Creative Mornings Fayetteville once again brought together an inspiring mix of voices, stories, and sounds that reminded us why this community thrives on creativity and connection. This month’s theme, Nomad, sparked conversations about travel, poetry, music, and the shared experiences that shape us.
Festivals, Farms, and Community Engagement
Our morning opened with talk of an upcoming festival in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, set for the last weekend of September. Old Friends Music Festival, September 25-28:
https://www.oldfriendfarms.
Attendees expressed excitement about volunteering and helping out, underscoring the strong sense of service that runs through our community. The conversation also touched on volunteer projects at family farms, trail creation, and new ways media and podcasts are amplifying community events.
Experience Fayetteville’s Music City Convention was also highlighted as an effort to help communities foster deeper connections through music—a reminder of how sound, space, and storytelling bring us together. September 16-18:
https://www.musiccitiesevents.
Books, Poetry, and the Creative Spark
Personal reflections flowed as speakers shared the books and poems that have influenced their lives. From Martyr—a story that sparked new interest in poetry and writing—to the timeless words of Mary Oliver, literature was celebrated for its power to season ideas and open creative doors.
Stories of grandparents, nieces, and friends who dabbled in poetry revealed how creativity often runs quietly in families, waiting for the right moment to shine. The group even reflected on the quirks of writing—proofreading habits, misspelled signs, and the ways intentional mistakes can invite new ways of seeing.
Music as Memory and Meaning
The event featured a heartfelt performance by Jackson Hoyt, who wove music and memory together in songs inspired by family life, travel, and personal reflection. His performance captured the bittersweet beauty of journeying, teaching, and letting go—a perfect reflection of the Nomad theme.
Conversations later turned to the role of music in community spaces. Could membership models help sustain local venues? How do interactive media and public art—like the new mural on the back of the Fayettevill Public Library building—reshape how we engage with music and creativity in everyday life? These questions sparked thoughtful dialogue about the future of community-driven art and performance.
Lessons from Nomadic Living
The featured speaker, adventurer and writer Jess Swenson, shared her family’s nomadic journey, moving from the San Francisco Bay Area to Northwest Arkansas and beyond. She spoke about living simply, embracing world schooling, and finding cultural immersion through house-sitting and travel.
Her reflections highlighted adaptability, resilience, and the importance of community—lessons that resonated deeply with those in attendance. She reminded us that even in movement, we can find grounding through connection, creativity, and shared experiences.
Grounding, Gratitude, and Next Steps
Before diving into Jen’s talk, Angel led a grounding exercise, encouraging everyone to pause, breathe, and center themselves. It was a powerful reminder that creativity grows best when we are present
As the morning closed, the organizers expressed gratitude to sponsors like United Bank, Kelly Robins Foods, and Confident Coffee Roasters, whose support helps keep these events accessible and vibrant. And ADOBE!!
The next Creative Mornings Fayetteville will be held September 26th at Iron Lotus Creative—the speaker will be from Canopy!
Creative Mornings Fayetteville is always a chance for more music, stories, and community building. Meet every last Friday of the month in NWA and communities all over the States
Until then, visitors are encouraged to check out the new interactive mural on the back of the Fayetteville Public Library building, a reminder that creativity in Fayetteville isn’t just spoken or sung—it’s painted, shared, and lived.
Make plans to attend the next Creative Mornings Fayetteville.
