"State of the Art", Crystal Bridges Showcases Artistic Talent From Across the USA + FOOD: Eleven, Dining at Crystal Bridges Museum

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, in Bentonville, Arkansas

has become one of the great destination museums of the world.
Photo By Arkansas Parks and Tourism 

State of the Art / Artist: Teri Greeves from Santa Fe, NM,
exhibits her "Abstraction-Kiowa by Design" created this year, 2014,

and made from canvas, beads, (sneaker elements) and high heels..

ART

"STATE OF THE ART:

Discovering American Art Now"

Crystal Bridges Museum

of American Art 

has curated one 

of the most

important exhibitions

of this century!

(Exhibition continues until January 19, 2015)

(Because of the size and importance of this exhibition this is Issue #1 covering: STATE of the ART - the final two installments will come after the exhibition closes in January.)

Crystal Bridges Museum derives it's name from the fact that
several of the galleries are actual bridges
over a fresh water stream-fed lake.

"State of the Art, Discovering American Art Now"

Two representatives of Crystal Bridges Museum, the president, Don Bacigalupi, and curator, Chad Alligood, set out in planes, trains and automobiles for an unusual art hunt to find undiscovered artists across the USA. The goal: to showcase these artists from the heartland in a one-of-a-kind, ambitious and contemporary art exhibition at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas (founded by Alice Walton).

Artist- Laurel Roth Hope from San Francisco, CA,
"Biodiversity Suits for Urban Pigeons"
Yarn, polyurethane, pewter, glass, epoxy and walnut wood.

This exhibition begins to answer the question many people inside and outside of the "art world" often ask: "If 99% of the emerging and famous artists shown in the major U.S. galleries and museums live in New York City or Los Angeles, what other great American artistic talents (who don't happen to live in those two cities) are going unrecognized?" In the United States, we all know there are thousands and thousands and thousands of artists dispersed through-out the country, living and working in every community, large and small. Who are the masters among these artists and what do they have to say?

To find out the state of the art in America today, Don and Chad took on the ultimate road trip to over a thousand destinations over the course of a year, logging more than 100,000 miles as they crisscrossed the United States to visit nearly 1,000 artists. Traveling to towns and cities large and small, the Museum sought to discover artists whose work has not yet been fully recognized on a national level. On their travels, the museum curators conducted hundreds of hours of one-on-one conversations with artists in their studios. 

Artist: Jonathan Schipper, Brooklyn, NY,
"Slow Room" Installation
Every object in the formal living room is connected to chords strung through a single hole in the wall. The chords are very slowly pulled into the hole, over the run of the show, causing the living room to collapse into a pile of broken rubble.

The result of this unprecedented journey is a one-of-a-kind exhibition that draws from every region of the US, offering an unusually diverse look at American art. "State of the Art" brings together the artwork of more than 100 artists, ranging from works on canvas and paper to photography and video to installation and performance art, and more. The exhibition examines the ways in which today’s artists are informed by the past, innovating with materials old and new, and engaging deeply with issues relevant to our times.

"Let's start this conversation about art today!" - Don Bacigalupi

From Crystal Bridges' Blog
This may be the first time museum curators have traveled cross-country to get to know regional artists and see their artworks in the artist's studios. Museums usually define the art worthy of being shown based upon their valuations from art auctions, private collections, and invitational museum biennials. So it was refreshing to see curators take action and say to the establishment “Let’s be authentic and hear from the artists on what is art!” The State of the Art exhibition features more than 220 artworks by 102 artists from across the US. This exhibition goes beyond just the number of objects and the names, it's actually a journey for the viewers and for the artists to be amongst each other as they explore a spectrum of art mediums and offer up their opinions on current society. The State of the Art exhibition is the first of its kind for Crystal Bridges. It has certainly set a precedent in exhibition research, and made a clear statement that Crystal Bridges is determined to connect with people and places nationally. A public symposium will be held in November to serve as a link between the artists, their works, the museum and its patrons. 

(Source: Information originally was written in Crystal Bridges Blog by Sara Segerlin, the Senior Crystal Bridges Museum Educator, here it was edited for length by ARTSnFOOD.)

Alberto Aguilar, Chicago, IL, "Sensitive Equipment" (Interactive Art), 2013,
carpet, bells, balloon, table, Chinese jump rope and video,
(While standing on carpet, patrons try to keep the balloon aloft.

Bells ring with each punch at the balloon.)  

Alberto Aguilar, Chicago, IL, "Sensitive Equipment" (Interactive Art), 2013,

carpet, bells, balloon, table, Chinese jump rope and video

Alberto Aguilar, Chicago, IL, "Sensitive Equipment" (Interactive Art), 2013,

(While standing on carpet, patrons try to keep the balloon aloft.

Bells ring with each punch at the balloon..

Chris Satuer, San Antonio, TX, installation
"The Known Universe",

telescope created by cutting star/planet pieces
out of the gallery's drywall.

Dan Steinbilber, Washington, DC, "Reflection Room"

Mylar, electric fans, lights, trash can, silver foil, 2014

Dan Steinbilber, Washington, DC,
"Reflection Room" 2014

Dave Greber, New Orleans, LA, (Floor Projection) 

"Still Lives II - Vignette", 2013

Video Projection

Emily Erb, Philadelphia, PA, "World Map", 2011, Dye on silk

(A world map created using painted, encyclopedia sourced, images.)

Emily Erb, Philadelphia, PA,

"World Map", 2011, Dye on silk (detail))

Emily Erb, Philadelphia, PA,

"World Map", 2011, Dye on silk (detail)

Guy W. Bell, Little Rock, AR, "Cain and Abel", 2013 Oil on canvas

The biblical reference implies this struggle relates to
the fundamental dualities of all human experience,
the viewers supply their own meaning to the conflict portrayed.
Is the car in the distance the help needed to stop this fight?

Jawshing Arthur Liou, Bloomington, IN, "KORA", 2012, A ultra high-definition video

takes viewer on a journey to Mount Kailash in Tibet,
a place sacred to four world religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Bon).

John Salvest, Jonesboro, AR, "Forever" 2013,
Art is made of secondhand paperback romance novels, on metal armature

(courtesy Morgan Lehman Gallery)

(detail) John Salvest, Jonesboro, AR, "Forever" 2013,
Art is made of secondhand paperback romance novels, on metal armature

(courtesy Morgan Lehman Gallery)

(detail) John Salvest, Jonesboro, AR, "Forever" 2013,
Art is made of secondhand paperback romance novels,

on metal armature

(courtesy Morgan Lehman Gallery)

Ligia Bouton, Santa Fe, NM,
"Understudy for Animal Farm, 4 legs good, 2 legs better", 2012-14

Ligia Bouton, Santa Fe, NM, 

"Understudy for Animal Farm"
(detail)

Ligia Bouton, Santa Fe, NM, 

"Understudy for Animal Farm"

(detail of installation)

Ligia Bouton, Santa Fe, NM, 

"Understudy for Animal Farm"

(detail of installation)

Ligia Bouton, Santa Fe, NM, 

"Understudy for Animal Farm"

(detail of installation)

Ligia Bouton, Santa Fe, NM, 

"Understudy for Animal Farm"

(detail of installation)

Ligia Bouton, Santa Fe, NM, 

"Understudy for Animal Farm"

(detail of installation)

Linda Lopez, Fayetteville, AR, "A Moment is Forgetfulness" 2013, ceramic and wood

Mary Ann Currier, Louisville, KY, "Apple" 2012
Colored pencils on paper

Mary Ann Currier, Louisville, KY, 2013

"Ruminations on the Right Angle"

Acrylic on pane

Mary Ann Currier, Louisville, KY, 2013

"Ruminations on the Right Angle"

Acrylic on pane

Mary Ann Currier, Louisville, KY, 2013

"Ruminations on the Right Angle"

Acrylic on pane

Mary Ann Currier, Louisville, KY, 2013

"Ruminations on the Right Angle"

Acrylic on pane

Michael Menchaca, Providence, RI
"Codex Vidiot Vidi and Codex Heterogeneous, 2013, Digital Video Animation

Michael Menchaca, Providence, RI
"Codex Vidiot Vidi and Codex Heterogeneous, 2013, Digital Video Animation

Michael Menchaca, Providence, RI
"Codex Vidiot Vidi and Codex Heterogeneous, 2013, Digital Video Animation

Michael Menchaca, Providence, RI
"Codex Vidiot Vidi and Codex Heterogeneous, 2013, Digital Video Animation

Michael Menchaca, Providence, RI
"Codex Vidiot Vidi and Codex Heterogeneous, 2013, working drawings

Monica Aissa Martinez, Phoenix, AZ
"Male Torso - Anterior View"
from the Nothing in Stasis series, 2-12-2013

casein, gouache, gesso, and micaceous iron oxide on canvas

(Detail) Monica Aissa Martinez, Phoenix, AZ

"Male Torso - Anterior View"

from the Nothing in Stasis series, 2-12-2013

casein, gouache, gesso, and micaceous iron oxide on canvas

Noelle K. Tan, Hyattsville, MD, "Untitled", 

(High Contrast Photograph - Gelatin Silver Print)
from the series
"An Excerpt from the Anthology of Unfinished Projects" 2013

Pam Longobardi, Atlanta, GA, "Ghosts of Consumption" (for Piete M.) 2013
Found "Ocean-Plastics" (trash) 

from: Hawaii, Greece, Costa Rica, Italy and the Gulf of Mexico.

Pam Longobardi, Atlanta, GA,
"Ghosts of Consumption"

detail of found ocean-plastics (trash)

Pam Longobardi, Atlanta, GA, "Anthropocene - Supernature", 2013 (painting)

Peggy Nolan, Miami, FL, "Untitled" series, 2010-2013, 

Framed Chromagenic Color Prints

Peggy Nolan, Miami, FL, "untitled"
(light bulbs) 2010-2013, Chromagenic Color Print

Peggy Nolan, Miami, FL, "Untitled", 2010-2013 - (Cat Judy's bed), Chromagenic Color Print

Peggy Nolan, Miami, FL, "Untitled" 2010-2013

(toenail clipping), Chromagenic Color Print

Peggy Nolan, Miami, FL, "Untitled" 2010-2013

(rubber duck), Chromagenic Color Print

Peter Glenn Oakley, Banner Elk, NC,
hand carved sculptures - marble with granite bases

"food containers & cassette tapes"

Peter Glenn Oakley, Banner Elk, NC,

"sewing machine"
hand carved sculpture - marble with granite base

Susan Goethel Campbell, Ferndale, MI, "CLODS Series"
(Large Circles; Bunnies; Donuts; ipad; Light Bulbs; USB) 2014

Sod grown in, then removed from, plastic consumer packaging.

Susan Goethel Campbell, Ferndale, MI, "CLODS Series" 

(USB chord packaging - detail) 2014

Sod grown in, then removed from, plastic consumer packaging.

Terence Hammonds, Cincinnati, OH, 

"You've Got To Get Up to Get Down",2014, 

Birch, graphite, screen-prints, records, record player

Museum visitors are encouraged to select and play a record at the record player in the cabinet next to the wall - then to celebrate life by dancing to the music selected on the platforms.
Four dancers can dance at once on the four different platforms, plus there is a wheel chair accessible dance space in the center.

Terence Hammonds, Cincinnati, OH, 

"You've Got To Get Up to Get Down", 2014
screen-print / wall paper

Terence Hammonds, Cincinnati, OH, 

"You've Got To Get Up to Get Down", 2014
(Select the record you like, put it on the turn-table and play it.)

Terence Hammonds, Cincinnati, OH, 

"You've Got To Get Up to Get Down", 2014
(Detail of photos on the dance platforms.)

Across from the coffee bar at Crystal Bridges is the ART PROJECT "Water Bar". Patrons are encouraged to taste the different waters from nearby communities. 

Some sips are from artesian aquifers, some from reservoirs, some from mountain streams.  All of the water has been treated, chlorinated and verified to be safe drinking water, but the tastes are dramatically different.

The map, above, shows the number of artists 

in the "State of the Art" exhibition from

the Eastern, Southern, Western, and Northern

regions of the United States.

(Source: Some text information and visuals for this feature article came from CrystalBridges.org website. Caption information is from the exhibition wall plaques.  All photographs were taken with permission by Jack A. Atkinson, except where noted and supplied by a third party. Artworks © individual artists, fabricators, respective owners or assignees.)

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"State of the Art"

If you want to see the State of America's Art TODAY, the time to make the trip to see America's newest art destination: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas is NOW!

This historic temporary exhibition will only stay up until January 19, 2015. 

Travel information to Crystal Bridges Museum:

Hotel: 

21c Museum Hotel Bentonville is a 104-room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum, cultural civic center. ($149 & up) 

(LINK) 

http://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/bentonville/?s_kwcid=AL%214331%213%2153849359514%21e%21%21g%21%21hotels%20in%20bentonville%20ar&ef_id=dx1PVT1baW0AAABj%3A20141116135317%3As

La Quinta Inn & Suites, Bentonville ($74 and up)

(LINK) 

http://www.expedia.com/landing?kend=1&regionId=6488&semcid=13172-1&kword=+Bentonville_+AR_+hotels!m.ZzZz.3340001617290.0.38779036720.%2Bbentonville%20%2Bar%20%2Bhotels.+bentonville_+ar_+hotels&gclid=CMywoayw_8ECFYUF7AodfCkAuA

Airport:

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS REGIONAL AIRPORT (XNA - in Bentonville)  is served by American Airlines, Delta Global Services, United Airlines, U.S. Airways and Allegiant Airlines, with non-stop services to 14 cities.

14 major airport non-stops to and from XNA.

(LINK) http://www.flyxna.com

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which opened on 11/11/2011, was founded by Alice Walton on 100 acres of land donated by her family. The museum's main galleries house an impressive permanent collection of masterworks from the colonial era to modern day America. The museum's unique glass-and-wood buildings were designed by the world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie to capture an interplay of nature and art. The museum grounds have landscaped trails and paths and the museum is within walking distance of Bentonville's town square. Soon a rare Frank Lloyd Wright structure, the Bachman Wilson House, will be added to the museum property, after being dismantled in New Jersey and reconstructed at Crystal Bridges.

(Source: http://www.arkansas.com)

News About State of the Art:

"Artnet News, a publication of Artnet (an information company focused on the art market), recently listed “The 25 Must-See Museum Shows Around the World.” No. 1 on the list was "State of the Art", contemporary American art by emerging and undiscovered artists at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville."

Admission to Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas is complimentary and currently there are no timed entry reservations needed for the STATE OF THE ART exhibition.

-----------

FOOD

Eleven

at Crystal Bridges

Museum
Freaturing the art of 
Crystal Bridges' Culinary Director, 
Case Dighero.

Shrimp and Grits

is a favorite lunch and dinner item 

at Crystal Bridges' "Eleven" restaurant.

(Details) Sautéed Gulf shrimp are served over

perfectly cooked "War Eagle Mill" cheese grits made with

"Boar’s Head Smoked Gouda" cheese.

The plate is garnished with sautéed red bell peppers, 

sautéed white onions, greens and cherry tomatoes. 

(All vegetables are locally sourced.)

The finale is a drizzle of 

roasted red pepper coulis along the edges of the bowl.

(Photo courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum)

The excellent, edible masterworks at ELEVEN, inside Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, are classified as "High South Cuisine". Selections such as Smoked Trout, High Top Biscuits, Local Bacon, Eleven Brushetta (artisan bread, toasted with Gorgonzola, figs, walnuts and clover honey), Shrimp & Grits, Beans & Cornbread and classic Chicken & Waffles are just a few of the culinary gems awaiting Eleven's diners.

"High South" is a style of cooking originating from all of Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma, western Tennessee, southern Missouri, all of Mississippi and northern Louisiana. These regions combine to create a rustic, country cuisine using only fresh products from regional farmers, ranchers, and artisans, with a culinary history steeped in generations of food preparation based on canning, pickling, fishing, hunting (duck & deer), vegetable gardens and readily available livestock. "High South Cuisine" is sophisticated, understated, rich and interesting. It includes pork barbecue, Gulf seafood and it's related to, although nothing like, the spicy Cajun and Creole cuisines of southern Louisiana. 

"High South" is a serious epicurean cuisine with local sourcing and talented chefs at it's heart, creating dishes using traditional foods of the Ozarks and the Mid-South region. 

(Source: Information / food photo came from CrystalBridges.org website.)

Until later,

Jack

ARTSnFOOD, is an online publication dedicated to "The Pursuit of Happiness through the Arts and Food." ™ All rights reserved for all content. Concept, Original Art, Original Text & "Original or Assigned Photography" are © Copyright 2014 Jack A. Atkinson under all International intellectual property and copyright laws. All photographs were taken and/or used with permission. Artworks © individual artists, fabricators, respective owners or assignees.