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| Alice Walton thanked Chris Jackson for volunteering at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. |
Alice Walton led the family's effort to build an American art museum for the community. Admission is free, thanks to gifts, and support is widespread. Attendance has been multiples of what they projected as their most optimistic, because the museum has become a destination for art lovers everywhere, a popular feature for locals like us, and an educational center thanks to a generous gift from another foundation.
We met Alice at another event where we volunteered. She remembered Chris and was happy to pose for some pictures. I took some for her family as well. Alice and I talked about how much the museum has done for the Northwest Arkansas community.
Chris and I greeted people who came to the film about Crystal Bridges. A staffer wondered how Chris got so good at greeting. Chris said, "About 40 years as pastor's wife is enough to learn how."
I have yet to see photos that do justice to this complex, which bridges Crystal Springs, once the backyard of the Walton home, where the kids once played together. Alice took her pony Bambi down to the springs and spent a lot of time drawing. Her love of drawing and art drew her into this monumental project, funded largely by the family to honor their parents and put the family land to good use for everyone.
Crystal Bridges has 125 acres with miles of walking trails through natural landscaping.
The steps by the main entry take visitors down to Walkers Landing, where many education events take place. Mrs. Ichabod and I have attended lectures, helped with print-making for children, and hosted games with toddlers.
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| "Cupcakes, cupcakes, everywhere, but not a gluten-free." |
This room is called the Great Hall, where films are shown, larger lectures are hosted, and children's events are offered. A $10 million grant brings a constant stream of school children to the museum to learn about American art. They also have events for home-schoolers.
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| Thomas Cole - The Cross at Sunset |
Temporary exhibits bring a concentration of art themes to the museum. That is how I learned about Thomas Cole and saw the famous Course of Empire paintings with Chris.
Normal Rockwell's work will be coming to the museum in a few months. Many of us grew up on that, enjoying the Saturday Evening Post with his memorable illustrations.
