Spring is in the air, and Earth day is around the corner – April 22nd to be exact! Spend the day outside at some of Northwest Arkansas’s most beautiful not-so-secret gems: Crystal Bridges and The Momentary.

The experience of and appreciation for nature is at the core of Crystal Bridges mission – as the museum is located on 120 acres of native Ozark forest, which include natural springs, streams, geographical features, and a host of native plants and animals. With several trails to choose from, there is something for everyone and every ability. 

While visiting Crystal Bridges, check out their newest exhibit Exquisite Creatures – a dialogue with art, nature, and science that asks the question: what is it about the natural world that calls to us? To say it’s breathtaking somehow doesn’t even cover it! We toured the exhibit with Development Officer Rebekah Kingsley and learned some pretty fascinating facts about the exhibit. A favorite notable tidbit is that the exhibit houses the only preserved Leafy Sea dragon in the world! This specific type of seahorse is very protected in Australia and doesn’t survive well in captivity. For years, artist Christopher Marley was searching for this incredible creature until he finally came across one – it is now perfectly preserved and on display at the exhibit until July 29th! 

Another great way to spend Earth day is enjoying the green at The Momentary. This spacious outdoor area is perfect for picnics, social gatherings, and enjoying the day – it’s also a great spot to catch live music! On the green, you’ll find even more art around the building – the Buckyball, sculpted by artist Leo Villareal is a stunning ever-changing display of light and color. Another notable installation is Land Upright, created by artist Andrea Carlson, which connects land to the sky. Check out their upcoming shows too – the green is a great spot to enjoy musicians from all over. Think Jon Babtiste, John Legend, Portugal. The Man, Lake Street Dive, and SO many more!

After you’ve had your fill of sunbathing and enjoying nature, pop back into The Momentary to explore their current exhibits, and be sure to note their exciting upcoming exhibits on your calendar. Two that we’re particularly excited about are:

Dark Waters | Kristine Potter
May 11 – Oct 13

In Dark Waters, a tour de force of Southern Gothic Noir, Kristine Potter reinvents a centuries-old genre with coolness and clarity. With this recent collection of seductive and darkly brooding photographs, Potter reflects on the Southern Gothic mythos found in the popular imagination of “murder ballads” – traditional songs from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that often end in death and despair. 

Mystic Parallax | Awol Erizku
May 19 – Oct 13

Encompassing photography, film, painting, sculpture, and installation, Awol Erizku’s work references and re-imagines African American and African visual culture, from hip-hop vernacular to iconic symbols from across history, including the Pan-African flag and the image of Nefertiti. Erizku’s vision is expansive, drawing on traditions of spirituality, Surrealism, and Conceptualism to create uniquely powerful art. 

While heading out to enjoy Earth Day, be sure to give The ScoutCast episode with Crystal Bridges and The Momentary Director of Public Relations Amanda Horn a listen. She unveils how the both spaces bring art closer to the community, making inspiration accessible to all.

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