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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary are celebrating Arbor Day with a slate of programming focused on nature. The experience of and appreciation for nature is central to the mission of Crystal Bridges.
On Friday, April 25, the Momentary will host a conversation and cocktails panel exploring the legendary Ozark Chinquapin tree. Once a cornerstone of the Ozark native forests, the discussion will shed light on the fight to bring the Ozark Chinquapin tree back to its former glory. The talk will be led by Steve Bost, founder of the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation, Steve Chyrchel, interpretive specialist at Hobbs State Park, and Samantha Best, senior manager of outdoor experience at Crystal Bridges.
On Saturday, April 26, there will be a free Arbor Day Celebration at Crystal Bridges’ Campus Parking Plaza. The Arbor Day Celebration embraces nature with nature-themed activities for people of all ages. Guests will have the opportunity to craft a tree-like sculpture inspired by Roxy Paine’s Yield, enjoy tree-themed drinks and snacks, and chat with local nature experts and community partners.
The trails and grounds at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary are a must-see part of the museum experience. More than five miles of trails wind through the museum’s 134-acre site, providing guests with access to the beautiful Ozark landscape. In 2024, Crystal Bridges was awarded Level I Accreditation by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. The museum is the only museum in Arkansas that is also an arboretum. Crystal Bridges’ trails and grounds are open from sunrise to sunset and during museum hours.
Event details are listed below.
ARBOR DAY EVENING CELEBRATION: OZARK CHINQUAPIN CONVERSATION AND COCKTAILS
WHAT: Arbor Day Evening Celebration: Ozark Chinquapin Conversation and Cocktails, a captivating evening exploring the legendary Ozark Chinquapin tree.
WHEN: Friday, April 25 | 6 – 9 PM
WHERE: The Momentary | Fermentation Hall | 507 SE E Street, Bentonville, AR 72712
WHO: Nature enthusiasts, the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation, Hobbs State Park, Crystal Bridges and the Momentary Trails and Grounds team.
WHY: To enjoy an expertly crafted, tree-inspired cocktail as a panel of experts shares the Ozark Chinquapin’s rich history, ecological significance, and ongoing restoration efforts.
HOW: Tickets are $25 ($20 for members) and include one alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage and admission to the panel discussion. Tickets can be purchased at the Momentary’s website.
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION
WHAT: Crystal Bridges’ Arbor Day Celebration, a free, family day embracing nature and commemorating the holiday.
WHEN: Saturday, April 26 | 11 AM – 4 PM
WHERE: Crystal Bridges | Campus Parking Plaza and the North Forest | 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712
WHO: Nature enthusiasts, families, NWA Master Naturalists, Arkansas 4-H, the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation, George Imrie – Ozark Chinquapin Wood Carving Artist, Hobbs State Park, and the Amazeum.
WHY: To embrace nature and create lasting memories through art making, hands-on activities, and exploring Crystal Bridges’ trails and grounds.
HOW: The Arbor Day Celebration is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. There is a tree sapling giveaway from 1 – 4 PM, while supplies last. Crystal Bridges members can pick up their sapling starting at 12:30 PM.
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About Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
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 nature. Since opening in 2011, the museum has welcomed more than 14 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a non-profit charitable organization by arts patron and philanthropist, Alice Walton. The collection spans five centuries of American masterworks from early American to current day and is enhanced by temporary exhibitions. The museum is nestled on 134 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by the world-renowned Safdie Architects. A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house was preserved and relocated to the museum grounds in 2015. Home of the prestigious Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art and Tyson Scholars of American Art Program, Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities. Some 478,375 school children have participated in the Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program, which provides educational experiences for school groups at no cost to the schools. Additional museum amenities include a restaurant, gift store, library, and five miles of art and walking trails. In February 2020, the museum opened the Momentary in Downtown Bentonville (507 SE E Street), conceived as a platform for the art, food, and music of our time. In 2026, Crystal Bridges will complete a 114,000 square foot expansion that will allow the museum to expand access for all. For more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.
About the Momentary
Opened in February of 2020 in Downtown Bentonville, the Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time; and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is ‘a living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary was founded by the Walton family, based on the vision of Tom, Olivia, and Steuart Walton. Its commitment to cultivating arts and cultural experiences provides more opportunities for education, engagement, and enjoyment in our region. The Momentary is an extension of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by Alice Walton. The Momentary welcomes all with free general admission. Additional offerings include live music, visual and performing arts, an artist-in-residence program, culinary experiences such as Onyx Coffee Lab and the sky-high Tower Bar, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, an outdoor festival space, and a retail shop. For more information, visit theMomentary.org. The Momentary is located at 507 SE E Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712. The Momentary’s Founding Funders are Walton Family Foundation, Walmart, RØDE Microphones, The Coca-Cola Company, Tyson Family Foundation, and Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation.
Media Contact
media@crystalbridges.org