In the POD - Arkansas, museums and family

 

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Bentonville, AR

 Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges opened on November 11, 2011, and welcomes all with free admission. Set over a natural spring by the same name the museum sits seamlessly in the environment built with materials that will patina and age along with its natural surroundings. The permanent collection spans 5 centuries of American art and is committed to telling broad and inclusive stories by acquiring and showcasing the highest quality works by artists underrepresented in art history. And let me tell you - they do that perfectly. 

This museum has been on my list for a number of years… but being tucked away in the NW .corner of Arkansas made it a seemingly difficult visit. Truthfully, there was nothing else around. However, this year, another year of Covid, another year of not traveling made me realize that we had to do this…. Now. 

And I am so glad that we did! The grounds, the architecture of the museum itself, it’s connection to the area, and, of course the art itself is stunning. 

Our Town

Kerry James Marshall

Pink Bird Figure II

Helen Frankenthaler

There were so many amazing artists represented that I did not know (notes written to learn about) and many artists that I did know of, and yet I had not seen these pieces. The flow/curation of the museum, as well as the documentation, was well presented making for a wonderful experience. 

The Reader

Emma Amos

Number 184T

Leonardo Drew

Ambulance Call

Jacob Lawrence 

Untitled

Felrath Hines

All I can say is that this was a perfect day. Enough for one’s eyes and enough for one’s soul.

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For the two (plus) days we were in the Fayetteville, AR area we visited with Tim’s niece Sierra, her husband Christopher, their 3 year old, Simon and her in laws, Tracy and Michael. Hats off to the Beckers family for opening their home, their lives, their kitchen, and their hearts! We waltzed into a beautiful family dynamic and the music never stopped…….. thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️