Feb 6, 2014 Today, a ceremony will be held at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville at 1:30 p.m. to dedicate a new Coca-Cola Hydration Station recently completed in the museum’s additional parking area near Orchard Trail. The Hydration Station is a covered pavilion that will serve as a shelter for Crystal Bridges visitors awaiting the museum’s shuttle to the main entrance. It also houses vending machines offering Coca-Cola, Dasani, Powerade and other beverages to refresh thirsty museum visitors and those walking the Crystal Bridges trails. During 2013, more than 220,000 visitors enjoyed the museum’s 3.5 miles of trails on its 120-acre grounds. Sandy Douglas, President of Coca-Cola North America and Global Chief Customer Officer for The Coca-Cola Company, will make remarks at the ceremony, along with Crystal Bridges Executive Director Rod Bigelow, prior to a Coke toast. “In different and distinct ways, both Coca-Cola and Crystal Bridges bring simple moments of happiness to people,” said Douglas. “This new Coca-Cola Hydration Station is a great way to enhance the Crystal Bridges experience for visitors. Whether they’re taking an active walk on the extensive trails or enjoying the many exhibits at this world-class museum, Coca-Cola is ready to offer refreshment.” “We are grateful to Coca-Cola for providing this beautiful pavilion for the comfort of Crystal Bridges’ guests,” said Bigelow. “The Hydration Station will definitely improve the quality of the Crystal Bridges experience for our guests, and provide a place where we can offer information about the museum for those who are waiting for the shuttle or using our trails. It is a much-welcome addition to the amenities of Crystal Bridges.” The pavilion, which was constructed by Nabholz, was designed with sustainability in mind and features concrete, native stone, metal, and Cor-ten steel. Vending areas for Coca-Cola beverages are paired with recycling stations, while bench seating is made from recycled PET bottles. Station signage includes a Crystal Bridges trail map, as well as tips for incorporating healthy, active living into a museum visit, such as strolling the Art Trail, wandering the galleries in search of Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter painting, or hiking the Rock Ledge Trail. There is also information about the important role of recycling. A digital display screen offers viewers museum information, including current exhibition news. Following the dedication, Della Patteson, former Corporate Art Curator for Coca-Cola, will conduct a free public Art Talk at 2 p.m. in Crystal Bridges’ 20th-century art gallery about the museum’s recently acquired painting by Andy Warhol, Coca-Cola [3]. Though the work was not commissioned by Coca-Cola, the company views the image as a testament to the universal appeal of Coke and the familiarity of its iconic contour bottle. Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of key Crystal Bridges’ initiatives began in 2011, when the corporation was a sponsor for the museum’s opening on Nov. 11. “Coca-Cola has been very supportive of our mission to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature,” said Bigelow. “Recently, when the Coca-Cola (3) painting debuted in our gallery, the company provided complimentary Coca-Cola in glass bottles to museum guests. We look forward to continuing to collaborate on inventive ways to enhance our guests’ museum experience.” About The Coca-Cola Company The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company’s portfolio features 16 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.9 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company. About Nabholz Construction Nabholz is a leading construction-related service provider, with locations throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Mississippi. In addition to general contracting the company offers professional services which include construction management, design-build, preconstruction services, millwork, equipment rental, excavation, 24/7/365 emergency service, steel erection, remodeling, tenant finish-out, concrete construction, millwright, rigging, heavy-haul trucking and a full range of environmental services. Partnering with Linbeck of Fort Worth, Tex., Nabholz served as construction manager during the building of Crystal Bridges. Additional information is available at Nabholz.com.
