Chris Crosman, chief curator for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which will open in 2010 in Bentonville, revealed five acquisitions last week in a press conference in Bentonville. The works are modernist works from the early 20th century by Lionel Feininger, Yasua Kuni-yoshi, Stuart Davis, Bumpei Usui and Romare Bearden.

A lesson in art appreciation: Davis’ 40-by-32-inch oil “Still Life with Flowers,” which was sold to Walton at auction in 2005 at Christie’s New York for $3.152 million ($2.8 million plus the buyer’s premium), was put on the block by an Illinois high school that had bought the painting in 1948 for $62.50.

Advertisement

Alice Walton has been collecting pieces for the museum for several years; until Thursday, 21 had been announced. Crosman told a reporter at the Sept. 28 reception for the museum’s “Speaking of … Art” special lecture by philosopher and art critic Arthur Danto that the museum wanted to heighten its engagement with the public by revealing what’s in the collection. That sounds like there will be more news in the near future.

*Hearne Fine Art, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an exhibit of works by artists who’ve shown at the gallery over the years, will highlight fiber, pastels and wood marquetry at its 2nd Friday Art Night reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. Quilt artist Bisa Butler will give a talk at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hearne, followed by a talk and demonstration by pastel artist Mario Robinson at 2 p.m.

Advertisement

Other 2nd Friday Art Night events include opening receptions for “ ‘Eggs’travagent ‘Eggs’cessories: A Grade A ‘Eggs’hibition,” ceramic ova creations by Lynn Sudderth at River Market ArtSpace; a show of raku ceramics by Kelly Edwards at the Cox Gallery in the Cox Creative Cen-ter; and “Hannah Moore: Dialogues” at the Historic Arkansas Museum. Former Sen. David Pryor will also be at the HAM, signing copies of his book, “A Pryor Commitment.” Stella Fancy and the Winston Family Orchestra will perform.

Captain America fans will want to head to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to see cartoons drawn by Marvel artist Mitchell Breitweiser for the soon-to-be-released “Captain America: Operation Zero Point.” Breitweiser, of Little Rock, illustrated “Phantom Jack” for Image Comics before joining Marvel to draw “Captain America: The Chosen.” Elizabeth Breitweiser, Mitchell’s wife, does the digital colorization of the drawings. Accompanying the show will be “Comic Vernacular,” works inspired by cartoons and comic books from the collections of gallery director Brad Cushman, assistant curator Nathan Larson and others. Breitweiser will give a talk at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 about the work.

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article The line is open Next article Who terrifies you most?