Artist looking in Arkansas... (Fort Smith, Bella Vista: college, shops, move to)
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I am having to temporarily relocate to Jonesboro (where family is) and I am scared that my weird artsy ways will be a freak out for those in that area. I am a post-punk, free-thinking, natural foods co-op believing, anti-religious hippie photogprapher mom (to put it mildly), and I wonder if there are hangouts where these types hang out. My child is also a very creative type - are we going to be bombarded by churchy Wal-Mart types who have narrow minded views on people who are "different?"
I don't really know much about Jonesboro, but from my limited experience I'd say it's probably not going to be your favorite place in the world. Sorry.
Though there is a college there! Which might, hopefully, help? My rather freaky artist cousin went to school there and made it through okay...
I just realized someone else was asking about Jonesboro elsewhere in the forum, and knowledgeable people are answering. They'll be much more help than me.
"churchy Wal-Mart types" wow you've got some stereotyping going on there...
Nevertheless, I can answer some of your questions, as I lived in Jonesboro for several years.
There is a farmers market that got started a few years ago and has been improving ever since. It is located on the corner of Aggie Rd. and Stadium Rd. across from the college. I believe they are open on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings (unless things have changed). One of the farmers there owns an organic farm in the nearby small community of Whitton. They would be a great resource for fresh, natural foods.
I don't know much about the art scene there. You might contact Arkansas State University's art department to get more information regarding that. There is a local art foundation: Foundation of Arts -- Jonesboro, AR
Will you be bombarded by people who are not open to other types of lifestyles?
I like to think on the positive side of life. Being nice to others in general goes a long way, regardless of your lifestyle. I don't think people will attack you or pressure you into their lifestyle.
Hot Springs has quite a large and diversified art community...we've even managed to get one of the old bath houses on central avenue open for MOCA..Museum of Contemporary Art (hope I got that right) and doing THAT is quite a coup!!! We have the gallery walk and lots of stuff going on spring, summer, fall ..winter...you name it. Hubby and I are not involved (except to check out the galleries on occasion) but the local media advertises the arts very well.
I am having to temporarily relocate to Jonesboro (where family is) and I am scared that my weird artsy ways will be a freak out for those in that area. I am a post-punk, free-thinking, natural foods co-op believing, anti-religious hippie photogprapher mom (to put it mildly), and I wonder if there are hangouts where these types hang out. My child is also a very creative type - are we going to be bombarded by churchy Wal-Mart types who have narrow minded views on people who are "different?"
Wow....!
If you go out there and announce that, you'll either be bombarded or totally ignored.
If *anyone* goes out there with a chip on their shoulder, republicans, libertarians, city folk, hillbillys, hippies, skinheads, religious right, liberal left....
I don't care who you are, if you try, you're sure gonna find somebody that don't like ya much.
If you go out there and announce that, you'll either be bombarded or totally ignored.
If *anyone* goes out there with a chip on their shoulder, republicans, libertarians, city folk, hillbillys, hippies, skinheads, religious right, liberal left....
I don't care who you are, if you try, you're sure gonna find somebody that don't like ya much.
To put it mildly.
I agree! Narrow-mindedness is a two-way street. It does sound like someone has a chip on their shoulder. Give this a try. You don't have to agree with everyone but don't put them down just because they have different views. Be nice. Some will not respond and some people are just mean-spirited. But if you respect their differences many will respect yours. If you go around looking for trouble and flaunt yourself in their face you can expect bad treatment. Dress like a bohemian, have tattoos, color your hair blue--some will avoid you--but if you are friendly there are alot of decent folk that will be friendly back. Above all, volunteer to help people and do a kindness--that old lady next-door is a church-goer but is lonely. Bring her some flowers. Talk with her. Oh, and get a dog and walk it down the street. No one can resist a friendly dog. I actually like cats better than dogs, but you can't walk them! Take an interest in the community--its history, schools, parks, and volunteer to help. Some may shun you but not everyone will. Above all, don't attack others beliefs--and the tone of the post appeared to be doing just that.
I worked at Cool Beans Cafe (now defunct) in Hot Springs in '04. One of our younger employees was trying very hard to be Bohemian; she wanted badly to "be" an artist but had no exp nor work to show, etc. All she ended up doing was "hanging out" with the crowd who accepted her. We have tons of those kids here and they find their niche...they aren't stupid but they don't seem to be in touch with reality. She spent more time making herself a latte to take home when she got off...than she did actually working..so she didn't stay long at the shop. Her friends who came in to see her, never bought a thing but they talked about things that went way over this old lady's head
and seemed to have no need to interact with the older crowd.
I liked her and hope she's doing well wherever she is and Hot Springs is the place to get a start in the art world but she and her friends always seemed to want to be someplace else.
I am having to temporarily relocate to Jonesboro (where family is) and I am scared that my weird artsy ways will be a freak out for those in that area. I am a post-punk, free-thinking, natural foods co-op believing, anti-religious hippie photogprapher mom (to put it mildly), and I wonder if there are hangouts where these types hang out. My child is also a very creative type - are we going to be bombarded by churchy Wal-Mart types who have narrow minded views on people who are "different?"
I can't add much more than what has been said by RogMar and the others. As for being bombarded, I don't know about Jonesboro, but yes,people will approach you about church, we have found all you need to say is, I have a home church and that will be the end of it.
I can tell you, it sounds like you are as narrow minded as the other side. If you let the people in Jonesboro know you are not happy, are used to a different life and are not willing to bend a bit yourself, your time there will be miserable. It is partly up to you..
BTW, you like photography, there are many wonderful places to photograph in Arkansas.
Totally!!! just because you come from a part of the country where people are more OPEN does not mean you have the right to pass judgement on people who have a different mindset when you GO to that area where folks may have such a mindset.
As my 14yr old daughter says, Mom you are not going to find exactly the same kind of church you had in California. She says act as if you are in California and be your cheerful open self and request current christian songs. It just takes time, she says. She is right and that is exactly what I am doing.
Just realize and be respectful to the Arkansas people. I dont think anyone is opposed to positive change but I believe we are ALL opposed to having something CRAMMED down our throats over night!
It really is a wonderful place and I would take it over a big city any day.... of course I am a country girl and was not raised up in the city.
Try and open up your mind to the possibilties of exploring a place rather than changing it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RogMar
Wow....!
If you go out there and announce that, you'll either be bombarded or totally ignored.
If *anyone* goes out there with a chip on their shoulder, republicans, libertarians, city folk, hillbillys, hippies, skinheads, religious right, liberal left....
I don't care who you are, if you try, you're sure gonna find somebody that don't like ya much.
To put it mildly.
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Who's the narrow-minded one, here?
Take an interest in the community--its history, schools, parks, and volunteer to help. Some may shun you but not everyone will. Above all, don't attack others beliefs--and the tone of the post appeared to be doing just that.
