artinfusion Member Whitney Yoder

We’d like our blog readers to meet a few of the Members of Crystal Bridges’ young professionals group, artinfusion. This is an affinity group within the Museum’s membership that is designed to provide social networking and art experiences especially for Members ages 21 to 40s. Artinfusion offers events for its membership and their guests that feature networking opportunities, art talks, art-making activities, live music, and studio tours of regional artists. First up:  Whitney Yoder, Rogers, Arkansas: artinfusion Member since August, 2013. –LD

How frequently do you visit Crystal Bridges? At least once a month. I take advantage of as much programming as possible and have particularly enjoyed the artinfusion events.

What made you decide to become a Member of Crystal Bridges? I moved to Northwest Arkansas in the summer of 2013 and becoming a Member of the Museum was one of the first things I did. There was no question in my mind about it. I appreciate having something of that caliber in our own backyard to enjoy on a regular basis.  I wanted to show my appreciation for the gift that is Crystal Bridges and chose to do that by becoming a Member.

C magazine, Crystal Bridges’ membership publication

What benefit of membership do you appreciate the most and why? I love receiving C, the Member magazine, and the Museum calendar in the mail. Each time I get the printed calendar I go through and plan the next two months of activities and events that I want to make sure and attend. I also just love being a part of something so spectacular. Oh, and I’m sure to use my 10% discount at the Museum Store!

Do you have a particular story or memory you would like to share about your experience at the Museum? My best experiences have come through exposing others to the Museum. When you find great things, you want to share them with the world. Anytime anyone is in from out of town, I insist on going to Crystal Bridges. Many people have a pre-conceived notion of what it is and automatically think it’s not something they would enjoy. It’s been fun to take friends and family there and see the enlightenment that comes over them when they realize there is something for everyone to enjoy at Crystal Bridges.

What three songs would be on your Crystal Bridges play list? “I’m Getting Ready” by Michael Kiwanuka “Wind Cries Mary” Jamie Cullum version “Express Yourself” by Charles Wright

How has Crystal Bridges impacted you? Unexpectedly, in a social way. I always knew that I would take people there or suggest meet-ups to happen at the Museum but I never expected to meet so many people through the Museum. This is mostly [due to] to my involvement in artinfusion. I have made so many friends and connections by taking advantage of artinfusion and its programming.

How has the Museum impacted the region as a whole? Crystal Bridges has had a huge impact on the region in many ways, but the one I appreciate the most is exposure. Since the opening, it has served as one of the major “carrots” to get people to Northwest Arkansas. Then they are able to experience all of the other jewels we have to offer and think about Arkansas in a different way.

Click here to learn more about artinfusion!