Bentonville, AR — Youth workshops, drawing classes, films and a special presentation by visiting conservators are just a few of the programs and events offered in July by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Registration is ongoing for Summer Art Classes for children and teens, ages 6 to 18, and spaces are still available in most classes. Many programs require pre-registration and discounts are available for museum members. Interested participants may register online or get additional information about these and other programs on the Crystal Bridges website: crystalbridges.org/education/public-programs or check our calendar of events http://calendar.crystalbridges.org/mastercalendar/.
July also sees the return of the popular Preschool Playdate event, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 16, and featuring live performances by the local folk group Sugar on the Floor, along with tours, art-making activities and more geared just for children ages 2 to 5. Preschool Playdate is sponsored by Procter & Gamble and Hershey’s.
Sunday, July 8, 1 to 5 p.m.
Adult Workshop | The Tree as an Art Form
Take your time with the forest of Crystal Bridges and consider the trees as an art form—the varying lines, shapes, colors, and textures. Explore the botanical design of a tree’s make-up through sketching and watercolor illustrations. The workshop includes a special introductory talk on the ways of viewing tree structures by Horticulturist Cody George.
The workshop begins at the Durand Studio near Walker Landing.
Space is limited and Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Tickets: $45 for non-Members | 10% discount for Members.
Monday, July 9, 12:30 p.m.
New Member Orientation
Once a month, new Members are invited to gather with Membership staff in Crystal Bridges’ lower lobby for an informational talk about the Museum. This optional 45-minute orientation will cover highlights about the Museum, trails & grounds, the collection, and the benefits of Membership. The orientation is offered the first Wednesday of each month at 5:45 p.m. or the second Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Monday, July 9, 1 to 1:45 p.m.
Spotlight Talk | Design into Art with Ralston Crawford and Rockwell Kent
Speakers: Director of Curatorial David Houston and Graphic Designer Anna Vernon Advertisements and the print industry in America grew rapidly in the early twentieth century. Many artists wore multiple hats as graphic designers, photographers, and printers. Director of Curatorial David Houston will describe the graphic backgrounds and interests of artists like Ralston Crawford and Rockwell Kent. Graphic Designer Anna Vernon will give us a designer’s perspective on each artwork and encourage the audience to explore elements of design.
The talk is located in the Early Twentieth-Century Art Gallery in front of the Ralston Crawford painting.
Wednesday through Friday, July 11 through 13
Noon to 2 p.m.
Summer Art Class: Kinetic Sculpture, ages 10 to 12
This class is all about art that moves! Bring your imagination and inventiveness and you will learn about mobiles and more.
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Cost: $60 for non-Members, 10% Member discount
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Summer Art Class: Storytelling through Art, ages 6 to 9
Learn about stories that have inspired artists as they work. We'll discuss the Pinocchio sculpture by Jim Dine and make works of art in several media based on YOUR favorite story.
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Cost: $60 for non-Members, 10% Member discount
Wednesday, July 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Drawing in the Galleries | Embracing Lowell’s Ocean: An Industrial Sculpture on Natural Lands
Embrace Lowell’s Ocean, a powerful industrial sculpture by the artist Mark di Suvero. Sketch the juxtaposition of this strong, sharp sculpture against the North Lawn’s lush green environment and flowing creek. Students are encouraged to move to several locations and sketch multiple angles and vantage points using the magnificent window span of the bridge in the Early Twentieth-Century Art Gallery.
The Drawing Class is located in the center of the Early Twentieth-Century Art Gallery.
Guided by a teaching artist, each 90-minute session provides instruction on a different topic. Classes take place monthly on Wednesdays, with two sessions offered: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 5:30 to 7 p.m. We will provide paper and pencils, but you are welcome to bring your own sketchbook. Pencils are the only drawing tool allowed in the galleries.
Tickets: $10 per session for non-Members | 10% discount for Members
Thursday, July 12, 1 to 1:45 p.m.
Gallery Talk | Artist Susan Rothenberg
Speaker: Executive Director Don Bacigalupi
Artist Susan Rothenberg helped to revive traditional painting in the 1970s. Her painting Four Color Horsefeatures the figure of a horse in a geometric space. Observe with Executive Director Don Bacigalupi the artist’s mixing of traditional styles with new abstract/minimalist forms and acrylic paint. Discuss how Rothenberg’s paintings tie past art periods to present-day painting.
The talk is located in the Twentieth-Century Art Gallery.
Friday, July 13, 10 to 11 a.m.
Discover the Grounds!| Bees and Bugs: The Circle of Life at Crystal Bridges
Class Leaders: Horticulturist Cody George and University of Arkansas Entomologist Don Steinkraus
Bring your magnifying glass and discover some of the smallest residents of Crystal Bridges grounds. Horticulturist Cody George and University of Arkansas Entomologist Don Steinkraus will discuss ways in which the bugs, bees, and other creatures can help support the vitality of Crystal Bridges’ forest. For further study, Steinkraus will also bring live insects and a living bee hive.
Meet at the Tulip Tree Shelter located on the Tulip Tree Trail, which is a moderate walk from the South Lobby. The class is free, but space is limited! Please reserve tickets online.
Friday, July 13, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Film Series | NOVA: Saving the National Treasures
America's most revered public documents—the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution—were threatened by the ravages of time until a unique team of conservators, engineers, and a historian intervened. In this compelling documentary, NOVA cameras captured the controversial five-year project to design state-of-the-art protective casements for the deteriorating documents. No tickets necessary, seating is first-come, first-served.
Saturday, July 14, 1 to 5 p.m.
Mixed Media for Teens, ages 13 to 18
Get inspired by artists in the collection, and create works of art incorporating a variety of techniques — it’s a media mash-up!
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Cost: $45 for non-Members, 10% Member discount
Sunday, July 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Great Hall Lecture Series | Conserving George Washington and Other Famous Faces
Speakers: Conservators Lance Mayer and Gay Myers
Conservators Lance Mayer and Gay Myers present a fascinating discussion on preserving portraits from the eighteenth to twentieth centuries including several Crystal Bridges paintings. The conservators will discuss their observations of how a painter’s technique affects the longevity of the artwork and their progress on the Crystal Bridges’ art collection.
A book signing and sale will follow the lecture, featuring the conservators’ newly published book, American Painters on Technique: The Colonial Period to 1860. The book will also be available at the Museum Store prior to the lecture.
The lecture is free, but online reservations are required as space is limited.
Monday, July 16, 10:30 a.m.
Member Monday
Museum Members are invited to meet at the coffee bar at 10:30 a.m. to purchase a cup of coffee or other beverage and then gather in one of the Museum’s function rooms for an informal topic discussion with Crystal Bridges Horticulturist Cody George beginning at 11 a.m.
Monday, July 16, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Preschool Playdate
Preschool Playdates are monthly drop-in gallery activities just for children ages two years to five years, with a caregiver. A variety of theme-based and collection-inspired activities are offered, allowing you and your preschoolers to explore at your own pace. No tickets necessary. Sponsored by Procter & Gamble and Hershey’s.
Monday, July 16, noon to 1 p.m.
Outdoor Spotlight Talk | The Original Bridge for Crystal Bridges
Speakers: Trails and Grounds Manager Clay Bakker and Director of Trails and Grounds Scott Eccleston
Discover the Tulip Tree Shelter and hear Director of Trails and Grounds Scott Eccleston and Trails and Grounds Manager Clay Bakker describe this unique structure, which was used as the test roof for the Crystal Bridges’ innovative cable design. Scott and Clay will also point out the native trees of this wooded area, and discuss creating trails through landscape architecture and horticulture.
The talk is located at the Tulip Tree Shelter. Meet Clay at the South Lobby entrance at 11:45 p.m. to walk to the talk’s location on the Tulip Tree Trail. You may also park at Additional Parking, which is near the Tulip Tree Trailhead, and enter the trail from there.
Wednesday through Friday, July 18 through 20
Noon to 2 p.m.
Summer Art Class: Ooey Gooey Art, ages 6 to 9
For kids who love to experiment with art supplies—especially messy, sticky, gooey stuff!
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Cost: $60 for non-Members, 10% Member discount
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Summer Art Class: Pop Art, ages 10 to 12
Discover comic-style painting, giant food sculpture, and more as you explore the fascinating Pop Art movement in the gallery and studios. Participants will communicate their own ideas through the creation of both two- and three-dimensional artworks.
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Cost: $60 for non-Members, 10% Member discount
Wednesday, July 18, 6 to 7 p.m.
Members’ Event | WOW
Attention members and guests: Museum Members are invited to join Crystal Bridges Culinary Director Case Dighero in the Museum’s Great Hall to discuss the French influence on American art and cuisine. Enjoy samples of drinks and hors d’oeuvres from Eleven. Open to members ages 21 and above. Cost: $25. Seating is limited. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required by 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 24. To register, email membership@crystalbridges.org.
Wednesday, July 18, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Artists by Destination: Summer Series including two sessions
Speakers: Director of Curatorial David Houston and guest speakers
This summer take a virtual road trip and explore urban American hotspots that drew artists from other parts of the country and Europe. Make connections to these American cities and discover how artists and art movements were influenced by the industry, museums, and art schools of each location. The series is located in the Bellows and Cassatt Rooms off of Walker Landing.
Fee: $30 for each session includes all three dates. Space is limited, purchase tickets online.
Session No. 1 - Visit these on these destinations:
- July 18: Philadelphia
- July 25: New York City (Colonial times to 1935)
- August 1: California (San Francisco and Los Angeles)
Session No. 2 – Visit these destinations:
- August 8: Kansas City
- August 15: Black Mountain, North Carolina
- August 22: New York City (1935 to present)
Wednesday through Friday, July 25 through 27
Noon to 2 p.m.
Summer Art Class: Printmaking: The Magic of Multiples, ages 6 to 9
From fingerprints to monoprints, with plenty of fun and unexpected techniques in between! Printmaking allows artists to create multiple works of art from one great idea. Learn more about printmaking in this fun class.
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Cost: Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Cost: $60 for non-Members, 10% Member discount
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Summer Art Class: Printmaking: The Magic of Multiples, ages 10 to 12
From fingerprints to monoprints, with plenty of fun and unexpected techniques in between! Printmaking allows artists to create multiple works of art from one great idea. Learn more about printmaking in this fun class.
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Cost: $60 for non-Members, 10% Member discount
Wednesday, July 25, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Artist by Destination Series on NYC, Colonial to 1935 (Session No 1, Part two of three)
Wednesday, July 25, 7 to 8 p.m.
Graphic Novel Book Club, Part One of Two (Teens and Adults)
Join the Library’s Graphic Novel Book Club. Part One features an introduction to graphic novels and the history and current trends of graphic artists. In this introduction, the Library will display rare illustrations including the 1930 Lakeside Press print of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, illustrated by Rockwell Kent, and a print by the popular graphic artist Sandow Birk.
Part Two of the Graphic Novel Book Club will feature a reading group for adults on August 22 from 7 to 8 p.m., and a teen reading group on August 29 from 7 to 8 p.m. The reading groups will focus on local artist Sean Fitzgibbon’s recently published graphic novel DomestiCATed: Paths Once Crossed. You can purchase the book club meeting July 25.
Tickets include Parts One and Two: $10 for non-members | 10% discount for members
Purchase your ticket online. Tickets are also available for purchase by phone at 479-418-5700 or at Guest Services.
Explore the art of graphic novel-making in a hands-on workshop, led by artist Sean Fitzgibbon. Save the date for our Adult Workshop on October 6 from 1-5 p.m. or our Teen Workshop on October 7 from 1-5 p.m!
Sunday, July 29, 1 to 5 p.m.
Summer Art Class: Printmaking for Teens, ages 13 to 18
Participants in this class will experiment with relief printing techniques and have the opportunity to use a press as they explore the fascinating medium of printmaking.
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Cost: $45 for non-Members, 10% Member discount
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The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of landscape. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate our heritage and artistic possibilities.
Opened to the public on 11-11-11, Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 by Alice Walton, who chairs the Museum's board of directors.