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Image for event: NEW SOIL

NEW SOIL

2024-12-13 09:00:00 2024-12-13 13:00:00 America/Chicago NEW SOIL Photo exhibit showing the diverse landscape and community of Rose City in North Little Rock, AR. William F. Laman Public Library - Laman Gallery - Exhibits

Friday, December 13
9:00am - 1:00pm

Add to Calendar 2024-12-13 09:00:00 2024-12-13 13:00:00 America/Chicago NEW SOIL Photo exhibit showing the diverse landscape and community of Rose City in North Little Rock, AR. William F. Laman Public Library - Laman Gallery - Exhibits

William F. Laman Public Library

Laman Gallery - Exhibits

Photo exhibit showing the diverse landscape and community of Rose City in North Little Rock, AR.

NEW SOIL STATEMENT

This exhibition explores the richly layered landscape of Rose City, Arkansas—capturing the essence of a community that has experienced profound transformations over time. From its origins as the first blue-collar neighborhood incorporated into North Little Rock, Rose City is a demographically and socioeconomically diverse area shaped by industry, commerce, and the lives of its residents. Through this collection of images, we invite viewers to see the evolving heart of Rose City, told through the lenses of three distinct local photographers, each with their own narrative and vision of this complex, yet resilient, community.

Our photographs document the spectrum of life here, from the quiet streets of residential neighborhoods to the corners of commercial areas, and the raw, industrial spaces that speak to its working-class roots. Each image reflects a different facet of Rose City’s identity—its pride, its struggle, and its endurance. 

As a collaborative project, this exhibition brings together our shared commitment to not only preserving the visual history of Rose City but also celebrating the ways in which its past and present converge in unexpected beauty.

Through our individual interpretations, we seek to portray the often-overlooked nuances of this neighborhood—the warm receptions from its residents, the imprints of industry, and the everyday life that continues to thrive amidst change. We hope this documentation fosters a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped this community and continue to define its future.

New Soil is more than a visual record. It is an invitation to reflect on how landscapes, like the people who inhabit them, are living entities—constantly evolving, forever shaped by the complex interplay of history, economics, and human will.

ARTISTS

Derek R. Slagle, Ph.D. (b. 1984, Tennessee) is an American documentary and fine-art film photographer, based in Little Rock, Arkansas. His photographic work covers narratives primarily in the Southern and Midwestern areas of the United States. His artistic practice has extended to partnerships with nonprofits and governmental entities for documentation of science of conservation practices. Dr. Slagle has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; a Master of Science from East Tennessee State University; a Ph.D. from Florida Atlantic University; and Executive Education from Harvard University. He was a 2023 Catalyze Grant recipient from the Mid-America Arts Alliance. His photographs have been exhibited broadly in numerous museums, galleries, and publications.

Vincent Griffin (b. 1980, Arkansas) is a Southern documentary film photographer based in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He primarily focuses on chronicling the people, places, and mythology of the Southern United States. His work has been featured in notable exhibitions including the 59th Annual Delta Exhibition at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, “Dogs & Children” curated by David Carol at the South x Southeast Photo Gallery in Molena, Georgia, and more recently, the Small Works on Paper touring exhibition by Arkansas Heritage and the Arkansas Arts Council.

Justin Harrel (b. 1988, Arkansas) Hailing from the enchanting landscapes of Arkansas, Justin is a passionate photographer currently rooted in the vibrant city of Little Rock. His artistic journey took flight through a profound love for the outdoors, inspired by the diverse terrains that shaped his upbringing. Fueled by the legendary Tim Ernst’s work, he initially ventured into digital photography, capturing the timeless beauty of the Ozarks. However, his deepening connection to the craft led him to embrace film, marking a transformative moment in his journey towards fine art photography. As a landscape photographer, Justin weaves narratives of the natural wonders that have been his sanctuary since childhood. In portraiture, he celebrates the diverse spirit of Arkansas, capturing the unique stories etched on each face in Little Rock. Venturing into street photography, he documents the dynamic pulse of urban life in the lively streets of Arkansas. Each click of the shutter is an invitation to share his deep connection with the Natural State, where his art becomes a visual ode to the landscapes, people, and culture that define the essence of Justin’s photographic journey.

AGE GROUP: | General |

EVENT TYPE: | Exhibits/Displays/Installations |

TAGS: | #rosecity | #photography | #exhibit |

William F. Laman Public Library

Phone: 501-758-1720

Hours
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Mon, Oct 13 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Oct 14 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Oct 15 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Oct 16 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Oct 17 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Sat, Oct 18 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Sun, Oct 19 Closed

About the branch

This is the primary location of the William F. Laman Public Library.

Upcoming Events

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Thu, Oct 16, All day
Innovation Hub
This exhibit is FREE to the public and will be displayed during business hours at the Innovation Hub through October.

Thu, Oct 16, 9:00am - 10:30am
William F. Laman Public Library - Lecture Hall
Arkansas Community Advocates will have volunteers here to distribute food to those in need.

Thu, Oct 16, 9:00am - 7:00pm
William F. Laman Public Library - Laman Gallery - Exhibits
Exhibition by Local Artist, Elvin Bishop

Thu, Oct 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm
William F. Laman Public Library - Studio A (Rotunda)
Calling all fiber artists! Bring your knit, crochet, or loom projects and work on those with our group!

Thu, Oct 16, 10:00am - 11:00am
Argenta Public Library - Argenta Children's Area
Designed for children ages 4 to 9, *First Stitches* is a beginner-friendly sewing program. Young participants will explore both hand sewing and introductory machine sewing.
Registration is now closed

Thu, Oct 16, 10:00am - 11:00am
Isabella Jo Trail
Club Laman is back! Join us for any or all of the available clubs for our home educated families! Each week, we explore books, nature, art, and crafting for our school-aged learners.

Thu, Oct 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
Argenta Public Library - Argenta Event Space
Potluck Food Rescue provides fresh vegetables, fruits, and shelf-stable items for patrons to pick up each Thursday! Supplies are limited, so items are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thu, Oct 16, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Argenta Public Library
Basic Spanish Conversation for Seniors

Thu, Oct 16, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Argenta Public Library - Argenta Children's Area
Thursdays are for creating! We’ll provide materials & instructions for projects you can create at the library or complete at home!

Thu, Oct 16, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
ROVER
Can't make it to the library? No problem. The library can come to you! Catch us in your neighborhood and join us to have some fun and take care of business.

Thu, Oct 16, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
William F. Laman Public Library - Lecture Hall
Bingo at Laman is sponsored by Sage Health-come out and join us!

Thu, Oct 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
William F. Laman Public Library - Children's Area
Come play the classic cover-up game for a chance to win prizes!

Thu, Oct 16, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
William F. Laman Public Library
Have you ever wanted to roleplay as a druid with a party of friends and weirdos, defeating monsters solving mysteries? If yes, then this is the game for you!

Thu, Oct 16, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Innovation Hub - Screen Printing
Be amazed at how easy it is to turn designs into stunning printed images in our fully equipped screen-printing studio.
Register

Thu, Oct 16, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Innovation Hub - Cowork - Downstairs
Join us for a hands on, family friendly workshop where you can help create a piñata and a Catrina using paper mâché!
Registration is now closed

Thu, Oct 16, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
William F. Laman Public Library - Laman Gallery - Events
Meet author India Hayford, author of the Arkansas Gems selection The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree!

Thu, Oct 16, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
William F. Laman Public Library - Lecture Hall
Have fun and get fit with everybody's favorite exercise class!

Thu, Oct 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Larry's Pizza of NLR
A book club in which we read current and potential Hugo Award nominees.