Last Saturday, Northwest Arkansas was enveloped in all things warm and fuzzy.
There were red roses and white paper cupids, garish balloons stating "I love you" and teddy bears with angel wings. Chocolates were wrapped in maroon foil, and more than one proposal was met with an ecstatic "yes." Local hearts were full of love.
Fast Facts
Black Hearts Ball
Who: Artinfusion
When: Feb. 14
Where: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville
Information: crystalbridges.org
And deep, dark blackness.
At least, such was the case for the bleak hearts of Artinfusion members and their guests, who chose to rock the night away at an event geared toward the unromantic side of Valentine's Day.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomed 500 anti-lovebugs for the third annual fun and funky Black Hearts Ball, held in the lobby and in the Eleven restaurant.
"Black Hearts Ball is a fun night to celebrate the other side of love -- the heartbreak," said public relations manager Beth Bobbitt. "We wanted to put together a fun evening for our young patrons who are single, dating or simply looking for an exciting event to break away from the conventional Valentine's Day celebrations by engaging them in a social experience that connects the stages of love and the arts."
Sponsored by Blue Moon Brewing Company, Rope Swing and Arvest Bank, the sold-out event featured music by DJ Abboriginal, an after-party hosted by The Hive and comfort cuisine prepared by Eleven's culinary team.
But the chefs provided more than just heartbreak ice cream.
Members and their guests noshed on spanikopitas, bruchetta, meats and cheeses, said Bobbitt. And for dessert? Chocolate, of course. Cupcakes and chocolate-covered strawberries were washed down with a specialty drink, the Bitter and Bubbly Cocktail, composed of champagne, bitters and a sugar cube, she said.
If cocktails weren't enough to forget about that "certain ex," Blue Moon Brewing Company was on hand to sample two new ales: Blue Moon Peach and Blue Moon White IPA.
And certain to bring a smile to even the most depressed lover, Yarnolutionary characters were there to delight guests with their crocheted attire and promote the Ball of Yarn Saturday at 21c Museum Hotel, she said.
The Crystal Bridges Artinfusion membership program is geared toward ages 21 to 40 and offers events throughout the year that include "networking opportunities, art talks, artmaking activities, live music, gallery tours and specialty food and drink,"all designed to provide social networking and art experiences, Bobbitt said.
The cost of an Artinfusion membership is $30 for individuals and $50 for dual/family members in addition to the museum's annual membership.
"We believe that this is a successful event to bring Northwest Arkansas young professionals together," Bobbitt said. "The next big Artinfusion event is Halloween in the Hollow on Oct. 31, but there are many opportunities to engage with Artinfusion throughout the year."
NAN Profiles on 02/22/2015