Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art leaders welcomed exhibition sponsors and patrons July 29 for the "We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy" exhibition at the museum in Bentonville. The star of the exhibition is one of only 11 known original copies of the United States Constitution.
The exhibition opened July 2 and is "in conversation with works of art that provide diverse perspectives on the nation's founding principles," according to a news release. Original prints of other founding and historical documents on view include the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the proposed Bill of Rights and the Emancipation Proclamation. The documents are "alongside works by influential historical and contemporary artists, including several works new to the Crystal Bridges collection by Shelley Niro, Roger Shimomura and Luis C. Garza."
Organizers say: "The exhibition encourages visitors to explore the profound influence of Indigenous people and societies on the formation of the United States and gives visitors the opportunity, through art, to explore the significance of the world's longest surviving written charter of government and reflect on the relevance of the U.S. Constitution in the lives of Americans today. The interplay of artworks spanning three centuries with the nation's persevering documents acknowledges the long contested space of rights and freedom, and the role that art continues to play in representing diverse American experiences of communities seeking justice for all."
The museum will mark Constitution Day with a weekend of activities Sept. 16-17. "Short Talks, Big Ideas: Radical Notions of Democracy" on Sept. 16 will be "an evening of fast-paced talks and performances featuring thinkers shaping contemporary civic conversations." "The Art of the Constitution" on Sept. 17 will be "activated by a series of brief talks by community members, artists and educators who will use art to explore themes presented in the Constitution."
Learning and engagement programming for the exhibition is sponsored by Scholastic Inc.; Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates, & Woodyard, P.L.L.C.; Johnny and Jeanie Morris, Bass Pro Shop; Harriet and Warren Stephens, Stephens Inc.; Sotheby's; Bob and Becky Alexander; Marybeth and Micky Mayfield; Lamar and Shari Steiger; Jeff and Sarah Teague / Citizens Bank; Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities; Avis and Bill Bailey; Scarlett and Neff Basore; The Harrison and Rhonda French Family; Jim and Susan von Gremp; Shannon and Charles Holley; Valorie and Randy Lawson / Lawco Energy Group; Neal and Gina Pendergraft; Helen Porter; JT and Imelda Rose; Lee and Linda Scott; Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Catherine and Michael Mayton, Trustees; and William Reese Company.
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
Sarah and Jeff Teague enjoy the Director's Reception for "We the People." (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
Sarah and Jeff Teague enjoy the Director's Reception for "We the People." (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
Debbie Evans (from left) Terrye Brosh, Lynne Walton and Brenda Godwin visit at the Director's Reception. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
Marybeth and Micky Mayfield attend the Director's Reception at Crystal Bridges. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
Randy and Valorie Lawson enjoy the "We the People" Director's Reception. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
Randy and Valorie Lawson enjoy the "We the People" Director's Reception. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
Austen Bailly, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art chief curator (from left); Olivia Walton, board chairwoman; Susan and Gov. Asa Hutchingson; and Rod Bigelow, executive director and chief diversity and inclusion officer stand for a photo at the July 29 Director's Reception. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Carin Schoppmeyer)
The sculpture “Black Unity” by Elizabeth Catlett is displayed as part of “We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy” exhibition at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Charlie Kaijo)