Crystal Bridges to host lecture exploring the life and legacy of Keith Haring

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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Crystal Bridges today announced Keith Haring’s Life & Legacy: A Conversation to accompany Keith Haring in 3D featuring independent curator Glenn Adamson, biographer Brad Gooch and Arkansas-based photographer Tim Hursley. Taking place in the museum’s Great Hall on November 12, the panel will discuss the life and times of Keith Haring.  

The lecture compliments Crystal Bridges' temporary exhibition Keith Haring in 3D, the first to explore Haring's three-dimensional practice at this scale. The exhibition repositions Haring within the influential creative networks of the downtown New York art scene in the late 1970's and early 1980's. 

Haring led a highly collaborative artistic career, working with artists and influential figures such as Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, as well as photographer Tim Hursley and videographer Courtney Harmel. Hursley documented both Haring and the New York City club scene of the 1980's, and Harmel's recording of Madonna's performance in a Haring-painted jacket is on view in the exhibition.  

Drawing on Haring's collaborative spirit and firsthand experience working with him, the panelists will discuss Haring's enduring legacy as an artist and cultural figure.  

WHAT: Keith Haring's Life & Legacy: A Conversation 

WHEN: Thursday, November 12 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. 

WHERE: Crystal Bridges | Great Hall | 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR, 72712 

WHO: Curator Glenn Adamson, biographer Brad Gooch and photographer Tim Hursley 

WHY: Hear acclaimed panelists share unique perspectives on Keith Haring’s life and explore his enduring legacy within the 1980s New York City art movement, in conversation with Crystal Bridges' temporary exhibition Keith Haring in 3D, open through January 25, 2027.  

HOW: Tickets are $20 ($15 for members). Guests can purchase tickets online or with Guest Experience at (479)-657-2335.  

MORE: Keith Haring in 3D is accompanied by a major book published by Phaidon/Monacelli, edited by Larry Warsh and Glenn Adamson.  

Exhibition Credits 

Keith Haring in 3D is sponsored by Stout Executive Search, Christie's, Harrison and Rhonda French Family, Frederick and Shelby Gans, Anthropic, Amber and Martin Bynum, Ramsay and Jaquita Ball, Engel & Völkers and Jennie and David Hartman.  

Acknowledgements

Keith Haring's Life & Legacy: A Conversation is sponsored by Trott Family Philanthropies | Mercedes-Benz of Northwest Arkansas | BMW of Northwest Arkansas (Superior Auto Group), Kelly and John David Rainey, Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Cathy and Mike Mayton, Trustees, Demara Titzer, 1828 Capital & Partners, Jana Ecrette, Rebecca Hurst and Jim Smith | Smith Hurst PLC, AMP Sign & Banner, Jim and Susan von Gremp, Andrea Albright and Patrick Bannon, Marsha and John Phillips and Evan and Omer Tore.  

Image Credit: Photo ©Tim Hursley 

About Crystal Bridges 

The mission of Crystal Bridges 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 15 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization by philanthropist Alice Walton. The museum’s expansive collection spans five centuries of American masterworks from early American to current day and is enhanced by temporary exhibitions and five miles of trails featuring public art installations from prominent artists. 

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. Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities, and is the home of the prestigious Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art and Tyson Scholars of American Art Program. Some 558,375 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), a venue for the music, art, and food of our time. Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public June 6 and 7, 2026, allowing the museum to expand access for all. For more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712. 

Media Contact

media@crystalbridges.org