By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK — Community members are invited to step into a vibrant tapestry of shared creativity during Two Lenses, an upcoming free arts event designed to explore how different perspectives shape our unique perspectives of the world around us. Featuring visual art, spoken word poetry, live acoustic music, interactive collage-making, and an open mic, the event offers different forms of art for everyone of all ages to enjoy. The event takes place on Saturday, July 25, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Loose Brick Coffee.
Conceived by local artist Laura Bruce and her son, Leo, the event blossomed from a family dialogue about the unique viewpoints each individual carries through life. When asked how the seed of the idea germinated, Bruce shared how the event started from a family discussion and blossomed into more.
”It germinated with a conversation my son and I were having,” Bruce reflected. “We all have our own lenses about things, but as long as we respect each other, that’s what it’s about.”
What began as a quiet conversation quickly evolved into a dynamic art installation—a multimedia ecosystem weaving together poetry, storytelling, and visual arts to celebrate diverse viewpoints.
”My son is very creative. I’m very creative,” she said. “We wanted to put something together and just do something for the community.”
Designed as an unhurried, come-and-go experience, Two Lenses offers residents a gentle sanctuary to step away from screens and immerse themselves in local culture right in their own backyard.
”In this age, everyone’s on their phones… and we sometimes need to unplug and benefit from shared community events,” Devine noted during the interview.
”Well said, Jeff,” Bruce agreed. “I would love to see more shared experiences where we… have more things for the community to do right in our backyard, versus having to drive [miles out-of-town]. No shade against progress in those places, but we just need more to do right in our own backyard.”
Throughout the afternoon, the space will be filled with a variety of musical textures. Enterprise keyboardist Ethan Nix will perform a versatile repertoire spanning music appealing to multiple generations, while Bruce’s husband will provide subtle rhythmic grounding on an African drum, ensuring a mix of musical entertainment that will offer an enjoyable experience for everyone of all ages.
Complementing the auditory atmosphere, guests can sample free refreshments as a communal charcuterie board is passed around. Loose Brick Coffee will also be available and will serve its full menu alongside a special discounted feature drink: Two Lenses Tea—a dual-toned beverage crafted to visually mirror the event’s theme of merging distinct viewpoints into a single, harmonious composition.
Along with the musical offerings, Laura and Leo Bruce will display an array of original mixed-media collage works. Several pieces will be paired with original poetry that unveils the underlying narrative of the artwork, and attendees are encouraged to converse directly with the artists. The artwork will also be available for purchase.
”There’s usually a story behind it,” Bruce shared. “If people want to know why something is there [in the article piece], we’re in the room to answer questions.”
Hands-on creation will take center stage at The Imagination Station, an interactive studio space where guests of all ages can assemble their own collages, repurposing an eclectic collection of found objects and tactile materials provided free of charge.
”I have things from buttons to old bottle tops to…different random things they can use to create their own collages,” Bruce said.
For those whose medium is the spoken word, the open mic time offers a platform to recite poetry and share personal narratives—a tradition Bruce views as essential for community vitality.
”I encourage that we all continue storytelling,” she emphasized. “With technology growing more and more, it’s important that we continue to tell the stories because that helps guide our future generation.”
Above all, Bruce hopes Two Lenses serves as a welcoming sanctuary where artistic expression builds bridges of understanding across the community, and she hopes everyone from diverse backgrounds will attend, pointing out that this event is truly for the entire community.
”I would love for people to see that we can all respect each other’s lens,” she said. “It’s a safe space, and everyone’s welcome. Come as you are—whether it’s jeans or whatever you’re wearing, it doesn’t matter. Just come enjoy the time, literally for the community… Have your lens, have fun, be inspired to live out loud—but do it respectfully.”
For more information about this event, contact Bruce by calling or texting her at (334) 400-7112.
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