Social Hour: Pathways into Creative Careers

Did you know that only 11 percent of graduates from the University of Arkansas' Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences remain in the area and join our creative workforce? 

Join us for Pathways into Creative Careers, a panel discussion in collaboration with MIXD Gallery! Moderated by MIXD's own Allison Hobbs, hear from inspiring creatives at University of Arkansas' School of Art, 5th Street Studio, and NICE as we investigate how creatives find their place in NW Arkansas. 

As with every Social Hour, enjoy conversation and light refreshments. Also be sure to explore MIXD's current exhibition, Rooted!

Event Details:

Social Hour: Pathways into Creative Careers
Date: April 4, 2025
Time: 5 - 8 PM (the panel conversation will begin at 5:30 pm and last about 45min., snacks, drinks and meaningful conversations to follow)
Location: MIXD Gallery, 5100 West Park Avenue #126, Rogers, 72758

Panel Moderator: Allison Hobbs, Director and Curator of MIXD Gallery

Panelists: 

• Donna Smith Jones - UA School of Art Director of Recruitment and Outreach
  

• Rainy Bray - potter, community organizer, entrepreneur (5th Street Studio)
  

• Cedric Fonville - independent marketing and business development strategist

This event is free! 

Allison Hobbs

With a passion for empowering local artists, Allison offers a fresh and innovative gallery experience through MIXD. Relationship focused curation, placing art in public spaces, and a recognizable aesthetic has become the foundation of her work— encouraging us to live a life with art.

Donna Jones

Arkansas native Donna Jones is the Director of Recruitment and Outreach for the University of Arkansas School of Art. She has worked at the university and been a resident of in NWA for over 13 years. In her role, she provides both professional knowledge and personal passion to initiatives within the School of Art and develops partnerships and opportunities for students in the Northwest Arkansas Community and beyond.

Donna received her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art with a minor in Film Studies from Rhodes College in 2008 and her Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art from Washington University in St. Louis in 2011. Her own art practice focuses on video, installation, and performance and she has participated in several group and individual exhibitions around the country. She formerly served as the Chair of the Fayetteville Arts Council, has been a contributor for arts publications, has served as a guest curator for various exhibitions, and co-founded the former art space The Shed here in Fayetteville.

Rainy Bray-Hopwood (she/her/hers) is a potter, community organizer, and entrepreneur. Her work centers around exploring the art of ceramics and sharing the medium with her community as a teaching artist. Rainy was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and currently works and lives in Bentonville, Arkansas. Nestled in the Ozark mountains, she draws inspiration from the natural world and rich cultural heritage present in the area.

Cedric Fonville is a veteran and entrepreneur, originally from Star City, Arkansas. After serving six years as an Avionics Electronics Technician in the Navy, he returned to his home state to earn a bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He is currently the owner of NICE, a photography and videography company that helps businesses and nonprofits create compelling marketing content. Cedric is also a certified Dale Carnegie Trainer, coaching individuals and teams in communication and leadership. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff at INTERFORM, an arts and fashion nonprofit, where he helped drive organizational strategy and efficiency. Passionate about professional growth, he enjoys serving on nonprofit boards, traveling, and sports.