Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Arts & Culture: Some critics might say JasperBrooklyn Museum's exhibition by the same name
Cropsey's "The Backwoods of America" - part offeaturing the works of Asher B. Durand. The
the Crystal Bridges growing American Artsame exhibition will also travel to Washington D.C.
Collection - is a symbolic icon for billionaire Aliceand San Diego.
Walton's passion for the arts.Thomas Eakins' Portrait of Professor Benjamin H.
Designed by world renowned architect MosheRand is currently on loan to the Philadelphia
Safdie, and funded by billionaire Alice Walton, theMuseum of Art. Jasper Cropsey's majestic
$50 million (that's just the cost of the facility anddepiction of early American frontier life, "The
doesn't include the artworks) Crystal BridgesBackwoods of America," is now featured in the
Museum of American Art is scheduled to open inAmerican galleries of The Nelson-Atkins in Kansas
2009, in Bentonville, Arkansas. It was two yearsCity, and the most extensive surviving group of
ago this month that the daughter of Sam Walton,Colonial American portraiture, the Levy-Franks
Founder of Wal-Mart, made the controversialfamily paintings, is currently on loan at The Jewish
announcement.Museum in New York City. Also, the distinctive
The museum will house a permanent collection ofpainting George Washington (The
signature works from American artists along withConstable-Hamilton Portrait) by the American
galleries dedicated to regional art and artistspainter Gilbert Stuart is currently on view at the
including Native American art, but oddly enough,Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
this monumental task is not making everyoneWhile the puffers puff, others admire Walton's
happy.passion and dedication to the arts, and recognize
The depth of the museum is indicated in athe fact Crystal Bridges will be the premier
purchase from Christies America's auction houseAmerican Art Collection, once it is in place. The
in New York City in 2004 of Charles Wilsoncollection is headed up by Bob Workman,
Peale's portrait of George Washington for $6.1formerly associated with the Amon Carter
million. This is causing some critics to puff up,Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.
believing that the art works are being snatchedWhen completed, the museum complex will
from their own backyard. No need to worry,encompass approximately 100,000 square feet of
collaborating with other institutions will be angallery, library, meeting, and office space, a
important focus of Crystal Bridges, even before250-seat indoor auditorium, areas for outdoor
the museum opens, and they can also rest easyconcerts and public events, gallery rooms suitable
to know Bentonville does have an airport.for large receptions, as well as sculpture gardens
A number of the works from the Crystal Bridgesand walking trails. Walton is building this "American
permanent collection are already on loan atDream" on 100 pristine, wooded acres her family
various museums throughout the United Statesowns in Bentonville.
including: The Hudson River School masterworkTo find out more about this amazing museum
"Kindred Spirits" which was loaned to The Nationalvisit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Gallery in Washington, D.C. for public viewing fromWeb site.
2005 - 2007. It is currently on loan to the