August 18, 2024
Crystal Bridges – Bentonville, AR
This is somewhat of a “cheat” state, as I only live about 20 minutes from this museum.
It is one of my favorites, and there will most likely be multiple posts.
Who went? My mom- Donna, My daughter- Zoey, and myself
Quick reading lesson 
Very interesting, in that a 4th grader wrote a review. Zoey is a 4th grader! 
This is made up of shoe strings. (Ignore my finger!) 
Community weaving project. 
Concentrating 
Mom weaving hers (mine is knoted going the other direction) 
Everyone working hard 
I have never felt a painting more. 
We even parked where the sun could get us!
When? August 18, 2024
Cost? Free!
Why? There was a heat advisory here (over 99 degrees), and we were bored. Crystal Bridges has art, air conditioning, and room to just roam.
Highlights:
- Yoko Ono Cut Piece
- “[Cut Piece] was a form of giving, giving and taking. It was a kind of criticism against artists, who are always giving what they want to give. I wanted people to take whatever they wanted to, so it was very important to say you can cut wherever you want to.” –Yoko Ono, 1968.
- My view: I watched this with my daughter on one side and my mother on the other. I had a deep discussion with my 9-year-old. We talked about how some women went up and made a small cut at the elbow of the sleeve. This gesture essentially revealed nothing. Then a man approached and sliced it all the way up to the shoulder. Another woman came to the front and exposed part of Yoko’s bra. I talked with Zoey about how you never truly know how people will treat you. Even with the exact same instructions, some choose to protect while others choose to expose. It was an eye-opening experience for both of us, and it’s something I won’t soon forget.
- “Genre Art”
- “War News from Mexico”
- Look close at this painting. Only the ones who can actively vote are on the porch. The woman (it’s really dark on this image) is off the porch on the right. The men of color are sitting below. Interesting snap shot in time. Glad everyone is on the porch now!
- The Village Politicians
- Zoey read this one out loud to us. I got to explain what a tavern was. I think I could look at this painting many times and see something different every time.
- Samuel Beals Thomas with his Wife Sarah Kellogg Thomas
- I feel like every time I go to Crystal Bridges I see this one. Samuel Beals Thomas actually adopted his brother’s children (the 2 girls in the painting) and that was their family portrait. I would like to know more!
- “War News from Mexico”
- “We the People”
- It’s the shoelaces for me. Different colors. Different Sizes.
- Rosie the Riveter (Norman Rockwell Painting) – I liked the fact she was eating a sandwich in this one!
So, that was State #1. If you enjoyed feel free to donate to our travels below!
1 down 49 to go
Kara Travels 50 States 
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