Sep 24, 2014 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art recently opened State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now, a groundbreaking exhibition that brings together 102 artists from all over the US, offering an unusually diverse look at American art. State of the Art runs through January 19 and is Crystal Bridges’ largest exhibition in both scope and scale, representing a broad spectrum of mediums, themes, and artistic approaches. During the month of October, many of the State of the Art artists will participate in engagement activities including art talks, spotlight lectures, performances, and workshops. This month marks the finale of Discover the Grounds on October 10, featuring The Bird Kingdom with State of the Art artist, Calder Kamin. October 11 guests are invited to explore art as action and interaction with the museum’s ever popular—and award-winning—Art Night Out! There will be performances by State of the Artartists, cocktails, music, and more. A full listing of October programs is below. Information and registration are also available on the calendar of events on Crystal Bridges’ website. Sign up for Crystal Bridges email updates at ENewsletter. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm (September 29 – November 28, 2014) Fall Forage Trail Experience In all seasons, but especially in the fall, the forest around Crystal Bridges is full of wild, natural foods suitable for both animals and humans … if you know what to look for. Learn what fall forage can be found around the grounds at Crystal Bridges, and what you may find to forage in your own backyard! Sponsored by the Coleman Company. Free, no registration required. Thursday, October 2, 5 to 6:30 pm Art Talk | State of the Art artist Jeff Whetstone Hear from Durham, North Carolina-based artist Jeff Whetstone who uses photography and video to explore connections between man, nature, and masculinity. Whetstone will describe the inspiration for his video, Drawing E. Obsoleta, in which he wrangles a black rat snake in an attempt to use the snake’s body to draw the landscape in which it lives. Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund.Free, no registration required. Fridays, October 3, 10, and 17, 2 to 3:30 pm Homeschool Friday Fun: Paper (For ages 5 to 8 and 9 to 12) Paper is one of the most basic of art materials, yet it offers a wide variety of art-making opportunities. In this three-session studio class, discover many different ways paper can be used in creating art. $45 ($36 for Members)/3 classes, register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Friday, October 3, 5 pm and 7 pm Downtown Bentonville First Friday Art Talk | State of the Art artist Randy Regier at Nu Penny Meet Wichita, Kansas-based artist Randy Regier on the Downtown Bentonville Square to discover Nu Penny, a made-up toy store created by Regier that has mysteriously appeared in the alleyway near Tusk &Trotter. Randy will present this experience twice: at 5 pm and 7 pm. Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. Free, no registration required. Friday, October 3, 8:30 to 9:30 pm First Friday Concert: State of the Art artist Gina Phillips Enjoy the bluegrass musical talents of State of the Art artist Gina Phillips and her folk-rock band Picnic. Phillips will guide the concert experience through song and stories of family life and art-making in New Orleans. Opening the concert is Fayetteville-based band Mountain Shore (hyperlink: mountainmusicshore.com) from 7:45-8:30 PM. Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. Free, register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Saturday, October 4, 10 am to 6 pm Sunday, October 5, 10 am to 6 pm Monday October 6, 10:30 am to 6 pm Museum Store » Featured Artisan Ingrid Kuper Designing freeform art jewelry has been Ingrid Kuper’s passion for the last 20 years. She creates her signature pieces using sterling silver and gold-filled wire, introducing color with the addition of gemstones, pearls, minerals, art glass, and ceramics. Kuper’s jewelry collection will be on display and available for purchase during the event. Saturday, October 4, 1 to 4 pm All-Ages Workshop | Mixed Media with State of the Art artist Gina Phillips This workshop is great for ALL AGES— so sign up with your child, your sister, your best friend, or your grandmother! New Orleans-based artist Gina Phillips will guide you in creating a unique landscape using paint, tissue paper, and oil pastels. Plus, you’ll visit Phillips’ work and others in the State of the Art exhibition, and gain new insights into contemporary art! (Children under 11 must attend with an adult.) Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. $15 ($12 for Members). Register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Saturday, October 4, 11 am to 3 pm State of the Art artist Randy Regier demonstration at Amazeum’s Tinkerfest Enjoy a demonstration by Wichita, Kansas-based artist Randy Regier during this one-day festival presented by Amazeum. The goal of Tinkerfest is to bring together tinkerers, makers, hackers, craftspeople, educators, families, and artists to learn from each other and celebrate the creative, curious, and innovative spirit in all of us. Located at Old High Middle School in downtown Bentonville. Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund.Free, no registration required. Wednesdays, October 8, 15, and 22, 1 to 2:15 pm Preschool Art Class | Animals For ages 3 to 5 with an adult. Parents or caregivers participate with their preschoolers in gallery conversations and art-making activities each week to discover and celebrate animals in art. Session includes three consecutive Wednesday classes. $30 ($24 for Members)/3 classes, Register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 to 7:30 pm Boundless Book Club | Passing by Nella Larsen Join a lively discussion about Passing, a candid exploration of shifting boundaries first published in 1929. Clare Kendry leads a dangerous life. Fair, elegant, and ambitious, she is married to a white man who is unaware of her African American heritage, and has severed all ties to her past. Clare’s childhood friend, Irene Redfield, just as light-skinned, has chosen to remain within the African American community, but refuses to acknowledge the racism that continues to constrict her family’s happiness. A chance encounter forces both women to confront the lies they have told others—and the secret fears they have buried within themselves. Free, register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Thursday, October 9, 11:30 am to 2 pm Preschool Playdate | We ♥ Animals! Monthly Preschool Playdates feature performances, art projects, story time, and creative play based on themes from our collection. Activities are geared for children ages 2 to 5 with an adult, beginning with a family-friendly performance by The Treetop Sisters in the Great Hall at 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by The Hershey Company and The Original Wet-Nap.Free, no registration required. Thursdays, October 9, 16, and 23, 4 to 5:30 pm Afterschool Art Class | More Artists of Today Discover contemporary art in this fun, multi-media afterschool class! Media and projects will be inspired by the work of contemporary artists in the State of the Art exhibition. $45 ($36 for Members)/3 classes. Register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Friday, October 10, 9 to 11 am Discover the Grounds | The Bird Kingdom Explore the bird kingdom in a two-part experience including a citizen-scientist excursion to count songbirds with State of the Art artist Calder Kamin, along with a presentation of live birds of prey by Lynn Sciumbato of Morning Star Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Meet at the Tulip Tree Shelter. (Also, if you are just crazy about owls, be sure to attend the evening Owl Spotting Tour with expert owl spotter, Bob Ross.) Sponsored by The Coleman Company and the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. Free, register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Friday, October 10, 6 to 7:30 pm Spotlight Lecture and Gallery Talk | State of the Art artist Susie J. Lee Seattle-based artist Susie J. Lee will discuss her works that explore the intersection of video and portraiture. Following the presentation, audience members will accompany Lee to the State of the Art exhibition space for a question-and-answer session while viewing her video portraits, Fracking Fields. Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. Free, register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Saturday, October 11, 10 am to 6 pm Museum Store » Artisan Showcase and Demonstration: Wood Turning Five regional artists will take turns at the lathe to demonstrate their skills in this artisan showcase. Meet artists Kip Powers, Kim Kenney, William Moore, Les Brandt, and Bill Koch, and enjoy watching them create their signature works on the lathe throughout the day. Each artist will have a large selection of work on display and available for purchase at the event. Saturday, October 11, 1 to 3:30 pm Teen Workshop | State of the Art artist Susie J. Lee on Video Portraits Turn the concept of a “selfie” around and consider the cell phone as a medium for video portraits. Seattle-based artist Susie J. Lee, whose Fracking Fields video portraits are in the exhibition State of the Art, will lead teens in exploring, through images, the issues of privacy vs. permission, and social media vs. surveillance during this thought-provoking workshop. Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. Free, register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Saturday, October 11, 1 to 4 pm About Birds | with State of the Art artist Calder Kamin Meet State of the Art artist Calder Kamin and explore the intersections of art, nature, and conservation. Learn about “bird-scouting” as a citizen scientist, and create your own window decal to protect birds in your neighborhood. All ages are welcome! Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. Free, no registration required. Saturday, October 11, 8 to 11 pm Art Night Out: Action/Interaction Explore art as action and interaction! For one night only, experience the work of a selection of State of the Art performance artists or artist “engagers.” Performances both inside and outside the galleries will include State of the Art artists Autumn Knight, Wilmer Wilson, and Angela Ellsworth. In the culminating performance, Jimmy Kuehnle will don his Amphibious Inflatable Suit to interact with the audience. Throughout the night, cool off at the Water Bar by Works Progress and enjoy local band Still on the Hill who will perform songs from their “Once a River” project. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail and chat with local Moms at artist Andy Ducett’s Mom Booth, or join the conversation in our lounge with the Artist’s Laboratory Theatre and comedians Mark Landon Smith and Jules Taylor. (Notice: One of the gallery performances slated for the evening involves nudity. Appropriate signage will be posted outside the area prior to the performance.) Sponsored by AMP Sign & Banner, Arvest Bank, and the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. $10 ($8 for Members— free for artinfusion Members). Register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Sunday, October 12, 1 to 4 pm Drop-In Drawing Drop in anytime for a free, informal drawing session. Materials are provided and an art instructor will be on hand to get you started. Check at Guest Services for the specific location. All ages are welcome!Free, no registration required. Monday, October 13, 11 am to 1 pm Short Story Group with the Village Writing School: Bridging Visual and Literary Art Join our short story group for a literary adventure through the State of the Art exhibition. Alison Taylor Brown, Director of the Village Writing School, will guide the writing experience in which participants will write a short story inspired by contemporary art in the exhibition. Brown will offer instruction in finding a narrative arc, creating dialogue, and building drama. The group will close with a shared reading. Alison Taylor Brown, director and founder of the Village Writing School, has a master’s degree in fiction from Southern New Hampshire University. VWS is incorporated as Eureka Springs School of the Literary Arts; their mission is to help beginning and established area writers develop their craft.Free with online registration. Wednesday, October 15, 6 to 7 pm WOW | Oktoberfest in The Ozarks Join Crystal Bridges Culinary Director Case Dighero and special guests from MillerCoors to sample beers and hors’d’oeuvres in the spirit of the season. Open to guests ages 21 and above. Sponsored by Premier Dermatology. $30 ($24 for Members). Register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335 Friday, October 17, 1 to 2 pm Art Talk | State of the Art artist Jeila Gueramian Hear from Brooklyn, New York-based artist Jeila Gueramian about the whimsical creatures and environments she creates by disassembling and reimagining everyday textiles. Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. Free, no registration required Friday, October 17, 6:30 to 8:30 pm Art by the Glass | Creature Creation with State of the Art artist Jeila Gueramian Work with Brooklyn, New York-based artist Jeila Gueramian to learn about bringing together found textiles to create a unified artwork. In this workshop, participants will create whimsical creatures using fiber and fabric, inspired by Gueramian’s installation, It’s You, in the State of the Art exhibition. Sponsored by Demara Titzer and the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. $45 ($36 for Members). Register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335 Friday, October 17, 7 to 8 pm Spotlight Lecture | State of the Art artist Kim Dickey Boulder, Colorado-based artist Kim Dickey’s sculpture Mille-fleur, installed on the Museum’s South Lawn, suggests a garden wall overgrown with glorious flowering plants. In fact, the flowers are intricately painted and glazed ceramic forms arranged in a design inspired by a sixteenth-century tapestry. Come hear Dickey explore the concept of the garden as a meeting place between nature and culture, where boundaries can blur and concepts of both inclusion and exclusion can arise. Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund.Free, register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Saturday, October 18, 7 to 10 pm Teen Council | Fright at the Museum, featuring State of the Art artists Justin Favela and Jeila Gueramian If you are in high school and like music, costumes, contemporary art, creativity, or all of the above— this night is for you! Fright at the Museum is planned by the Museum’s Teen Council, and features live music, dancing, art-making, a costume contest, and lots more. This year State of the Art artists Jeila Geuramian, from Brooklyn, and Justin Favela, from Las Vegas, are part of the experience— don’t miss it! Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. Free, no registration required. Sunday, October 19, noon to 5 pm Family Sunday | The Big Draw with State of the Art artists Justin Favela, Adonna Khare, and Jeila Gueramian Celebrate the art of drawing with activities for all ages throughout the Museum! Don’t miss the chance to meet and create with special guest artists from the State of the Art exhibition. Sponsored by Rockline Industries, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, and the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. Free, no registration required. Monday, October 20, 5:30-7:00 pm Spotlight Lecture | State of the Art artist Adonna Khare’s Story—A Return to Drawing Hear Adonna Khare’s inspiring story of family life, teaching, and returning to the art field as an artist. Khare started out as an elementary school art teacher who left teaching to start a family. In 2012, she submitted work to Art Prize, a populist competition held annually in Michigan, in which she won a first-prize award of $200,000. Free with online registration. Wednesday, October 22, 5 to 9 pm Member Event | Artinfusion @ Culture Hour in Eleven Artinfusion Members and guests are invited to come together on the fourth Wednesday of each month to meet and mingle during Culture Hour in Eleven. Enjoy great company and special $5 drinks and appetizers. We’ll reserve a seating area for artinfusion Members and their guests from 5 to 7 p.m. Special pricing on drinks and appetizers will be extended for artinfusion Members (with proof of membership) until 9 p.m.! Artinfusion is sponsored by Blue Moon Brewing Company. Artinfusion is especially for ages 21-40s. Wednesday, October 22, 7 to 8 pm Theatre Performance: The Artist’s Journey The Artist’s Journey combines theatre and visual arts to explore the personal struggles and triumphs of various artists. The Artist’s Journey is directed by Fayetteville-based artist Mark Landon Smith and produced by Lucky Clover Productions, a division of Actors Casting Agency of Fayetteville, Arkansas. $5 (Free for Members). Register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Thursday, October 23, 11 am to 6 pm Everyartist Live Join students from around the United States in this one-day art-making event. Students are invited to join us in the Experience Art Studio to create an artwork based on this year’s theme. The works will then be photographed and uploaded to everyartist.me to be included in their virtual gallery. Free, no registration required. Friday, October 24, 1 to 2 pm Art Talk | State of the Art artist Angela Drakeford Hear from Omaha, Nebraska-based artist Angela Drakeford as she discusses the social commentary on race and identity found in her paper constructions. Craftsmanship and beauty are essential elements in Drakeford’s work. In Self Portrait II, the artist uses black tar paper, a utilitarian and “ugly” material with toxic properties, to craft hundreds of elegantly shaped flowers. Discuss with Drakeford how this work seduces with its beauty and confronts us with social message. Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund.Free, no registration required. Friday, October 24, 7 pm Teen Workshop | “What are You Saying?” with State of the Art artist Angela Drakeford Join installation artist Angela Drakeford to gain new insights into the work of contemporary artists as you create artwork that explores text, communication, color, and collage. Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. Free, register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Friday, October 24, 7:30 to 9 pm Architecture Film Screening | My Architect: A Son’s Journey My Architect is based on filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn’s engrossing search for his father, Louis Kahn, one of the most celebrated architects of the twentieth century. Kahn died in 1974 and left behind a highly compartmentalized life, including children born to two mistresses outside of his marriage. Nathaniel interviews the members of this complex family, but his deepest experiences are visits to the buildings that his father made (such as the grand Salk Institute in La Jolla, California), culminating in an emotional trip to Bangladesh where Louis Kahn designed a massive government complex—a soaring achievement. This film asks: “Where does an artist truly live—in his life, or in the work he leaves behind?” Sponsored by Demara Titzer and The Legacy Fayetteville Condominiums.Free, register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Saturday, October 25, 9 am to noon Saturday Session for Teachers | Here and Now Join State of the Art artist Delita Martin to learn how she combines texture, color, and personal history in her artworks to tell stories about the role of women in African American culture. Then move into the studio where Delita will guide participants through three methods of gelatin printing and provide tips for using these processes in your classroom. Sponsored by Neff and Scarlett Basore.$10, register online. Saturday, October 25, 10 am to 6 pm Museum Store | Featured Artisan: RuAnn Ewing, Jewelry-Maker RuAnn is an artist/blacksmith and bead artist who resides in Hindsville, Arkansas. Her jewelry collection combines metal, beads, and found objects using a variety of techniques, including forging, bead weaving, and metalsmithing. Ewing’s jewelry will be on display and available for purchase during the event. Saturday, October 25, 1 to 3 pm Young Artists Workshop | Paper Flowers with State of the Art artist Angela Drakeford (For ages 6 – 12) Learn to make lots of different petal shapes and create beautiful flowers from paper with Omaha, Nebraska-based artist Angela Drakeford, whose Self Portrait II, composed of black tar-paper flowers, is featured in State of the Art. Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund.$15 ($12 for Members). Register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335 Saturday, October 25, 2 to 3 pm Art Talk | State of the Art artist Delita Martin Hear Little-Rock-based artist Delita Martin describe her multi-layered prints that combine texture, color, and personal history to tell stories about the role of women in African American history and culture. Sponsored by the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund.Free, no registration required Sunday, October 26, 1 to 4 pm Adult Workshop | Gelatin Plate Printing with State of the Art artist Delita Martin Come discover this low-tech, fun, and spontaneous printmaking technique. The process is inexpensive and versatile, and something you can continue to explore at home. Best of all, you will be learning from Little Rock-based artist Delita Martin, whose work is featured in State of the Art! Sponsored by Demara Titzer and the Crystal Bridges Art Now Fund. $15 ($12 for Members). Register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Halloween in the Hollow Friday, October 31, 8 to 11 pm, Great Hall Mark your calendars for artinfusion’s annual Halloween in the Hollow party, featuring the funky soul sounds of Austin-based ROXY ROCA, official showcasing artists at SXSW 2012 and 2013. Dress to kill: dig up your best creepy, kooky, or creative costume and come prepared to slaughter the competition in our costume contest. Prizes will be awarded to the best individual, duo, and group costumes. It’s sure to be a scream. Explore alternative dimensions with otherworldly tours through the south gallery of State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now, and awaken your senses with supernatural cuisine crafted by Eleven’s mad scientists chefs. A cash bar will be available, and your first drink is on us. Artinfusion is sponsored by Blue Moon Brewing Company. Free for artinfusion Members, $25 for guests, includes one drink ticket. Artinfusion is an affinity group especially for Crystal Bridges Members ages 21-40s. Register online. About Crystal Bridges 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. 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 the Walton Family Foundation as a nonprofit charitable organization for all to enjoy. Philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton chairs the Museum’s board of directors. Since its opening, the Museum has welcomed nearly 1.5 million visitors, and garnered more than 8,000 households in its membership. Some 55,000 school children have participated in the Museum’s Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program, which provides educational experiences for school groups at no cost to the schools. More than 220,000 visitors a year utilize the Museum’s 3.5 miles of walking trails. Crystal Bridges takes its name from a nearby natural spring and the bridge construction incorporated in the building, designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. A series of pavilions nestled around two spring-fed ponds house galleries, meeting and classroom spaces, and a large, glass-enclosed gathering hall. Guest amenities include a restaurant on a glass-enclosed bridge overlooking the ponds, a Museum Store designed by architect Marlon Blackwell, and a library featuring more than 50,000 volumes of art reference material. Sculpture and walking trails link the Museum’s 120-acre park to downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection spans five centuries of American masterworks ranging from the Colonial era to the current day. Included within the collection are iconic images such as Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits, Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter, and Andy Warhol’s Coca-Cola [3]— each reflecting a distinct moment in American artistic evolution—as well as major works by modern and contemporary American artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe, John Baldessari, and James Turrell. The permanent collection, which continues to grow through a strategic acquisition plan, is on view year-round and is enhanced by an array of temporary exhibitions, which were viewed by some 216,000 visitors in 2013. Crystal Bridges provides year-round programming for all ages. In 2013, more than 300 public programs were offered, including lectures, performances, classes, and continuing education for K-12 teachers. An award-winning app, available free for both Apple and Android devices, features audio tours of current and past exhibitions, and many of the Museum’s lectures and gallery talks are available in Crystal Bridges’ iTunes U site. A new initiative to develop high-quality distance-learning opportunities for students and teachers begins this year. Crystal Bridges also offers two research fellowship programs. The Tyson Scholars in American Art program supports full-time scholarship in the history of American art. The Reese Teacher Fellowship provides for research into the development of interdisciplinary connections between American art and core curriculum subjects of language arts, history, social studies, and the sciences. Additional information about Crystal Bridges is available online at CrystalBridges.org.
