Hannah Nestor has been working at the Museum as a Guest Services Associate since June, 2014, and she joined the Membership team on January 5 as Membership Program Assistant. She earned a Bachelor of Arts at William Jewell College where she majored in studio art and completed part of the coursework at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City.    What made you want to join the Crystal Bridges membership team? I come from a retail sales background.  When I began working in Guest Services I had a natural ability to sell memberships—not for a quantitative goal, but because I genuinely believe everyone can benefit in some way from becoming a Member.  The act of joining is an investment in the community of Northwest Arkansas, in the preservation and innovation of the arts, in education and development, and in a sense of pride.

What is your favorite artwork in the collection? I fell in love at first sight with Devorah Sperber’s After the Last Supper.  I had recently finished researching and writing about the evolution of the Last Supper image from Da Vinci to Warhol when the Museum opened.  By that point I felt exhausted by the subject, but Devorah’s refreshing take on a classic image reminded me that if you view art through a different lens you will always see something new.

What are you looking forward to most in working with Crystal Bridges Members? I am excited to work with a community of different people that share a common interest.  Their support of our mission and dedication to the progress of the arts in Northwest Arkansas will continue to create learning opportunities for years to come.

What do you think is the greatest benefit to being a Member of Crystal Bridges? There are so many wonderful benefits that come with membership, but I think the greatest value comes from knowing your contribution supports the Museum’s mission and programs.  Support the arts with pride.  Become a Member!

Do you have any background or experience in the arts, yourself, as a hobby, perhaps? I studied oil painting and art history at William Jewell College.  My focus was on color and portraiture, but I am currently searching for a new theme.  I get a lot of inspiration from the Expressionist painter Oskar Kokoschka.  You can view my work at www.etsy.com/shop/hannahnestorart.  I also have the pleasure of teaching beginners that art is about expression, not perfection, at Bentonville’s Painting with a Twist.  A saying I think symbolizes the impact art has had on my journey is “‘Earth’ without ‘art’ is just ’eh’.”  I paint because I don’t want to live in a world that’s just so-so.

What impact do you think Crystal Bridges has on NW Arkansas? Crystal Bridges continues opening the door for incredible cultural, educational, and professional growth in Northwest Arkansas.  It has created a ripple effect that is still rolling three years later.  I am proud to call myself a Bentonville native and I couldn’t wait to move back after college to become part of the impact.

Hannah:  Having been a Guest Service Associate for some time, what insights about Crystal Bridges’ guests do you bring to the job from that experience? During my time on the front line of Guest Services, I interacted with many guests of all demographics and learned that each of them visits the Museum for different reasons.  It may be to spend time with family or friends, to attend an art class or lecture, to view a new exhibit, or even because they have a long layover at XNA and were told to kill some time here.  One reaction that has been unanimous amongst visitors is that everyone wants to be in the know.  They are anxious to squeeze as much culture from their visit as possible and are proud to share their experience with those who have never been.  They want to be the person that introduces others to the beauty that Crystal Bridges has to offer.   These ambassadors champion the culture of the Crystal Bridges Member. Members also help to tell Crystal Bridges’ story and encourage their friends and acquaintances to visit the Museum. Once you have visited Crystal Bridges, you feel a sort of ownership!