Little Rock, AR November 2025

Live well Coldwell with

Thankful

Happy November, friends! November is one of my favorite months. Now that my kiddos have mostly grown and flown the nest, I look forward to Thanksgiving even more than I used to. There’s just something about slowing down and being present with each other. No gifts. No pressure. Just simply gathering together to give thanks and break bread. This month, in our Thankful issue, we celebrate the act of being thankful and showing gratitude to others.

We begin by giving thanks to talented local artist Shirley Anderson for lending her “Ouachita Fall” to our cover this month. We couldn’t have asked for a better depiction of a perfect autumn day in our beloved Natural State.

Speaking of perfection, we pay a visit this month to The Punch Bowl in SoMa, where owner Angela Sortor sets “A Timeless Table” and the tone for an unforgettable feast.   Perhaps the most important part of the Thanksgiving meal — the real MVPs — are the turkey and the mashed potatoes. (We dare you to disagree!) But oftentimes, these also are the most intimidating dishes. Have no fear this year — Tay Stratton, owner of Fennel and Fire, shares her Classic Roasted Turkey and Perfect Mashed Potato recipes. Your guests will be wildly impressed!

Speaking of impressive, have you visited the town of Wilson? If not, this holiday season is the perfect time to take a road trip and experience a “Wilson Winter Wonderland.”

This time of year sparks the giving spirit, and we’re offering “Three Ways to Give Thanks” to the neighbors in our community who serve us on a daily basis. Giving back is important to the City Lifestyle family. Once again, our parent company is launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign, a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals who have quietly fallen through the cracks. Our company’s mission is simple: to bring light, dignity and hope to those in need. Read more about how you can be a part of this effort in “Hope Begins with You.”

In closing, I want to give heartfelt thanks to you, our readers, our incomparable advertising partners and our talented team. Our community is filled with truly the best people and small businesses. And we are so grateful. We hope you have a beautiful Thanksgiving. And, in the words of W.H. Auden, “Let all your thinks be thanks.”

STEPHANIE HASBROUCK, PUBLISHER @LITTLEROCKCITYLIFESTYLE

November 2025

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, Alison Stanton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hailey Faria Photography, Sarah Oden

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

Tree Lighting

city scene

Art Group Gallery celebrated the opening of its Coordinates exhibition featuring the works of Holly Tilley and April Burris. | 1: Holly Tilley and April Burris with photographer Julie Gayler (center), who helped promote the exhibition. 2: The opening of Coordinates drew an impressive crowd. 3: Christian Tilley and Jared Admire provided music for the event.

Photography by Art Group Gallery

Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas Holds Gratitude Gathering

Nov. 20

Join Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, as it kicks off the season of thanksgiving with a mimosa mingle and luncheon at Pleasant Valley Country Club. The event will celebrate and honor Lee Bass and Larry Crain Jr. for their lasting contributions to the success of Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas. In addition, Habitat homeowners will share heartfelt stories of home and gratitude. To reserve tickets, visit habitatcentralar.org/gratitude.

Baptist Health College

Little Rock hosts North Little Rock High students

Baptist Health College Little Rock hosted 56 students from North Little Rock High School and the Center of Excellence for a Baptist Health College tour. The students participated in hands-on exercises in skills labs, includ ing Occupational Therapy Assistant, Sleep Technology, Nursing and Surgical Technology. The initiative provides students with practical learning experi ences that bridge classroom knowledge with real-world applications, preparing them for college, careers and life.

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Boswell Mourot Fine Art Hosts Holiday Party

Boswell Mourot Fine Art will host a Holiday Party from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Boswell Mourot Fine Art, 1501 S. Main Street, Suite H. The event will feature original art, gifts, live music, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. For more information, visit boswellmourot.com.

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Holiday Party

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A Timeless Table

Angela Sortor, Owner of The Punch Bowl, Curates an Enchanting Holiday Tablescape

A memorable holiday meal begins with an enchanting and timeless table.  This month, we asked Angela Sortor, owner of The Punch Bowl, to curate an elegant holiday table that sets the tone for an unforgettable evening.

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“I wanted to create a table with what existed in the shop; the Dionysus plates were the winner and drove the color palette,” Angela says. “I love the colors and texture of this pattern – and the name Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and festivity, among other things, is perfect for a celebration of bounty. Plus, these plates are probably 100 years old, and I like to think about all the family dinners and celebrations they’ve been part of.”

Angela’s choice of dried florals and vibrant plum hydrangeas gave the tablescape depth, color and warmth. And, they were a practical option.

“During harvest time in France, it would be customary to decorate with flowers from the garden, preserved flowers, grapes, whatever is on hand – similar to our typical Thanksgiving decorations. The dried flowers were on hand at the shop, and the hydrangeas and branches with berries came from my yard.”

Angela chose oversized, monogrammed napkins for the settings “as they are large in scale, providing ample coverage, while contributing to a sense of luxury and elegance.”

Angela notes that if there is one item worth investing in for a holiday tablescape, it’s an elegant set of dishes.

“You don’t need an entire set, just dinner plates or salad plates, and you can mix and match with what you have and add to your collection over the years.”

Most of all, Angela says it’s important to be creative and intentional with the process.

“Creating a beautiful table is an act of love,” she says. “It communicates to your guests that they’re important to you, and it sets the stage for a special dining experience among family and friends.”

The Punch Bowl is located at 1501 Main Street, Suite 300, and specializes in European antiques. The Punch Bowl will host a Holiday Party from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. The event will include live music, drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

“Creating a beautiful table is an act of love. It communicates to your guests that they’re important to you, and it sets the stage for a special dining experience among family and friends.”

THANKS-

MVP s GIVING

ARTICLE BY TAY STRATTON PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

Everyone Knows the Stars of Thanksgiving Are the Turkey and the Mashed Potatoes

CLASSIC ROASTED TURKEY WITH RUB A BIRD BUTTER

breast and thigh skin to create pockets. Be careful not to tear.

4. Spread the butter: Rub the seasoned butter generously under the skin over the breasts and thighs, pressing from the outside to smooth it out.

5. Stuff for flavor: Place onion, apple, lemon, garlic and herbs inside the cavity. Tie the legs loosely with kitchen twine.

6. Oil and season the skin: Brush olive oil or melted butter over the turkey, then sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for crisp, flavorful skin.

7. Roast: Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Roast uncovered until a thermometer reads 165° in the thickest part of the thigh (about 13–15 minutes per pound). If the breast browns too quickly, tent with foil.

8. Rest: Transfer turkey to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest 30 minutes before carving. Finish with a little extra Rub a Bird seasoning and Fire Salt just before serving.

INGREDIENTS:

• Turkey (12–14 lbs.), thawed if frozen

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 Tbsp Fennel & Fire Rub A Bird Seasoning

• 1 large onion, quartered

• 1 apple, quartered

• 1 lemon, quartered

• 1 head garlic, halved crosswise

• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (or thyme)

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

2. Make the compound butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with Rub A Bird Seasoning until evenly combined.

3. Loosen the skin: Starting at the cavity end, gently slide your fingers under the

DIRECTIONS:

1. Boil the potatoes: Place russets and golds in a large pot, cover with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer until fork-tender, about 20–25 minutes. Drain well.

2. Layering is the key: Pass one-third of the hot potatoes through a ricer into a large bowl. Top with 1/3 of the melted butter, sour cream, mayo and warmed half-and-half. Sprinkle in a generous teaspoon of sea salt, white pepper and Veggie Heaven. Repeat two more times. Once the layers are in place, stir only once or twice, just enough to bring it together — this keeps them smooth, not gummy. Add more half-andhalf as needed for desired creaminess.

3. Taste & adjust: Don’t be shy — taste and add more salt, pepper and Veggie Heaven to make them irresistible.

4. Serve hot: Finish with a drizzle of melted butter or another sprinkle of Veggie Heaven on top.

For more recipes and a selection of Fennel and Fire seasoning blends, visit fennelandfire.com

TAY’S PERFECT MASHED POTATOES

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 2 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup sour cream (warmed slightly)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (room temp)

• 1/2–3/4 cup half-and-half, warmed

• 3 tsp Pacific Sun Sea Salt (plus more to taste)

• 2 tsp white pepper

• 3-4 tsp Veggie Heaven Seasoning

FENNEL & FIRE

Fall in Love with Flavor

Spread Some Holiday Cheer Throughout the Community This Year

Three Ways To Give Thanks

November is all about giving thanks to friends and family, but it’s also the perfect time to show appreciation for those in your community. A small gesture can go a long way when spreading holiday cheer. Here are three simple ways to say “thank you” to neighbors and everyday heroes this season.

ARTICLE BY ANNA YANOSICK | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Deliver baked goods to first responders

Show gratitude to firefighters, police officers and medical professionals by sharing a sweet treat. Whether store-bought or homemade, the gesture shows you care. These professionals often work long, stressful hours, particularly during the holiday season. Pack cookies, muffins or brownies in small bundles that they can easily grab. Want to go the extra mile? Include a $5 gift card to a local coffee shop inside each goodie bag. And don’t forget a handwritten note — and a drawing from the kiddos — to let them know their hard work is seen.

Take wish-list items to local animal shelters & include something special for the caregivers

Animal shelters always need extra support, especially as the colder months roll in. Consider donating food, toys, blankets, towels and cleaning supplies. Most shelters have wish lists on their websites. And while you’re giving to the animals, don’t forget the people behind the scenes. Caregivers and volunteers work hard, thankless hours keeping animals safe and healthy, so bringing them coffee, snacks or a heartfelt thank-you card can remind them how much they mean to the community’s people and pets. Want to go the extra mile? Include a gift card to a local soap shop so they can enjoy some extra pampering.

Leave goodies on the porch for delivery drivers

With holiday shopping in full swing, delivery drivers are busier than ever. Taking the time to leave snacks or goodie bags on your porch could make a real difference. Not only are you providing fuel but a sense of gratitude for the people actively making our lives easier and our holidays brighter. It’s a thoughtful way to fuel their day and show your appreciation for the people who keep everything moving. Want to go the extra mile? Place a cooler on the porch with cold bottled waters.

WILSON Winter Wonderland

ENJOY A FESTIVE ROADTRIP TO WILSON THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

ARTICLE BY ANNA YANOSICK | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

Tucked in the Arkansas Upper Delta lies the historic town of Wilson, a revitalized farm and craft community that seems to have leaped from the pages of a storybook.

“Known affectionately as America’s Village, Wilson guests discover an experience that feels both timeless and modern — sipping cocktails infused with fruit grown just steps away, listening to live music under the stars or finding themselves in conversations that turn neighbors into friends,” says Tom Smith, Senior Vice President of Wilson. “For those looking for a holiday getaway that combines Southern charm with a sense of wonder, Wilson is a destination where lasting memories are made.”

Wilson’s signature event, the Wilson Winter Wonderland, has become a beloved tradition.

“Now in its third year, the event lights up Wilson with lights programmed to music, and children of all ages delight in visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus — while adults can linger over mulled wine, orchard-inspired treats and the kind of nostalgic charm that makes the holidays feel magical again,” Tom says.

Visitors can stay at The Louis Hotel, a 16-room boutique property in the town’s square, or in the nearby cottages.

A unique, luxurious dining experience awaits guests at the Holiday Wine Dinner at Tin House, located at the golf clubhouse. The evening features a multi-course menu thoughtfully paired with selections from The Lawrence Wine Estates.

Shoppers can explore White’s Mercantile, owned by Holly Williams, granddaughter of country music legend Hank Williams. And no visit is complete without a meal at The Wilson Café, serving Southern comfort food with fresh ingredients from The Grange at Wilson Gardens and local and regional farms. The café is open daily, including Christmas Day — reservations are always suggested.

“What sets Wilson apart is the balance — it’s luxurious without being pretentious, intimate yet full of experiences, steeped in history yet brimming with new energy.”

— Tom Smith

“We have events happening all throughout the holiday season,” Tom says, “from family reunions, three weddings and a 50th birthday celebration for guests of The Louis and Cottage Collection to signature events such as Breakfast with Santa, Sunday Brunch and corporate Christmas Parties.”

Johnny Cash’s childhood home in Dyess or Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis are two must-see landmarks, just a short drive from Wilson. Back in town, Staple, voted the Best Boutique Bar in Arkansas, comes alive at night with classic cocktails and live music. Outdoors, try trap and skeet shooting at Wilson Field Club or play a round at Tin House Golf Club.

This year, Tom says guests can enjoy expanded light displays, regional farm-inspired meals and a host of interactive events at The Louis, including Elf Happy Hour and custom experiences exclusive to overnight guests.

“What sets Wilson apart is the balance — it’s luxurious without being pretentious, intimate yet full of experiences, steeped in history yet brimming with new energy,” he says.

For more information on Wilson, visit  wilsonarkansas.com .

H O P E

with YOU

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

Tips on meal prepping for less stress

Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Create Your Thanksgiving Menu

• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark.

• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.

• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand.

• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.

• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.

4-5 DAYS BEFORE

Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh

Groceries

• Clean your home completely. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.

• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.

• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating.

2-3 DAYS BEFORE

Prep Meals & Set the Table

• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.

• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go. Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free.

• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.

• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.

1 DAY BEFORE

Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks

• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum.

• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough.

• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.

• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!

• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.

Stephanie turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?

Little Rock

City Lifestyle

Published by Stephanie Loved by Little Rock

2025

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

NOVEMBER 1ST

Día de Muertos

Plaza Frida | 5:00 PM

Celebrate Día de Muertos at Plaza Frida, an evening glowing with tradition, music and community. The cultural celebration honors loved ones who have passed.

NOVEMBER 1ST

Boswell Mourot Fine Art Exhibition

Boswell Mourot Fine Art | 6:00 PM

Boswell Mourot Fine Art will present the works of Soyoon Ahn, Sharon Locke and Mark Blaney Nov. 1-22, with an Opening Reception from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. For more information, visit boswellmourot.com

NOVEMBER 2ND

Turkey Trails

Cook’s Landing | 9:00 AM

Get festive and fit at the annual Turkey Trails 5K/10K, a Thanksgiving-themed race for the whole family, filled with fun, fitness and holiday spirit. Costumes encouraged. Visit runsignup.com to sign up.

NOVEMBER 4TH

Spark! Gala

Museum of Discovery | 6:30 PM

The Museum of Discovery’s signature fundraiser, Spark!, offers hands-on science activities, food and drink and a premier silent auction. The evening also honors Spark! Stars, who are Arkansans with successful careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. All proceeds support the Museum of Discovery. For tickets, visit sales.museumofdiscovery.org

NOVEMBER 5TH, 12TH, & 19TH

Bright Nights

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts | 5:00 PM

Experience the AMFA’s Bright Nights, nights of jazz, gourmet snacks and champagne in the Cultural Living Room. For more information, visit arkmfa.org.

NOVEMBER 6TH

GloWILD: Opening Night

Little Rock Zoo | 5:00 PM

Experience the return of Little Rock Zoo’s GloWILD and immerse yourself in dazzling lights, larger-than-life displays and unforgettable memories. This after-dark adventure at the Little Rock Zoo runs select nights, Thursday through Sunday, from November through January, excluding Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For more information, visit littlerockzoo.com

Want to be featured?

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NOVEMBER 7TH

Wildwood Toast & Taste

Wildwood Park for the Arts | 6:30 PM

Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious wines and bites from top local restaurants, set in the beautiful natural surroundings of Wildwood Park. For more information, visit wildwoodpark.org.

NOVEMBER 8TH

Chili Fights in the Heights

The Heights | 12:00 PM

This annual chili cook-off features competition, family fun and plenty of delicious tasting. Proceeds benefit the Arkansas Foodbank. For more information, visit littlerock.com/events.

NOVEMBER 13TH

AMFA Concert Series

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts | 7:30 PM

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter James McMurtry takes the AMFA stage, bringing his signature storytelling hits to life. For more information, visit arkmfa.org.

NOVEMBER 14TH

Joseph

and

the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Wildwood Park for the Arts | Various Times

Wildwood Park for the Arts presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, 11 brothers and the coat of many colors. For more information, visit wildwoodpark.org.

NOVEMBER 15TH AND 16TH

ASO Presents: Beethoven and Blue Jeans

Robinson Center | Various Times

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra hosts “Beethoven and Blue Jeans,” including works by Beethoven, Revueltas, Márquez and Marina Lopez. For tickets, visit arkansassymphony.org.

NOVEMBER 15TH

Bark ‘N Paws Rescue Dog Fair

Arkansas State Fairgrounds | 10:00 AM

Arkansas’ largest rescue dog fair features adoptable pets, training demonstrations, vendors and more. For more information, visit littlerock.com/events.

FINDING Peace in PLEIN AIR

Artist

Shirley Anderson Discovers Love of Creating Art Outdoors and Teaching Others

Shirley Anderson proves it’s never too late to pursue a passion for art. After working in a crime lab and retiring from project management, she found peace in painting plein air — creating art outdoors — using soft pastels.

“I want people to see my world the way I see my world,” Shirley says.

Shirley took on art lessons as a way to relax after leaving the corporate world. Today, she finds the most joy in teaching.

“I just want to share all of my knowledge and my experience and make people the best artists they can be,” she says.

“Ouachita Fall,” featured on the cover, originated from a group plein air session Shirley did in the scenic Ouachita National Falls.

“The whole basis of my landscapes is that calm feeling — that connection with nature, that atmospheric perspective that makes it look like you can just walk into them,” she says.

Shirley is the co-founder of the Arkansas Pastel Society and the Vice President of the International Association of Pastel Societies. She is also a part of the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 Artist Registry for the Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

See more of Shirley’s work at Art Group Gallery or visit shirleyandersonart.com

ARTICLE BY ANNA YANOSICK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH ODEN

A Fall Escape Worth Savoring

Escape

Whether you come for adventure, relaxation, or a taste of something new — Wilson welcomes you.