| Some critics might say Jasper Cropsey's "The | | | | Washington, D.C. for public viewing from 2005 - 2007. It |
| Backwoods of America" part of the Crystal Bridges | | | | is currently on loan to the Brooklyn Museum's exhibition |
| growing American Art Collection is a symbolic icon for | | | | by the same name featuring the works of Asher B. |
| billionaire Alice Walton's passion for the arts. | | | | Durand. The same exhibition will also travel to |
| Designed by world renowned architect Moshe Safdie, | | | | Washington D.C. and San Diego. |
| and funded by billionaire Alice Walton, the $50 million | | | | Thomas Eakins' Portrait of Professor Benjamin H. |
| (that's just the cost of the facility and doesn't include | | | | Rand is currently on loan to the Philadelphia Museum of |
| the artworks) Crystal Bridges Museum of American | | | | Art. Jasper Cropsey's majestic depiction of early |
| Art is scheduled to open in 2009, in Bentonville, | | | | American frontier life, "The Backwoods of America," is |
| Arkansas. It was two years ago this month that the | | | | now featured in the American galleries of The |
| daughter of Sam Walton, Founder of Wal-Mart, made | | | | Nelson-Atkins in Kansas City, and the most extensive |
| the controversial announcement. | | | | surviving group of Colonial American portraiture, the |
| The museum will house a permanent collection of | | | | Levy-Franks family paintings, is currently on loan at |
| signature works from American artists along with | | | | The Jewish Museum in New York City. Also, the |
| galleries dedicated to regional art and artists including | | | | distinctive painting George Washington (The |
| Native American art, but oddly enough, this | | | | Constable-Hamilton Portrait) by the American painter |
| monumental task is not making everyone happy. | | | | Gilbert Stuart is currently on view at the Museum of |
| The depth of the museum is indicated in a purchase | | | | Fine Arts Houston. |
| from Christies America's auction house in New York | | | | While the puffers puff, others admire Walton's passion |
| City in 2004 of Charles Wilson Peale's portrait of | | | | and dedication to the arts, and recognize the fact |
| George Washington for $6.1 million. This is causing | | | | Crystal Bridges will be the premier American Art |
| some critics to puff up, believing that the art works are | | | | Collection, once it is in place. The collection is headed |
| being snatched from their own backyard. No need to | | | | up by Bob Workman, formerly associated with the |
| worry, collaborating with other institutions will be an | | | | Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. |
| important focus of Crystal Bridges, even before the | | | | When completed, the museum complex will |
| museum opens, and they can also rest easy to know | | | | encompass approximately 100,000 square feet of |
| Bentonville does have an airport. | | | | gallery, library, meeting, and office space, a 250-seat |
| A number of the works from the Crystal Bridges | | | | indoor auditorium, areas for outdoor concerts and |
| permanent collection are already on loan at various | | | | public events, gallery rooms suitable for large |
| museums throughout the United States including: The | | | | receptions, as well as sculpture gardens and walking |
| Hudson River School masterwork "Kindred Spirits" | | | | trails. Walton is building this "American Dream" on 100 |
| which was loaned to The National Gallery in | | | | pristine, wooded acres her family owns in Bentonville. |