Apr 26, 2019 Crystal Bridges welcomes a new exhibition to the museum in May along with special guest speakers, art workshops, and a Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica. Nature’s Nation: American Art and Environment is a new exhibition developed by Princeton University Art Museum that examines American artists’ impact on shaping environmental understanding and stewardship. Featuring 100 artworks from 70 eminent US collections, this exhibition traces 300 years of evolving ideas about the natural world and our place within it. This acclaimed exhibition is opening at Crystal Bridges on May 25 and will run through September 9. An opening discussion for Nature’s Nation will begin with an overview of the exhibition, given by co-curators Karl Kusserow (Princeton University Art Museum) and Alan Braddock (William & Mary), followed by a discussion with artist Walton Ford. The event is free and open to everyone. During Memorial Day weekend (May 23-27) and in collaboration with Downtown Bentonville Inc., Crystal Bridges will host The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. The replica also comes with a mobile Education Center featuring a timeline of the Vietnam War and other interactive displays. It will be free and open to the public 24 hours/daybeginning at 12:00 a.m. on May 23 and closing at 1:00 p.m. on May 27. The Wall will be located in Buckyball Field near the entrance of the museum. For more information, visit the DBI website. The Studio (formerly known as the Experience Art Studio) will reopen at Crystal Bridges on May 25 after being closed for a period of construction. The newly designed artmaking and creative space will offer art activities for all ages. The space is themed around art and nature, as colorful forest animals will adorn the walls and fixtures and “art totes” filled with artmaking activities will be available for check-out in the space. Philadelphia-based artist Jane Irish will be leading an adult workshop on Sunday, May 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The workshop will focus on egg tempera painting with a fresh focus on mark, memory, and touch through focused exercises and experimentation. Stimulating discussions, critiques, and additional take-home exercises will further enhance the workshop experience. All materials are provided. Visit the Nature’s Nation page to purchase your tickets. Crystal Bridges’ outdoor sculpture exhibition Color Field will be opening in the North Forest June 1. Parts of the North Forest will have intermitted closures for installation from May 1- June 1. Prior to opening, the museum will host a panel discussion on Friday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. with Color Field artists Claire Helen Ashley and Odili Donald Odita. The event is free; reserve your ticket. Wheelchair seating is accessible at all programs. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is offered at all Distinguished Speaker Lectures and at the Collection Highlights tour on the third Saturday of each month. Based on availability, ASL is available for all programs and tours upon advanced request. Please contact access@crystalbridges.org or 479.657.2415 to schedule. Relay or voice calls are welcome. STAY IN THE KNOW! Log in or create an account to customize your eNewsletters based on your interests. A full listing of May programs is below. Information and registration are available on Crystal Bridges’ calendar of events. Every Child a Reader: Children’s Book Week Monday, April 29 to Sunday, May 5 Story Times: 1 pm and 2 pm Join us at the Crystal Bridges Museum Store to celebrate Children’s Book Week. A discount of 10% to non-members and 20% to members will be given off any children’s story book purchased during this time. Free, no registration required. Play with Passion Wednesday, May 1, 5:30 to 7:30 pm Play with Passion is a volunteer organization through the Bentonville Schools that visits community sites once a month to promote activities and athletics for youth with disabilities and their families. The event at Crystal Bridges will feature art projects and activities related to nature with a cookout and yoga. Free, register by contacting Sheila Munn at smunn@bentonvillek12.org or Kathy Breed at breedmack1014@aol.comfor more information. Afterschool Art Class » Art and Science, Ages 5 to 12 Thursday, May 2, 9, 16, 4 to 5:30 pm Mix art and science as you explore artworks in the permanent collection. Create art and conduct experiments in the studio connecting to weather, math, and biology. $45/3 sessions ($36/members), register online or with Guest Services. Homeschool Friday Fun » STEAM Team, Ages 5 to 12 Fridays, May 3, 10, 17, 2 to 3:30 pm Explore the permanent collection and trails to discover how artists connect to STEAM. Experiment and create art that uses wind, gravity, math, and more! $45/3 sessions ($36/ members), register online or with Guest Services. Discover the Grounds » Salamanders of Arkansas Saturday, May 4, 10 to 11:30 am Led by Dr. Stan Trauth, discover the native salamanders of Arkansas, their ecological benefits, and the endangered Ozark Hellbender species. Free, registration required. Gallery Conversation » Charley Friedman and Squirrel Gang Saturday, May 4, 1 to 2 pm Join Squirrel Gang artist Charley Friedman for a deeper dive into the creation of this sculptural art installation. Free, no registration required. Creative Connections Monday, May 6, 1:30 to 3:30 pm Join us for Creative Connections, a program for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care partners. Free, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 479.273.5559 or thunter@alz.org to register. BCC Afterschool Art Class » Sun Prints | Frank Lloyd Wright [Ages 10 & under] Monday, May 6, 3 to 4 pm, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, or 6 to 7 pm Take a look at Frank Lloyd Wright’s nature-inspired designs, then use the power of the sun to make sun prints. Come to the Bentonville Community Center any Monday of the month to learn more about how artists at Crystal Bridges think about nature, then create something of your own using natural or upcycled materials. Ages 10 and under welcome, ages 4 and under require a caregiver. $12 ($10 for BCC members), register on the BCC website. Yoga and Art Monday, May 6, 6 to 7 pm Join instructors from Yoga Story in an uplifting group class that explores different facets of vinyasa as well as various disciplines of yoga practice. Open to all levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats and dress appropriately. $5 (Free for members), register online or with Guest Services. Figure Drawing from the Nude Model Wednesday, May 8, 6:30 to 8:30 pm Join us in the studio for an evening of drawing from a live model. A variety of drawing materials will be provided, and model poses will include both shorter, warm-up poses and longer poses. Participants must be 18 or older. $10 ($5/members), register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Preschool Playdate » Head in the Clouds Thursday, May 9, 11:30 am to 2 pm Have fun while cloud-gazing, cloud-painting, cloud-building, and cloud-loving during this fluffy-fun playdate. Playdate begins with a performance in the Great Hall. Free, no registration required. Art & English Thursday, May 9, 6:30 to 7:30 pm Adult English language learners are encouraged to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing English while discussing artworks in the galleries. Children of participants are invited to make an art project with an art instructor in the studios during the program or join the gallery discussion. Free. Registration encouraged, but not required. Member Double Discount Days Friday, May 10 (10 am to 9 pm) through Monday, May 13, 10 am to 6 pm Over the four-day period, our members will receive a discount of 20% off all they purchase in our store. Discounts do not apply to Chihuly Studio Editions. Free, no registration required. Featured Artisan Demonstration and Sale » Daaman Porcelain Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 12, 10 am to 6 pm Free, no registration required. Dance Beat x NWA Ballet Theatre Saturday, May 11, 1 to 2 pm Watch as NWA Ballet Theatre sets the stage for three beautiful performances at the Twin Bridges, found on our Art Trail. These fun, short, approachable performances will be a reaction to the space, inviting you to experience something new. Free, no registration required. Studio Squad » Stop Motion Animation [Ages 11 to 13] Saturday, May 11, 4 to 5:30 pm Join our friends from NERDIES™ in a creative workshop all about stop motion animation. Craft characters and scenery for your story, then film your own mini-movie with tips and tricks from NERDIES™. Participants will need to bring a mobile device with a camera. Free, register online or with Guest Services. Artinfusion Excursion » Callahan Mountain Studios Saturday, May 11, 4 to 6 pm Join us in Springdale at we visit the studio of Ron and Paula Mynatt, two glass blowers who have over 10 years of experience. Hear from the artists as they share about their technique and approach to this 2000-year-old process. Open exclusively to members. Free, register online or with guest services. Meditation and Mindfulness Monday, May 13, 1 to 2 pm Sessions will be held indoors in front of artworks from the permanent collection galleries, or outdoors along our beautiful trails and grounds. Free, no registration required. BCC Afterschool Art Class » Cardboard Castles | Buckminster Fuller [Ages 10 & under] Monday, May 13, 3 to 4 pm, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, or 6 to 7 pm This month, we are inspired by nature. Investigate sustainable housing with Buckminster Fuller’s Fly’s Eye Dome, then make cardboard constructions of your own, complete with upcycled decor. Ages 10 and under welcome, ages 4 and under require a caregiver. $12 ($10 for BCC members), register on the BCC website. Book Club » Braiding Sweet Grass by Robin Wall Wednesday, May 15, 1:30 to 3:30 pm Read books that will pull you into current exhibitions by informing, entertaining, and making the art come alive. For this session, we will be reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall. Free, no registration required. High South Moments » Poultry: The Chicken and the Egg Wednesday, May 15, 6 to 7:30 pm Enjoy appetizers and drinks as you experience the culture and cuisine of the region, creating your own High South Moment. For this event, we will cover the importance of poultry from our backyard in the 1930s up to now. $38 ($30 members), register online or with Guest Services. Gallery Conversation » What’s New? Tempera Thursday, May 16, 1 to 2 pm Meet curatorial assistant Larissa Randall as she shares about the new focus exhibition, Tempera. Free, no registration required. Opening Reception » Lenguaje del Arte Thursday, May 16, 6 to 8 pm Lenguaje del Arte/Language of Art is a collaborative project between Crystal Bridges, the Springdale Family Literacy Program, the Community Creative Center, and the Arts Center of the Ozarks designed for English language learners to become exposed to the arts and creatively express themselves through art. Please join us for the opening reception of this community event. Participants’ artworks will be on view at the Arts Center the Ozarks from May 7 to June 15. Free, no registration required. Featured Artisan Demonstration and Sale » Jim Young Pottery Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19, 10 am to 6 pm An award-winning potter and member of the Arkansas Craft Guild, Jim Young has been a stoneware potter for more than 40 years and a pottery teacher for 38 years. See Jim at work as he throws pottery on a wheel during this three day demonstration and sale. Free, no registration required. Artinfusion Happy Hour + Happening: “Male Fragility: A Night of Rant & Reason” Friday, May 17, 7 to 9 pm Join us for “Male Fragility: A Night of Rant & Reason,” presented by Katie Piatt. Considered a critical love letter to men, Piatt examines the patriarchy’s tradition of cutting off men from their emotions and critiques how this system has overtly and subtly contributed to the disproportionate treatment of women in the workplace and in society in general. Come ready to participate and stick around for Q&A with Katie after the performance. Free with online registration, open to everyone. CB Babies Saturday, May 18, 10 to 11:30 am Join us for this special program for the museum’s youngest visitors: infants ages 3 to 24 months with a caregiver. You’ll spend time in the galleries looking at and talking to your baby about art before enjoying sensory playtime. $10 per baby, free tickets for 1-2 adults per baby ($8/members), register online or with Guest Services. Family Nature Workshop » Clouds! Saturday, May 18, 10:30 am to 12 pm Discover different types of clouds, observe clouds outside, and create beautiful skyscapes! Free, register online or with Guest Services. One ticket per attendee, children must attend with an adult caregiver (best for ages 5-12). Summer Member Family Photos Saturday, May 18, 10 am to 1 pm We’ll be photographing outside on our beautiful grounds, weather permitting. Pets allowed on the trails are welcome to join in your photo. Reserve one ticket per family in your preferred time slot. Slots are limited. Free for members, register online or by calling the Member Priority Line at 479.418.5728. Adult Workshop » Egg Tempera with Jane Irish Sunday, May 19, 11 am to 5 pm Invigorate your painting practice and gain insight into historic works using egg tempera under the direction of Philadelphia-based master artist Jane Irish! Experience egg tempera painting with a fresh focus on mark, memory, and touch through focused exercises and experimentation in this one-day workshop. $80 ($72 for members), register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335 Figure Drawing Monday, May 20, 1 to 3 pm Join us in the studio for an afternoon of figure drawing at the museum. A variety of drawing materials will be provided, and model poses will include both shorter, warm-up poses and longer poses. $10 ($5/members), register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Creative Connections Monday, May 20, 1:30 to 3:30 pm Join us for Creative Connections, a program for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care partners. No prior art experience is required! Refreshments and art materials are provided. Free, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 479.273.5559 or thunter@alz.org to register. BCC Afterschool Art Class » Stick Sculpting | Deborah Butterfield [Ages 10 & under] Monday, May 20, 3 to 4 pm, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, or 6 to 7 pm This month, we are inspired by nature. Discover a sculpture that looks like it’s made of sticks, and learn more about the bronze-casting technique. In this class, we will be creating stick-sculptures of our own, beautified with yarn, pom-poms, buttons, and more. $12 ($10 for BCC members), register on the BCC website. Member Preview » Nature’s Nation Friday, May 24, 11 am to 9 pm If you’re a member, be among the first to enjoy this temporary exhibition that examines American artists’ impact on shaping environmental understanding and sustainability. Free for members, register online or by calling the Member Priority Line at 479.418.5728. Opening Exhibition Lecture » Nature’s Nation Friday, May 24, 7 to 8:30 pm Join us for an opening discussion on the exhibition Nature’s Nation: American Art and Environment. The lecture will begin with an overview of the exhibition, given by co-curators Karl Kusserow (Princeton University Art Museum) and Alan Braddock (William & Mary), followed by a discussion with artist Walton Ford. Free with online registration. Gallery Conversation » Poet Noelia Young Saturday, May 25, 1 to 2 pm Poet Noelia Young performs a 30-minute set of readings focused on the immigrant experience, particularly those of Latina women in the United States. There will be a short Q&A following this performance. Free, no registration required. Featured Artisan Demonstration and Sale » Pen Brady Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, May 26, 10 am to 6 pm Pen creates contemporary wildlife art with acrylic and India ink designs on bristol. Nature is the basic theme in her art, reflecting her interest in the vast diversity of life on this planet. Free, no registration required. Sunset Tai Chi Monday, May 27, 7:30 to 8:30 pm Plan to wind down from your busy day and join us this evening on the South Lawn for tai chi and qigong as the sun sets, surrounded by the beauty of art and nature! All experience levels welcome. $5 (Free for members), register online or with Guest Services. Summer Family Fun » Fishin’ Magicians Thursday, May 30, 6 to 7 pm Bring the whole family to the museum this summer for fabulous, free fun that all ages will enjoy. Come enjoy the kick-off of our Summer Family Fun series with Amy Short and Steve Craig as they take the stage as a hilarious duo. Free, no registration required. Art by the Glass » En Plein Air Friday, May 31, 6:30 to 8:30 pm Led by a Crystal Bridges instructor, paint en plein air as the sun sets, and discover why many artists appreciate working outdoors in the beauty of nature. All materials, plus a glass of wine or beer and light appetizers, are provided. $30 ($24/members), register online or with Guest Services. Panel Discussion » Color Field Friday, May 31, 7 to 8 pm Kick off the opening weekend of the outdoor exhibition Color Field in this panel discussion featuring artists Claire Helen Ashley and Odili Donald Odita. Free, registration required. For a complete list of current exhibitions, visit the museum exhibitions page. For news updates, follow Crystal Bridges on the Blog, Facebook, or Twitter.
