Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
December 6th, 2009 Posted in American History
American Art and Culture. Arts & Culture: Some critics might say Jasper Cropsey’s “The Backwoods of America” — part of the Crystal Bridges growing American Art Collection — is a symbolic icon for billionaire Alice Walton’s passion for the arts.
Designed by world renowned architect Moshe Safdie, and funded by billionaire Alice Walton, the $50 million (that’s just the cost of the facility and doesn’t include the artworks) Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is scheduled to open in 2009, in Bentonville, Arkansas. It was two years ago this month that the daughter of Sam Walton, Founder of Wal-Mart, made the controversial announcement.
The museum will house a permanent collection of signature works from American artists along with galleries dedicated to regional art and artists including Native American art, but oddly enough, this monumental task is not making everyone happy.
The depth of the museum is indicated in a purchase from Christies America’s auction house in New York City in 2004 of Charles Wilson Peale’s portrait of George Washington for $6.1 million. This is causing some critics to puff up, believing that the art works are being snatched from their own backyard. No need to worry, collaborating with other institutions will be an important focus of Crystal Bridges, even before the museum opens, and they can also rest easy to know Bentonville does have an airport.
A number of the works from the Crystal Bridges permanent collection are already on loan at various museums throughout the United States including: The Hudson River School masterwork “Kindred Spirits” which was loaned to The National Gallery in Washington, D.C. for public viewing from 2005 – 2007. It is currently on loan to the Brooklyn Museum’s exhibition by the same name featuring the works of Asher B. Durand. The same exhibition will also travel to Washington D.C. and San Diego.
Thomas Eakins’ Portrait of Professor Benjamin H. Rand is currently on loan to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Jasper Cropsey’s majestic depiction of early American frontier life, “The Backwoods of America,” is now featured in the American galleries of The Nelson-Atkins in Kansas City, and the most extensive surviving group of Colonial American portraiture, the Levy-Franks family paintings, is currently on loan at The Jewish Museum in New York City. Also, the distinctive painting George Washington (The Constable-Hamilton Portrait) by the American painter Gilbert Stuart is currently on view at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
While the puffers puff, others admire Walton’s passion and dedication to the arts, and recognize the fact Crystal Bridges will be the premier American Art Collection, once it is in place. The collection is headed up by Bob Workman, formerly associated with the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.
When completed, the museum complex will encompass approximately 100,000 square feet of gallery, library, meeting, and office space, a 250-seat indoor auditorium, areas for outdoor concerts and public events, gallery rooms suitable for large receptions, as well as sculpture gardens and walking trails. Walton is building this “American Dream” on 100 pristine, wooded acres her family owns in Bentonville.
To find out more about this amazing museum visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Web site.
For LxM Ruth Mitchell
Watch the video related to native american art
Artist Desiree Dow talks about creating her unique Stone People.
Help answer the question about native american art
I'm looking for a good place that offers authentic Native American art?
Couple years ago I met a Native American woman at an art show. She was selling art created by what she called artists of "The society of the hand". Anyone ever heard of it?
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Tags: art, artist, Crystal Bridges Museum Of American Art, Culture, Desiree, Dow, museum
15 Responses to “Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art”
By Disease Information Health Tips on Nov 29, 2009
wow at the end looks like a picture taken but this look way better Nice!
By gladyglade2000 on Nov 29, 2009
I'm not exactly one to say for certain, so it's just an educated guess on my part, but back before people had beads readily available they more often created designs by quillwork. Which probably lends itself to only more geometric type designs (I keep meaning to try it someday…), certain shapes probably have more meaning than the fact that it's geometric.
By chewy on Nov 29, 2009
Look for some museums with Native American art collections. Their websites may have pictures.
By Scrapbooking on Nov 29, 2009
wowza. frickin wowza. youre amazing.
By BigGeorge55 on Nov 30, 2009
Maybe this website will help you:
Native American Web Sites
… collections of Kiowa drawings include works of art on buffalo hide and more recent examples on … the ethical promotion and protection of authentic Native American art and culture …www.jammed.com
or just type in authentic Native Americna Art…in your search web
GOOD LUCK
By codizzle on Nov 30, 2009
there an extuinked endargered species of subhuman called injuns
By czearra2003 on Dec 1, 2009
With me, it's very much in demand. I have a few items, but would like more.
Thanks for the question!
By Desktop Wallpaper on Dec 1, 2009
SPECTACULAR!
By Anonymous on Dec 1, 2009
O.o
By Wedding on Dec 2, 2009
I love johnny Depp!!!and this painting is awesome!
By Healthy Topics on Dec 2, 2009
impossible
By Wedding on Dec 2, 2009
that painting looks really real! good job man thats so awesome!!!
By chavez on Dec 2, 2009
If you just google 'Native American Art' thousands of sites will come up. Try http://www.nativeart.net to start off with. The Smithsonian Museum will have plenty, and I think there is an offshoot of the Smithsonian in Washington which is devoted to Native American art and culture. Sorry, can't help with the non-art question as you didn't say which country you're interested in.
By Healthy Topics on Dec 2, 2009
Would’ve been really spooky if his little finger moved to hit the last note at the end.
You’re a fantastic artist!
By Health Tips and Advice on Dec 3, 2009
hahahaha
yes it would have been kind of creepy
thanks for watching and for the awesome comment
have an awesome weekend
- Willy