EXPLORING CRYSTAL BRIDGES AND DOWNTOWN BENTONVILLE
On Saturday May 14, six members of the Eastern Oklahoma section drove to Bentonville AR to tour the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art . Alice Walton, the daughter of WalMart founder Sam Walton, spearheaded the Walton Family Foundation's involvement in developing Crystal Bridges. The museum's glass-and-wood design by architect Moshe Safdie and engineer Buro Happold features a series of pavilions nestled around two creek-fed ponds and forest trails. The 217,000 square feet complex includes galleries, several meeting and classroom spaces, a library, a sculpture garden, a museum store designed by architect Marlon Blackwell, a restaurant and coffee bar, named Eleven after the day the museum opened, "11/11/11". Crystal Bridges also features a gathering space that can accommodate up to 300 people. Additionally, there are outdoor areas for concerts and public events, as well as extensive nature trails and is within walking distance of downtown Bentonville.
During the time spend in Bentonville, members could explore the nature trails or hike to downtown Bentonville for the farmers market and craft fair held each week in the downtown square. Since we could not eat at our restaurant of first choice, we drove to Springdale AR and dined at the famous AQ Chicken House restaurant. Overall, we had a wonderful time with beautiful weather, artwork, and friendly members sharing this experience.
