I’m teaching in Searcy, Arkansas this week and one of my participants suggested that I should go to the downtown area to see ‘Art Alley’… so I did! I was told that the alley is constantly being re-painted, which in essence, creates an ever-changing art display for the public to admire. My favorite painting (pictured below) features a tired-looking woman who just happens to be rocking bright red lipstick and fingernails! The pink background screams of cotton candy and Pepto-Bismol, but yet, it somehow works!
A few more pictures from the downtown area…
After walking around downtown Searcy, and being totally captivated by its charm, I found out that the town will be featured on an upcoming reality show called, ‘Small Business Revolution.’ The show hosted by Ty Pennington and Amanda Brinkman will air this fall on Hulu. In addition to being featured on the show, the town won $500,000.00, which is earmarked toward the revitalization effort that has already been going on here (Just look at the movie theater pictured above!). Six small businesses have won a $25,000 each (from the total earnings), and they will given marketing advice to help grow their businesses. I feel proud of the town and I’ve only been here a week!
Check out: Small Business Revolution Video featuring the town of Searcy, Arkansas!
My daughter was in your class today (she lives in Alexandria, VA) and sent me a link to your web site. My family moved to Searcy AR in 1945. I graduated from Harding U. and then lived “up North” but continued to visit Searcy. I am sorry that the Art Alley didn’t exist then. The court house and movie theater look unchanged. I don’t remember ever seeing anyone actually enter the court house but that is where my father went to get my driver’s license even though I had never driven. That is how things were done in those days. Men were in charge. Your favorite picture reminds me of Miss Blanche, the town librarian when I was young. Silence was enforced by a simple Look from Miss Blanche. My how librarians have changed.
Mary,
It’s so good to hear from you. The people of Searcy were so friendly–and I enjoyed my week there!