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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Crystal Bridges and the Momentary are teaming up with Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to raise awareness around food insecurity and promote wellness through art, education, and community engagement. The collaboration, which is part of the museum’s Arts and Social Impact Accelerator program, will bring the Crystal Bridges Mobile Art Lab and Lounge to Farmer’s Markets across the region this summer and fall.
The new Farmer’s Market initiative will launch at the Madison County Farmer’s Market (Huntsville) on June 14. The Mobile Art Lab and Lounge will be activated at the market as a space where community members can participate in artmaking – including screen-printing their own tote bags, – learn more about the Food Bank and food accessibility, or just take a moment to unwind in a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can relax, connect with others, and engage in creative activities designed to foster wellness and community togetherness.
“We’ve been working with the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank for the past year to co-create opportunities that uplift lived experiences, reduce stigma, and affirm the dignity of participants, while also embedding art and community voice into a vital social service environment,” said Prentis Grayson, director of community partnerships for Crystal Bridges and the Momentary. “We can’t wait to expand this partnership across the region’s Farmer’s Markets and further bridge the gap between access to food and access to healing, expression, and belonging.”
Following the Madison County market, the Mobile Art Lab and Lounge will travel to the Berryville Farmer’s Market on July 14, Gravette Farmer’s Market on August 16, Farmington Farmer’s Market on September 13, and Siloam Springs Farmer’s Market on October 11.
“We believe this unique partnership with Crystal Bridges and the Momentary will give our neighbors a fun and interactive atmosphere to enjoy themselves in a creative way while also learning about our Food Bank and the services we offer,” said Julie Damer, director of marketing and communications for the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. “Crystal Bridges and the Momentary continue to be great partners to us and we are anxious to see this vision come to life in Northwest Arkansas.”
Since 2024, Crystal Bridges and the Momentary and the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank have collected donations for those experiencing food insecurity following last year’s tornadoes, presented a community-forward dinner at the Food Bank following a conversation on wellness and unity featuring Nicholas Ma and Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, and brought together representatives from Feeding America to connect and reflect during a networking event held at the museum.
The museum’s Arts and Social Impact Accelerator Program cultivates partnerships with social service agencies and local artists in Northwest Arkansas. The partnerships incubate ideas that creatively address social issues through collaboration, arts-based solutions, and socially engaged experiences. For more information, visit the Crystal Bridges website.
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About Northwest Arkansas Food Bank
Northwest Arkansas Food Bank (a 501c3 organization) was established in 1988 by a group of concerned citizens who saw the need for hunger assistance in Benton, Washington, Madison and Carroll counties. In 2024 the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank distributed over 14.9 million pounds of food and provided over 12.4 million meals. Together with more than 110 agency partners, we are able to reach out to those in need; providing nutritious food to children, the working poor and senior citizens. The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is an affiliate of Feeding America and a founding member of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.
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