kibitz: (chat) with Jill Wager, Corporate Relations Manager of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

This week we had an opportunity to visit with Jill Wager, Corporate Relations Manager of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  Like many in Northwest Arkansas, we are thrilled about its' opening this week, and were very grateful for the opportunity to "kibitz" with them this week:


With the opening of the long-awaited Crystal Bridges right around the corner, what can Northwest Arkansas expect opening week?

We are delighted to open the doors of Crystal Bridges this week to share the remarkable art, architecture, and nature.  Those who have joined as Original Members have the opportunity for a sneak peek on November 9th, two days before our public opening.   On November 11, we will celebrate our opening with a ceremony on the downtown Bentonville Square at 11:00 am and welcome all to join us.  We are asking the community to reserve timed tickets through the end of the year and, as always, there is no entry cost as admission is sponsored by Walmart.  Many guests are thinking ahead to the holidays and reserving tickets for their visiting families.


How many jobs were created with the opening of Crystal Bridges?

Crystal Bridges expects to employ 130 persons plus security staff.  Any person interested in employment may view job postings on our website.

With the announcements of the 21c Hotel and expansion of the Walton Arts Center to Bentonville, do you feel that this will soon become an arts hub for our state and region?

The opening of Crystal Bridges and the expansion of Walton Arts Center augments the cultural resources in our region and state.   Northwest Arkansas will be part of a large regional arts community including Tulsa, Kansas City, and Little Rock.  21c Museum Hotel will be an integral part of the art experience and is certain to offer outstanding guest experiences.  While plans are still underway, the Children's Museum of Northwest Arkansas will also add interest for our youngest residents and guests.

Crystal Bridges features a Community Showcase which is a unique exhibition space showcasing important colleague institutions and their permanent collections.  This transitional space shares the story of Northwest Arkansas and its history with regional residents and out-of-region guests.  When the Museum opens it will be displaying objects from:  University of Arkansas Museum, Museum of Native American History, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, Pea Ridge National Military Park, Rogers Historical Museum, and Walmart Visitor Center.


What collections can we look forward to this year?

Crystal Bridges has acquired a stunning collection of American art spanning five centuries that is premiering as the inaugural exhibition, Celebrating the American Spirit.  Approximately 450 works are arranged chronologically and thematically so that guests can, in a sense, walk through the history of the United States as they peruse our galleries.  The experience begins in the Colonial period with portraits of our founding fathers and ends with current modern and contemporary works.  Celebrating the American Spirit is sponsored by three American iconic companies - General Electric, Coca-Cola, and Goldman Sachs.

Guests will also want to visit Wonder World, an exhibition of contemporary works from our permanent collection.  Wonder World brings together twenty-five contemporary works by established, mid-career, and emerging artists from Crystal Bridges' collection in a special exhibition organized around the themes of perception, representation, illusion, nature, and history.



Many many thanks to Jill for taking time to chat with us this week.  We know this is an extremely busy time for them, and we are excited for what is to come!

Their website - http://www.crystalbridges.org/