Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Winston Churchill, sometime politician and art critic, said, “Beginning with audacity is a very great part of the art of painting.” The same might be said of art museums, and Alice Walton’s Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville is an excellent example. Although not scheduled to open until 2009, it is quite the buzz these days.

Last week, Crystal Bridges launched its new website. On June 16, Crystal Bridges at the Massey will open in conjunction with Bentonville’s ArtWalk. Director Robert Workman, who has a new blog, said, “If you are in the area, please join us that day as we open our exhibit space with photos and models of the construction project, as well as our opening special exhibition, soon to be announced.”

Today’s issue of the Arkansas Times has an excellent piece by Leslie Newell Peacock about Crystal Bridges and hints about what paintings the collection might hold. On first reading, I saw no mention of the special tax breaks the legislature handed to the museum or the critique of that largess that usually follows its mention in the newspaper.

I don't know nothing about art or art museums, but I know that Alice Walton, like her mother before her, is sharing part of her fortune to enhance the cultural experience in Northwest Arkansas. It is a far more worthy contribution than some others have made, like virtual charter schools and voucher programs.