sandalwood and patchouli to reflect the area’s charm.

“Each scent in the collection is inspired by these special places, bringing them to life in candle form so people can take home a small reminder of their favorite Arkansas destination,” she says.

Keri adds, “Beauty from Ashes is more than candles and soap, it’s how I honor my mom, give back to our community and hopefully remind others that even in the most difficult seasons, there is still hope.”

For more information, visit beauty-fromashes.com

Building The Perfect Flower Bed

How To Build Your Spring Time Flower Beds

With sunny skies upon us, it’s time to start planting flower beds! The colorful flowers and fresh floral scents mark the beginning of Spring. It can be hard deciding what you’re going to do so we put together a guide to give you a little gardening inspiration. With everything you need to know including plant necessities and tastefully decorating your garden, we have you covered!

ARTICLE BAILEY MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

TAKE COLOR INTO ACCOUNT

Decide on a color scheme that includes 2-3 colors that complement each other.

CONSIDER PLANT HEIGHT

When choosing which plants you will use, take into consideration how tall the plants will grow and place the tallest in the back.

USE THE RIGHT SOIL

Different flowers have different soil requirements. Make sure you check what soil will fit your plants' needs best.

SUN AND WATER REQUIREMENTS

Look at the location of the flower beds. Is it in a sunny area or a shady area? Depending, make sure you choose flowers that will thrive in that area.

INCLUDE A FOCAL POINT

Create a centerpiece with some fun decor. You can use a bird bath, fountain, or even an antique wagon filled with more flowers.

mother’s day gift inspo

Thoughtful gifts that reflect her style, her rituals and her individuality

Mother’s Day is a chance to celebrate the women who shape our lives, and the best gifts should be just as thoughtful and distinctive as they are.

These gift ideas are both personal and enduring: timeless fine jewelry she’ll treasure for years to come, a stunning vintage handbag with stories stitched into every seam, a pair of European antique chairs that make a statement and carry a sense of history and a handcrafted tea set designed for moments of quiet indulgence.

When choosing a gift this year, let’s celebrate mom’s individuality, her taste and the rituals that she embraces.

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Custom-designed necklace by Laura Stanley Personal Jeweler featuring fine baroque South Sea pearls and a removable pendant with a diamond accent bail

Organic, handcrafted tea blend from Fennel & Fire

Vintage Comeco 60s peacock feather and leather crossbody from Round Up Vintage

A pair of European antique chairs from The Punch Bowl

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

MAY 2ND

Be a Part of the Cure Walk

War Memorial Stadium | 8:00 AM

The Be a Part of the Cure Walk aims to raise awareness in the community about cancer and provide the participants with education on cancer prevention and treatment. Every dollar raised stays in Arkansas to fund cancer research, clinical trials and long-term survival studies at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. For more information, visit give.uams.edu/event/2026-be-a-part-of-the-cure-walk/e731588.

MAY 2ND

Sip & Shop at The Promenade

The Promenade at Chenal | 4:00 PM Ladies, get ready for a night made just for you! Sip & Shop brings fashion, cocktails, treats, photo ops and a Spring Style Sneak Peek — complete with looks modeled by Miss Arkansas, live entertainment, giveaways and exclusive offers. Grab your girls and enjoy a fabulous night out! For details, visit tanger.com/chenal.

MAY 8TH

Art Group Gallery Second Friday Night Event

Art Group Gallery | 5:00 PM

Don’t miss Art Group Gallery’s Second Friday Night event from 5-8 p.m. May 8. Vonda Rainey will be the featured artist, painting live in the gallery that evening. It’s a perfect opportunity to shop for a unique Mother’s Day gift while watching Vonda paint. For more information, visit artgrouparkansas.com.

WILD GARDENS

Susan Chambers and Yelena Petroukhina

May 16-June 6, 2026

Opening Reception on Saturday, May 16th, 6-9 p.m.

Tues-Fri 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and by appointment

Susan Chambers

Yelena Petroukhina

Want to be featured?

MAY 8TH – 9TH

501Fest

River Market Entertainment District | Various Times

Don’t miss 501FEST 2026, where our community comes alive on 501 Day. Enjoy a day of live entertainment, local vendors, delicious food and family-friendly fun that celebrates the heart of our city. For more information, visit 501festival.com.

MAY 16TH

Mount Holly Garden Series: Roses A to Z

Mount Holly Cemetery | 9:00 AM

James Shelton, Baucum Nursery Manager, Arkansas Forestry Division will present Roses A to Z at the May Mount Holly Garden Series. Bring a lawn chair, enjoy the cemetery’s beauty and learn something new about gardening. Master Gardeners earn education points for attendance. For more information, visit mounthollycemetery.org.

MAY 29TH

Second Annual Baptist Health Stroke Walk

Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock | 10:00 AM

Join Baptist Health on Friday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a walk celebrating stroke survivors, honoring loved ones and raising awareness about stroke symptoms. This free event is an opportunity to connect with fellow survivors, families, health care professionals and the caring community of central Arkansas. For details on how to register, visit baptist-health.com/step-out-for-stroke.

People

How wrong?

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATTI NOBLE

SPRINGTIME cheer

Whether you're catching up with your closest friends on a sunny spring afternoon or savoring a well-spent day with your mom, sister or aunt, there's something special about gathering over a pitcher of crisp, refreshing white sangria. This bright, flavorful, fruit-filled cocktail is the perfect companion for laughter, stories, meaningful conversation, and making memories with the ones who know you best. Cheers to friendship and a glass half full!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle dry rosé wine, or white wine*

• 1 cup vodka**

• 1 cup sliced or chunked strawberries

• 2 medium limes, sliced into thin wheels, more for garnish

• 2 medium lemons or oranges sliced into thin wheels

• 1 1/2 cups sparkling water, chilled

• Raspberries or Blackberries