High Art in Arkansas
I recently traveled several hours to Bentonville so I could visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. I’m not sure why I waited so long to make the journey, but what a wonderful place it is. ❤️ 🖼
Yes, Arkansans…there is a legit, high-quality art museum right here in The Natural State. On 120 acres, we have a collection of indoor and outdoor art that includes a sculpture by Georgia O’Keeffe, Polaroids shot by Andy Warhol, oil paintings by Norman Rockwell, glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly, and a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
I work almost every single day, and way too hard. I’m always surrounded by people, machines, and noise…so when I get a rare day or two off, that shit is PRECIOUS — more precious than gold. 🙌🏼 I often want to spend this priceless bit of free time alone, since I’m usually around people and commotion. I typically prefer silence, as well, as a contrast to the constant sound I’m forced to endure in my daily life.
This mini-excursion to Crystal Bridges was exactly what I needed. Time away, all to myself. No machines. Nowhere to be. No one chattering away in my ear. No rude or pushy people to distract me or rush me through the collections. Just peace, quiet, and all the time I wanted to soak up numerous pieces of fine art. And trust me, I took my time — I think I stood in front of the Tooker piece for about 30 minutes 🤣 (I’M OBSESSED WITH TOOKER AND THE MAGIC REALISTS). ✨💕🙌🏼
I also got some exercise and fresh air on a few of the outdoor walking trails during peak sunlight hours. There are over 4 miles of nature trails on the property — bikes and pets are welcome, too.
It was the perfect day. I hope to have more of these in the future. 👏🏼
And, oh…how inspired I was by everything I saw! 📸 📝 🎞
Below are some of the works/moments that I enjoyed most.
A Few of My Favorite Artists/Pieces…
📸(All Photos Are My Own)📸
“Day” ⤴️
Bronze sculpture, 1929
Artist: John Bradley Storrs
“Tobacco Sorters” ⤴️
Tempera on board, 1942-1944
Artist: Thomas Hart Benton
“Ghosts of Consumption” ⤴️
Found ocean plastic (from Hawaii, Greece, Alaska, Costa Rica, Italy, and the Gulf of Mexico), 2013
Artist: Pam Longobardi
“Abstraction” ⤴️
Sculpture — Modeled, 1946 / Cast, 1979-1980
Artist: Georgia O’Keeffe
“Dress Impression with Wrinkled Cowl” ⤴️
Glass sculpture, 2007
Artist: Karen LaMonte
**Note: the above piece was part of a temporary exhibit, “Crystals in Art”, and as of January 6th, 2020, it can no longer be viewed at Crystal Bridges.**
“Portal Icosahedron” ⤴️ (with extreme close-up shot, for detail)
Steel, specialized glass, LEDs, 2019
Artist: Anthony James
**Note: the above installation was part of a temporary exhibit, “Crystals in Art”, and as of January 6th, 2020, it can no longer be viewed at Crystal Bridges.**
“Smoker #9” ⤴️
Acrylic on linen, 1973
Artist: Tom Wesselmann
“Azure Icicle Chandelier” (one of two) ⤴️
Glass sculpture, 2016
Artist: Dale Chihuly
“Self-Portrait of the Artist” ⤴️ (close-up view)
Tempera on panel, 1947
Artist: George Tooker
“Enassamishhinjijweian” ⤴️ (with close-up, for detail)
Oil on linen, 2009
Artist: Tom Uttech
“The Tower” ⤴️
Oil, paper, fabric, tin cans, painted wood, broom, umbrella, wire, rubber, metal, dried turf, cigar box, electric lightbulbs, wiring, and spray enamel paint on wooden structure, 1957
Artist: Robert Rauschenberg
“The Bachman-Wilson House” ⤴️ (outside views)
Classic “Usonian” house, 1954
Architect/Designer: Frank Lloyd Wright
**Note: The Bachman-Wilson House IS open to the public — visitors can tour the inside of the house by scheduling an appointment during museum hours. See the front desk.**
“Depression Bread Line” ⤴️ (plus close-up)
Life-size sculpture — plaster, wood, metal, and acrylic paint, 1991
Artist: George Segal
“Big Red Lens” ⤴️
Cast polyester sculpture, 1985
Artist: Frederick Eversley
“Redstick” ⤴️
Sculpture, bronze with patina, 2007
Artist: Deborah Butterfield
“Man on a Bench” ⤴️ (front and side views)
Sculpture — polyvinyl, oil, mixed media, and accessories, 1977
Artist: Duane Hanson
**Note: in person, the lifelike quality of this sculpture is ASTOUNDING.**
“Infinity Mirrored Room — My Heart is Dancing into the Universe” ⤴️
Interactive exhibit / kaleidoscope, light, and mirror experience, 2018
Artist: Yayoi Kusama
**Note: I enjoyed this artistic experience so much. The lights/lanterns continuously change color inside this kaleidoscopic space, and within seconds of immersing yourself, you feel that you ARE in a different part of the universe.**
Rest, Refreshments, and More
Coffee lovers: I had a DAMN FINE double espresso in the coffee shop/cafe. ⤴️ Five stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ☕️👏🏼
I was at the museum from almost dark to dark, so I also had dinner there. For some really good food (and a killer cocktail), head to their restaurant, “ELEVEN”… ⤵️
If it’s a martini, make mine “dirty”…always. #filthy 🍸👌🏼 This one ⤴️ was EXCELLENT.
I want to go back, just for the espresso, cocktails, and food!
There’s also a wonderful gift shop, and if you have children, there are several interactive exhibits/areas for kids (as well as those outdoor trails I mentioned earlier).
Maybe — as was the case with me — you live right here in Arkansas, but you’ve never had a chance to see this museum before. Maybe you’re set to visit our state in the future, and you’re looking for something to do while you’re here. Maybe you’re just a LITTLE bit curious. All I can say is:
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville — GIVE IT A SHOT. 👍🏼
You might be pleasantly surprised.
Goodbye for now and a big “YEEHAW!” from Arkansas…👩🏻🌾
–Jenn ☺️
Jenn Howe 