Bridges Beyond

Celebrating one year, Crystal Bridges offers more than art

Cody George, Crystal Bridges field horticulturist, speaks about the local plants to those in attendance for the program “Discover the Grounds: Preserving the Freshwater Ecosystem at Crystal Bridges.” The museum hosts many such events on the surrounding grounds.
Cody George, Crystal Bridges field horticulturist, speaks about the local plants to those in attendance for the program “Discover the Grounds: Preserving the Freshwater Ecosystem at Crystal Bridges.” The museum hosts many such events on the surrounding grounds.

It’s hard to believe Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is turning one year old, but that’s exactly what happens on Sunday. Several hundred

thousand visitors have passed through the

doors at the museum in Bentonville, and

more are sure to come.

While most visitors may be familiar with

the collection inside the museum, perhaps

fewer know of the dozens of non-art-related

events and activities taking place at the

museum on a regular basis. In honor of

the museum’s benchmark - because the

museum’s opening date was 11/11/11 - we

take a look at 11 things visitors can do that

don’t involve art - at least not the creations

already on the museum walls.

  1. DRAW The museum routinely hosts drop-in

drawing events. The free, informal sessions

are open to all ages. Materials are provided,

and interested parties should check at guest

services to find the location. The next drop

in drawing program is from noon to 3 p.m.

Nov. 18.

  1. STUDY ARCHITECTURE Spanning more than 90,000 square

feet, the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art’s

interconnected buildings are works of art

themselves. Designed by notable architect

Moshe Safdie, the museum took several

years to build and features a series of

connected galleries alongside or across a

central water feature. An exhibit on display

at the museum called “Moshe Safdie: The

Path to Crystal Bridges” introduces visitors

to the design work. A self-guided audio tour

of the complex also discusses architectural

features. The tour is available at Guest

Services or is free for those who download

the tour trough the iTunes App Store.

Also, check out award-winning local

architect Marlon Blackwell’s design of the

museum store.

  1. HIKE/RUN The museum grounds feature severalmiles of trails, which connect the museum to downtown Bentonville via the Crystal Bridges Trail. Many of the trails feature outdoor art, but others focus on the beauty of the outdoors, such as the Dogwood Trail, which shows off more than 500 dogwood trees that bloom in the spring.

  2. TEACH CHILDREN

Classes for children take place often at Crystal Bridges. Examples include the Home School Friday events, such as the current one, “Artful Architecture,” which explores the building’s design and includes the creation of architectural drawings. Even young children can participate at events such as Monday’s Preschool Playdate, for ages 2 to 5. (A caregiver must be present as well.) Crystal Bridges also hosts summer classes for children.

  1. GET MARRIED

Since opening last November, Crystal Bridges has hosted two weddings, three receptions and three rehearsal dinners. The facility and its restaurant can be rented out for such events, and the museum has put together packages that include access to several of the facility’s spaces.

Diane Carroll, the museum’s mediarelations manager, notes the “Love” statue by Robert Indiana on the south lawn has served as the site for many proposals.

  1. EAT

Open for lunch every day and dinner on Wednesday and Friday, Eleven serves modern American comfort food, which the museum calls “edible responsibilitycuisine,” meaning it’s often prepared from local produce. Picnic lunches can also be ordered and taken outdoors onto the museum grounds. Eleven also is the home of special food-related events, such as WOW from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, with samples of drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The event costs $30 and is limited to those age 21 and older.

  1. VOLUNTEER

More than 650 people from all over the region have signed up to volunteer for the museum.

Roles include gallery guides, group tour guides, library guides, museum store sales associates and more. An application form and more information about each position can be found via crystalbridges.org/Volunteer-Opportunities.

  1. SHOP

The Marlon Blackwell-designed Museum Store offers toys, games, books and more. Prints of the museum’s most popular works also are available.

Works by artists from the Ozarks are showcased.

  1. VISIT THE GROUNDS

The 120-acre grounds contain a lot of surprises.

For instance, three Arkansas State Champion trees - a black gum, a downy serviceberry and an Eastern white pine - are located on the property. The museum also hosts periodic “meet the grounds” talks that explore lesser known elements of the area.

  1. ENTERTAIN YOURSELF

Crystal Bridges’ open spaces are often the site of events such as the Art Night Out programs, which interactively combine the collection and dance, poetry or theater. The museum hosts a film series highlighting documentaries about art and nature. Tonight will serve as the debut of the documentary “The Art of Crystal Bridges” by thefilmmaker Larry Foley. The premiere takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

  1. RESEARCH ART

The museum library contains more than 55,000 volumes, ranging from reference books to artists’ letters. The research area offers computers and wireless Internet service.

The library’s catalog can be viewed at crystalbridges.org/library.

Whats Up, Pages 18 on 11/09/2012

Upcoming Events