Jul 22, 2013 21c Museum Hotel announces a new contest in partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The contest highlights the art collections of both museums, asking fans to spot 21c’s limited edition Green Penguin sculpture and identify a work from Crystal Bridges for a chance to win prizes. The contest launches on Monday, July 22 and ends on Wednesday, July 31. Each day, a photo will be released featuring the Green Penguin sculpture by Cracking Art Group in front of an artwork at Crystal Bridges. Daily photos will be posted online at 21cBentonville.com/spotted and via 21c and Crystal Bridges’ social media channels. Entries naming the artwork behind the penguin can be submitted to spotted@21cHotels.com. Entries correctly identifying the artwork will have a chance to win the grand prize, a one-night Art Exploration Package at 21c Bentonville. Daily prizes available include tickets to special Crystal Bridges events and exhibitions. Cracking Art Group’s Red Penguin sculptures were first exhibited at 21c Louisville in 2006. Founders Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson purchased the works after seeing them installed around the city at the 2005 Venice Biennale as part of a public art project. The penguins were so popular with visitors to 21c that they remain on permanent exhibition. Each 21c Museum Hotel has its own flock of penguins. 21c Bentonville is home to a flock of green penguins, while 21c Cincinnati’s are yellow. The mission of Cracking Art Group is to raise awareness of environmental issues and the use and misuse of natural resources by creating artworks with materials derived from petroleum products. The name Cracking Art refers to the chemical reaction that occurs when converting raw crude oil into plastic, or the moment when natural becomes artificial. Founded in 1993, Cracking Art Group has created over 600 exhibitions worldwide. What: Green Penguin Spotting Contest When: Monday, July 22 – Wednesday, July 31 Where: Online at 21cBentonville.com/spotted or via 21c social media channels and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art social media channels Additional information is available online at 21cBentonville.com/spotted. About 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville is a vibrant contemporary art museum, 104-room hotel and restaurant located just north of downtown Bentonville’s historic Square. In support of 21c’s commitment to bring new works of art to the public through innovative exhibitions and programs that integrate contemporary art into daily life, the property features 12,000 square feet of museum, meeting and event space open free of charge 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The museum offers free weekly docent tours of rotating exhibitions and site-specific installations as well as a variety of cultural programming. 21c architect Deborah Berke’s design integrates extensive natural lighting throughout the 100,000 square foot property, which also features a spacious ballroom and state-of-the-art meeting and conference rooms, outdoor spaces for private functions and The Hive restaurant. Led by chef and Arkansas native Matthew McClure, The Hive offers a refined take on traditional Southern fare, while emphasizing the unique culinary identity and ingredients of Arkansas. For more information visit www.21cMuseumHotels.com. About Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Nestled on 120 wooded acres in Bentonville, AR, 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. The building was designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie and opened to the public on 11-11-11. Enjoy Crystal Bridges’ growing art collection spanning five centuries of American masterworks from the Colonial era to the current day. Iconic paintings such as Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits, Rosie the Riveter by Norman Rockwell, and Andy Warhol’s Dolly Parton, are perennial favorites. The permanent collection is enhanced by temporary exhibitions several times a year. Outdoors, 3.5 miles of trails invite you to explore and immerse yourself in the beauty of our native Ozark forest. A network of trails offers a variety of plant life, terrain and ecosystems and even artwork, which change character every season. For press information contact: Stephanie Greene 21c Museum Hotels 502.882.6231 sgreene@21chotels.com For information about Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art contact: Diane Carroll 479.418.5751 Diane.Carroll@crystalbridges.org
