Today I will be in the air and on the road once again.
This time I’m headed to Bentonville, Arkansas. While Bentonville is primarily known for being the home of Walmart, my destination is Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Founded by Alice Walton (daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton), Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection “spans five centuries of American masterworks ranging from the Colonial era to the current day”. Included in the collection is Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits, Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter, and Andy Warhol’s Coca-Cola [3], as well as major works by modern and contemporary American artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe, John Baldessari, and James Turrell.
Alice Walton stated: “I knew this museum was needed. I grew up here and didn’t have access to art and I knew we wanted to change that.” In addition, she wanted all people, especially children, to have the opportunity to visit the museum. Consequently, admission is free.
Nestled in the Ozarks in the far northwest corner of Arkansas, the museum takes its name from Crystal Spring, a natural spring on the museum’s wooded site, which feeds into the museum ponds; and from the unique glass-enclosed bridge that links the structures.
While the majority of the art is displayed in the series of buildings that make up the museum, sculpture trails throughout the grounds and adjacent woods offer other art-viewing opportunities.
Even “do-it-yourself” art.
As you can see, I have been to this place. Four years ago a birthday celebration brought me here, and I have long wanted to return.
And so I shall do just that. I hope you’ll join me.
Traveling mercies.
Cometsgirl 