The Bernice Garden
The Bernice Garden, located in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, is a delightful and dynamic communal space. The garden, named after the mother of local businesswoman and philanthropist Anita Davis, is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
The garden is one acre in size and is located in the South Main Historic District. Its beginnings may be traced back to the early 2000s when Davis set out to build a public space that would serve as a hub for community gatherings, art installations, and educational programming, inspired by the possibilities of an empty lot in her neighborhood.
The garden has become a beloved neighborhood monument and a tribute to the power of community-driven urban regeneration efforts throughout the years. Nowadays, the garden includes a butterfly garden, a stage for events and concerts, and a rotating variety of public artworks.
The Bernice Garden’s focus to sustainability and environmental management is one of its most notable aspects. The garden includes a rain garden and bioswales, which aid with stormwater management and erosion prevention. The garden’s utilization of native flora also contributes to local biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
Aside from environmental measures, the Bernice Garden is committed to cultivating a strong feeling of community among its guests. Throughout the year, the garden holds a variety of activities such as a farmers’ market, concerts, art displays, and movie screenings. These activities allow neighbors to get together, mingle, and celebrate their shared love of the garden and the greater Little Rock community.
The annual Arkansas Cornbread Festival is one of the Bernice Garden’s most prominent events. Since its inception in 2011, the festival has become one of Little Rock’s most popular culinary events, attracting thousands of guests each year. Live music, local merchants, and, of course, plenty of wonderful cornbread are all part of the celebration. The festival’s proceeds go toward the garden’s continuing maintenance and programming.
The Bernice Garden also has a variety of permanent art installations that demonstrate the garden’s dedication to the arts. The “Sunflowers” sculpture, a colorful and whimsical creation by artist Kamilla Westlund, is one of the most prominent installations. The sculpture depicts a swarm of larger-than-life sunflowers, each with its own distinct pattern.
Another notable installation is the “Dreamland Ballroom” mural, which chronicles the history of the same-named renowned Little Rock nightclub. Rex Deloney, a local artist and historian, produced the painting that covers the wall of the garden’s community pavilion.
Ultimately, the Bernice Garden is a genuinely distinctive and one-of-a-kind venue that captures the spirit of Little Rock’s lively and diverse city. Its dedication to sustainability, community development, and the arts makes it a must-see destination for both locals and visitors. The Bernice Garden provides something for everyone, whether you want to relax and soak up the sun, see a concert or art show, or simply interact with your neighbors.