What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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throughout each section that speak to different perspectives on American identity, further alluding to those ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence. "From the apparent humility of the 'Life' section — although, of course, a lot of those objects have a kind of quiet majesty to them — we come into the much more heroic and gesturally expressive works of the post-war era," Adamson summarizes. The idea of "Liberty," he explains, is interpreted here as a kind of individual artistic freedom that's powered by craft before, in "the Pursuit of Happiness," a grand finale of imaginative, delightful and fantastical works is presented to the viewer. This final section comprises some "extremely extravagant and visually powerful works," he concludes. "These artists are taking techniques like basketry, various fiber techniques, pottery and taking those same skills and same materials and processes and elevating them to these expressions of absolutely monumental ambition." The Year Ahead Among Northwest Arkansas arts organizations, Crystal Bridges is one institution that was able to reopen sooner than many after establishing new safety guidelines in the wake of last year's pandemic. With the whole of the art world in flux at every level — down to art transportation affecting exhibition schedules — CBM staff were thrilled that they were able to extend the two temporary exhibitions that had been on display prior to the closure, Public Relations Director Beth Bobbitt told What's Up! at the time. "Hank Willis Thomas: All Things Being Equal…" and "State of the Art 2020" were both extended to allow more visitors to view the shows' meaningful works. "Ansel Adams: In Our Time" was pushed from a May debut to September. And the focus exhibition "Companion Species" moved to a November opening, to now be displayed through the end of May. "As art organizations focused on access, we strive to provide offerings in a variety of ways," Bobbitt says of the adjustments wrought by covid and turning focus to the new year. "In addition to our on-site experiences and virtual programs, we will continue to create more online 10 WHAT'S UP! FEBRUARY 14-20, 2021 FYI What's Next Crystal Bridges will be finalizing the lobby renovations this spring. The courtyard area will be enclosed in a glass dome, expanding the lobby from its current location all the way to the Museum Store. The museum is also embarking on a new collaboration with the Amazeum. Convergence, shown in this concept rendering, will be a four-acre community playscape for all ages and abilities. More information on the timeline will be coming soon. (Courtesy Photo/Studio Bryan Hanes) COVER STORY "Circle Dance — A Tribute to John Scott" by Darryl Montana is one of several lavish costumes on display toward the end of the exhibition, Adamson says. Montana is a master Mardi Gras suitmaker and Chief of the Yellow Pocahontas "Hunters" Black "masking" Indian Tribe in New Orleans. "There's a very interesting conversation to be had here about African-American communities, their creativity and dialogue with Native American imagery," Adamson muses. "And, in fact, we've paired this work with one by Nick Cave, who will be well known to [visitors] as an artist in the Crystal Bridges collection, and also Jamie Okuma, who is a Native fashion designer." (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Charlie Kaijo) Craft Continued From Page 9