America’s Wildlife and Wildlands: The Journeys of Susan Morrison
December 10, 2007 – 1:09 pm
Multi-faceted exhibit explores Eureka Springs artist’s passion for conservation
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Nov. 7, 2007 – Intricately detailed drawings of some of America’s most majestic animals will bring the spirit of our country’s wilderness to life in the newest exhibit at Crystal Bridges at the Massey. A selection of works created by noted artist, author, and environmentalist Susan Morrison tells the story of this Eureka Springs artist’s journey as she spreads her message of stewardship and preservation of America’s wildlife and wildlands.
“America’s Wildlife and Wildlands: The Journeys of Susan Morrison” opens Saturday, Dec. 8, at Crystal Bridges at the Massey, 125 W. Central, just off the square in downtown Bentonville. On display through Feb. 24, 2008, this exhibit will feature Morrison’s acclaimed etchings and drawings of wildlife and wildlands from across the United States. The exhibition consists of 15 of her original artworks, video and seven publications, including books and poems she has authored. In addition, the exhibit will feature other items that are significant to Morrison and are tangible symbols of her work and her mission.
Morrison uses pen, ink and Prisma colored pencils to create detailed and often life-sized drawings of animals. For more than 40 years, she has used her artistic talents to convey her passion for conservation and environmental issues. She is the author of Arkansas Wildlife and River Journeys, books that she created to help educate Arkansans about their natural wonders and to help influence legislation protecting them.
Eager to share her passion for conservation broadly, the artist created “Animal Tracks”, an national environmental education program for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., which was adopted by the National Wildlife Federation. Currently, Morrison is in the midst of “The American Wildlife Expeditions,” a series of journeys throughout the United States to find, photograph, study and draw America’s wildlife and wildlands. The exhibit at Crystal Bridges at the Massey gives visitors an opportunity to get a glimpse of Morrison’s world and her extraordinary work.
“Artists do not live in the past, said Morrison. “Our lives are spent in the immediate creative moment. The scope of this exhibit is profoundly important to me as it not only clearly and interestingly portrays my career from its beginning, but it also shows my present work and invites viewers to step into my creative process. I would have expected no less from a museum that, with the gift of Alice Walton’s vision and passion, promises to be the premier museum of American art in the country.”
“Susan is an accomplished and passionate artist who has the unique ability to communicate through many mediums,” said Bob Workman, Crystal Bridges executive director. “Her drawings, poems and books bring to life her profound dedication to wildlife, to the conservation of animal habitats and to the stewardship of the earth as a whole.”
According to Workman, the drawings in the exhibit were loaned from private collections of the artist’s patrons in the South Central region. The exhibit is the fourth in an ongoing series of temporary exhibitions featured at Crystal Bridges at the Massey. For more information on Morrison and to view images of her work, go to www.susanmorrison.com.
Opening Day Activities
Several special activities have been planned for Saturday, Dec. 8, when the exhibition opens. All activities are free of charge and open to the public.
10 a.m.
Meet Susan Morrison at the Massey.
Crystal Bridges at the Massey, 125 W. Central Ave., Bentonville
11 a.m.
Animal Fun Time!
Join us at the Massey for face painting and a parade of animal characters.
Crystal Bridges at the Massey
1 p.m.
Susan Morrison presents a special storytelling program for children at the Bentonville Public Library. Bentonville Public Library, 405 S. Main Street, Bentonville
2 p.m.
Enjoy informal conversation at the Massey with Susan Morrison about her work as an artist, author and environmentalist.
Crystal Bridges at the Massey
Ongoing Opportunities
For the duration of the exhibit, the museum will offer events and programs that allow visitors to learn more about Morrison’s work and her mission. (Editor’s Note: A full schedule of events will be available Dec. 1.)
Crystal Bridges at the Massey
Crystal Bridges at the Massey is a temporary exhibit space and educational and community resource for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Located on the first floor of the historic Massey Building just off the square in downtown Bentonville, the facility provides an opportunity for the public to discover art and traveling exhibits, experience arts-based educational programs, and learn more about the world class Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art opening in 2010. Hours of operation are:
- Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about Crystal Bridges at the Massey, go tomassey.crystalbridges.org or call 479-418-5700.
