Latest news with #CrystalBridges
Axios
22-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Crystal Bridges wrangles Texas Tiffany window
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art said Wednesday it has added a 108-year-old Tiffany stained glass window to its permanent collection, a first for the museum. The big picture: Son of Charles Lewis Tiffany, founder of the luxury jewelry brand, Louis Comfort Tiffany was an established designer who began experimenting with stained glass in the 1880s. He used science and a stable of artisans to help create his visions. Works from his active era are widely considered uniquely American masterpieces. State of play: The roughly 8-by-9-foot piece, titled "Mountain Landscape (Root Memorial Window)," was acquired from Sunset Ridge Church and Collective in San Antonio, where it had been installed for 94 years. The window was commissioned in 1916 by the Woodmen of the World, an early fraternal life insurance organization, to commemorate founder Joseph Cullen Root. It was installed in the company's headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1917. The work was moved in 1931 to what was then a Woodmen of the World Memorial Hospital chapel in San Antonio. Artist Agnes Northrop, one of the so-called Tiffany Girls, is credited with the design of the window. What they're saying:"It was just no question that this window would have such a home at Crystal Bridges," Wingate curator of craft Jen Padgett told Axios "There were so many things. … Even the landscape setting of the window itself reminds me a little bit of ' Kindred Spirits ' on that beautiful gorge with the waterfall, but then also it feels very much like a kind of Ozarks setting. … This one just felt so right for our collection, right for our museum and audiences," she said. Context: A " wisteria table lamp" by Clara Driscoll was the first Tiffany glass work in the Crystal Bridges collection, Padgett said. Sunset Ridge will also give Crystal Bridges another Tiffany work, titled "Arkansas State Window," created in 1931 when "Mountain Landscape" was relocated from Omaha. Padgett did not disclose the price the museum paid for the work but noted that Sunset Ridge was seeking to sell the window as part of its own conservation process. It was important to the church that the window be accessible to the public and that it not go into a private collection, where it wouldn't be displayed, she said. Stunning stat: A different 16-foot-tall Tiffany window owned by a private collector sold for $12.48 million to an anonymous bidder in November.
Axios
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Six Mother's Day ideas
Mother's Day is on Sunday. If you're still stumped for plans, here's how to celebrate the mothers and mother figures in your life. 💐 Make a floral bouquet together at a workshop from 1-2pm Saturday at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. Get tickets for $60 (or $50 for museum members). 🪴 Or make art outdoors and get a free plant at a pop up Mother's Day party at Crystal Bridges. Noon to 3pm Sunday. Free. 🍳 Enjoy a Mother's Day brunch at Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville. Pick a time between 10am and 2pm Sunday and get tickets up to $42. 🧺 Have a picnic or just enjoy the day at the outdoor Momentary Green from 10am-6pm Sunday. Free. 🫖 Have some treats at an afternoon tea on Saturday or Sunday at Butter•Scotch Bakery & Bar in downtown Bentonville. Get tickets ranging from $75-$115.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
How Bentonville, Arkansas, transformed into an art lover's paradise
Bentonville, Arkansas, has emerged as a lively artistic and culinary destination, driven by the influence of the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Thanks to this cultural influx, and with plenty to capture the attention of parents and children alike, it's also a perfect getaway for families. This area has long been known as a masterpiece of wild, wooded beauty. Situated on a plateau among the Ozark Mountains, Bentonville's network of nearly 70 miles of trails within the city connect to 400 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails through Arkansas's bluffs and hollers, making it an attractive choice for families wanting to get outdoors. Once a sleepy small town, Bentonville experienced a surge in economic growth thanks to Crystal Bridges, the world-class art museum founded in 2011 by Alice Walton, heir to the Walmart fortune. The museum has attracted over 13 million visitors, sparking a thriving artistic and culinary scene in the city. This has attracted a new generation of chefs, several of whom have been nominated for James Beard Awards in recent years. The town also believes in making art accessible, which has driven the creation of over 100 public works of art, from sculptures to murals to neon displays. Both the visitors and locals delight in creativity—whether it's a sculpture in the park or a dish placed before them at the table. Crystal Bridges' five miles of walking trails blend effortlessly into Bentonville's extensive hiking and biking network. From downtown, the paved half-mile Art Trail—ideal for strollers—offers a direct link to the museum's grounds and a view of some of Bentonville's public art displays. Whether it's walking under a 30-foot-high spider sculpture by artist Louise Bourgeois, admiring a bronze pig named 'Stella' by artist André Harvey, or watching the wind move the stainless steel spheres of Yayoi Kusama's 'Narcissus Garden' across a pond, there's something to delight in around every bend in the road. For those whose children are past the stroller stage, the quarter-mile gravel Crystal Springs trail takes you to the heart of the grounds, where 54°F water bubbles up from the ground at the rate of over 100 gallons a minute. Away from Crystal Bridges, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve's 17 miles of trails are perfect for bikers and hikers — just pay attention around blind corners. Families with small children can follow the paved greenway deep into the preserve to stop for a coffee and scones outdoors at Airship Coffee. Esther's Loop offers an easy 4.5-mile unpaved trail that winds around streams with multiple bridges perfect for biking or walking. Older teens may be up for the moderate challenge of the 3.3-mile Oscar's Loop; it has rougher terrain and some steep inclines. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with the natural landscape. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, it features striking glass-and-wood pavilions that span over serene water features. Inside, scattered throughout the spacious galleries, American artists as diverse as Thomas Moran, Georgia O'Keefe, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock mix with the museum's ever-growing collection of influential artists who aren't yet household names. Striking contemporary artwork, such as Nari Ward's 'We The People,' invites the viewer to pause and ponder on those familiar words. Creativity flows freely at Crystal Bridges' studio, where visitors of all ages can dive into hands-on art classes. Each day brings a new craft suggestion inspired by the museum's collection, but there's no pressure to follow the plan—guests are welcome to experiment with the provided supplies and let their imagination take the lead. Before heading outdoors, a stop at Eleven is well worth it. Bathed in natural light and overlooking the museum's lush grounds, the restaurant serves up gourmet sandwiches and salads. The roasted apple salad is a must-try. Outdoors, check out the natural Arkansas crystals in the stone grotto near the upper pond. For architecture lovers, Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachman-Wilson House, relocated from the banks of a flooding river in New Jersey, gives visitors a peek into his vision of a perfect "Usonian" home—comfortable, middle class living space with a connection to nature. Visiting the home is free, but timed entry tickets are required. There's thrills for children of all ages at the Scott Family Amazeum. Conduct science experiments with chocolate at the Hershey's Lab, be surrounded by flowing, twisting, and raining water at the Nature Valley Water Amazements, and use a flashlight to follow a dark path to a cave. Then head to Bentonville Square and take in the surrounding boutique shops and art galleries. Bike to the top of the Ledger building, a six-story building with switchbacks harkening back to Bentonville's love of mountain biking, to take in the views of downtown. For a casual lunch, enjoy favorites like a catfish po'boy at the Flying Fish or savor the Mexican street tacos from a James Beard-nominated chef at Yeyo's. For an upscale evening, Junto Sushi offers an elegant dining experience. (Related: 10 iconic dishes to try in the Southern states) Abigail Singrey is a freelance writer based in Oklahoma and the owner of Singrey Communications. She specializes in travel, books, and architecture, with a passion for sharing the stories of the people and places that make the United States one of a kind.
National Geographic
10-04-2025
- National Geographic
How this sleepy Southern town transformed into an art lover's paradise
Bentonville, Arkansas, has emerged as a lively artistic and culinary destination, driven by the influence of the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Thanks to this cultural influx, and with plenty to capture the attention of parents and children alike, it's also a perfect getaway for families. This area has long been known as a masterpiece of wild, wooded beauty. Situated on a plateau among the Ozark Mountains, Bentonville's network of nearly 70 miles of trails within the city connect to 400 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails through Arkansas's bluffs and hollers, making it an attractive choice for families wanting to get outdoors. Once a sleepy small town, Bentonville experienced a surge in economic growth thanks to Crystal Bridges, the world-class art museum founded in 2011 by Alice Walton, heir to the Walmart fortune. The museum has attracted over 13 million visitors, sparking a thriving artistic and culinary scene in the city. This has attracted a new generation of chefs, several of whom have been nominated for James Beard Awards in recent years. The town also believes in making art accessible, which has driven the creation of over 100 public works of art, from sculptures to murals to neon displays. Both the visitors and locals delight in creativity—whether it's a sculpture in the park or a dish placed before them at the table. Walk the trails Crystal Bridges' five miles of walking trails blend effortlessly into Bentonville's extensive hiking and biking network. From downtown, the paved half-mile Art Trail—ideal for strollers—offers a direct link to the museum's grounds and a view of some of Bentonville's public art displays. Whether it's walking under a 30-foot-high spider sculpture by artist Louise Bourgeois, admiring a bronze pig named 'Stella' by artist André Harvey, or watching the wind move the stainless steel spheres of Yayoi Kusama's 'Narcissus Garden' across a pond, there's something to delight in around every bend in the road. For those whose children are past the stroller stage, the quarter-mile gravel Crystal Springs trail takes you to the heart of the grounds, where 54°F water bubbles up from the ground at the rate of over 100 gallons a minute. Away from Crystal Bridges, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve's 17 miles of trails are perfect for bikers and hikers — just pay attention around blind corners. Families with small children can follow the paved greenway deep into the preserve to stop for a coffee and scones outdoors at Airship Coffee. Esther's Loop offers an easy 4.5-mile unpaved trail that winds around streams with multiple bridges perfect for biking or walking. Older teens may be up for the moderate challenge of the 3.3-mile Oscar's Loop; it has rougher terrain and some steep inclines. Explore the museum Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with the natural landscape. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, it features striking glass-and-wood pavilions that span over serene water features. Inside, scattered throughout the spacious galleries, American artists as diverse as Thomas Moran, Georgia O'Keefe, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock mix with the museum's ever-growing collection of influential artists who aren't yet household names. Striking contemporary artwork, such as Nari Ward's 'We The People,' invites the viewer to pause and ponder on those familiar words. General admission to the museum is free; keep in mind that the museum is closed on Tuesdays. Photograph by Jon Arnold Images Ltd, Alamy Stock Photo "Big Red Lens "is a red polyester resin disk sculpture by artist Fred Eversley. Photograph by Danny Johnston, AP Images Inside the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bachman-Wilson House in Bentonville, Arkansas. Photograph by Kelly P. Kissel. AP Images Creativity flows freely at Crystal Bridges' studio, where visitors of all ages can dive into hands-on art classes. Each day brings a new craft suggestion inspired by the museum's collection, but there's no pressure to follow the plan—guests are welcome to experiment with the provided supplies and let their imagination take the lead. Before heading outdoors, a stop at Eleven is well worth it. Bathed in natural light and overlooking the museum's lush grounds, the restaurant serves up gourmet sandwiches and salads. The roasted apple salad is a must-try. Outdoors, check out the natural Arkansas crystals in the stone grotto near the upper pond. For architecture lovers, Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachman-Wilson House, relocated from the banks of a flooding river in New Jersey, gives visitors a peek into his vision of a perfect "Usonian" home—comfortable, middle class living space with a connection to nature. Visiting the home is free, but timed entry tickets are required. Around town There's thrills for children of all ages at the Scott Family Amazeum. Conduct science experiments with chocolate at the Hershey's Lab, be surrounded by flowing, twisting, and raining water at the Nature Valley Water Amazements, and use a flashlight to follow a dark path to a cave. The exterior of Walton's 5&10 store, which is now the Walmart Museum in Bentonville. Photograph by Walter Bibikow, mauritius images GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo Then head to Bentonville Square and take in the surrounding boutique shops and art galleries. Bike to the top of the Ledger building, a six-story building with switchbacks harkening back to Bentonville's love of mountain biking, to take in the views of downtown. For a casual lunch, enjoy favorites like a catfish po'boy at the Flying Fish or savor the Mexican street tacos from a James Beard-nominated chef at Yeyo's. For an upscale evening, Junto Sushi offers an elegant dining experience. (Related: 10 iconic dishes to try in the Southern states) How to do itBentonville's walkable charm makes it easy to explore on foot, especially when you stay in the heart of the arts district—just park your car and forget about it for the rest of your trip. For those seeking a place to stay, Motto By Hilton Bentonville Downtown offers cozy, well-designed rooms. Families with older kids can opt for connecting room configurations. Abigail Singrey is a freelance writer based in Oklahoma and the owner of Singrey Communications. She specializes in travel, books, and architecture, with a passion for sharing the stories of the people and places that make the United States one of a kind.
Forbes
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Artist KAWS Opens At Arkansas's Crystal Bridges Museum Of American Art
The KAWS figures in FAMILY (2021) are the anchor to the new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art exhibit of his work. It's a wonderful thing these days that we can find fine art in the most unexpected of places. Head down a trail along a wooded ravine at the edge of Bentonville, Arkansas and suddenly up pops the celebrated Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (CB). Then take the artist KAWS whom you couldn't miss if you tried for his larger-than-life pop characters that are beloved by worldwide audiences and serious collectors alike. Put them together and you now have the captivating exhibit KAWS: FAMILY that just opened at Crystal Bridges. Even if you don't know the names of KAWS's signature characters—COMPANION being the most ubiquitous one cast into huge statues down to small figurines—they will ring a bell for their prominent X'd-out eyes. The show's titular piece FAMILY (2021) depicts four bronze figures with a black patina who are standing in the classic family vacation photo pose; two COMPANION figures on left are presumably mother and daughter holding a doll, and to the right, the KAWS character BFF is dad with a hand on a kid's shoulder, the latter appearing in the guise of his Michelin Man-esque CHUM character. KAWS has produced his MTV MOONMAN figure in various media and sizes, as here in the stainless steel SPACE (2021). While X'd-out eyes in classic cartoons typically denoted a concussed, drunk or dead character, KAWS manages with just an elegant tapering of the lines that form his Xs to keep his faces from tipping into anything ghoulish. BFF in particular has a cuddly Sesame Street-ish persona. And that, even if in the painted bronze piece GONE (2021), COMPANION is carrying a pink, passed out BFF. Or, so too in the glossy painted vinyl figure TIME OFF (2023) that depicts BFF lying down vaguely louche. Furry as ever, BFF is always still cuddly. Even in the KAWS series that plays on the Simpsons, the family we know so well in the acrylic on canvas UNTITLED (KIMPSONS #2) (2024) appears innocuous while holding their X'd eye decapitated heads. Ditto, Snoopy is still Snoopy with Xs in the acrylic on paper series MAN'S BEST FRIEND (2014) that takes up an entire wall. Anyone who knows KAWS's oversized figures well, may be new to his equally vital drawing and painting skills. You see it not only in that Snoopy series, but in such works as in a small ink on paper work for the Italian bicycle company Cinelli in which KAWS turns a mere letter C into a whimsical human-ish figure with his signature X for eyes. And then all the granular touch to all the puffs in bowls of Reese's Puffs cereal boxes turns out on close inspection to be hand painted. An entire wall is also lined with his General Mills Monster cereals mounted behind clear plastic box holders. The towering wooden sculpture AT THIS TIME (2013) in the COMPANION character series stands outside the main KAWS exhibit. If the Brooklyn-based artist has been known for some three decades for huge figures in solid bronze, aluminum, fiberglass or fine-grained dark wooden sculpture, he's worked within a continuum that also goes from small vinyl and plush toys up to huge, light inflatable pieces. Then there are the sneakers, skateboards and street culture that keep him busy, and high-end advertising, fashion, and product design work. KAWS has worked with Uniqlo, Nike, Comme des Garcons, and he's made plush toy-adorned furniture with the Brazilian Campana design brothers, a sofa of which appears in the KAWS: FAMILY show. For the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), KAWS refashioned the MTV Moonman in the form of his COMPANION character. Talk about bling: the necklace version he made for Kid Cudi, Space (2021), is drenched in diamonds and it sparkles when you wave your phone flashlight over it into the glass case that holds it here. SEPARATED (2021) is a painted bronze version of the COMPANION character. The KAWS: FAMILY curator at Crystal Bridges, Alejo Benedetti, made the wise decision to create a series of smaller rooms rather than large gallery spaces, which allows for a free flow through disparate KAWS themes and media. It's like a visual palate cleanser going room to room. The CB show is an expanded version of the original mounted at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) whose Deputy Director & Chief Curator Julian Cox worked closely with KAWS himself for that show. In his lead essay 'KAWS: Shapeshifter' in the show's handsome catalog (DelMonico Books), Cox calls KAWS a 'highly adept crossover artist.' For the New Jersey-native whose formal training was at New York's School of Visual Arts, the KAWS nom d'artist was highly taggable right from his early graffiti artist days. Often KAWS figures look kind of, sort of, familiar, and indeed he's long been melding icons that have swirled in the Zeitgeist for the last century. You can't always place the influence—and no matter. With his pop art sensibility, it's no surprise that KAWS sites Keith Haring, Jeff Koons and Claes Odenburg, among others, as inspiration. His work might even remind anyone of a certain age of having grown up reading MAD Magazine. And then you come to the painted bronze SEPARATED (2021) that was inspired by a photo KAWS saw of a girl sitting with her head in her hands after having been separated at the border from her family. It's his character COMPANION represented in a new light, a political one perhaps or most deeply human for certain. It's poignant pop art, if you will. Crystal Bridges general museum admission is free, while the KAWS: FAMILY exhibit is $15 (through July 28, 2025). In other Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art news, renowned architect Moshe Safdie has returned for an expansion of his original museum that will add 50% more gallery space. Set to be completed next year, the new wing will help fulfill founder Alice Walton's vision of giving the community and visitors 'radical accessibility' to art. More on that later to come.
