Crystal Bridges: New Discoveries for Students, right outside their doors.

The following was written by Bentonville Ozone Director, Ellie Chase.

“No, you scream into it!” Olivia yelps with a smile as she turns from an enormous copper cone. The promise of what a low-pitched sound will bring is exciting and unexpected. “HELLO!” I bellow from deep within my gut, as the 12 year old stands giggling behind me. A sweeping concerto echoes back, and another young person is in wonder of discovery.

Since long before it’s grand opening on November 11^th last fall, I have been far beyond excitement at the prospect of what Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art could mean for the people of Northwest Arkansas. More specifically, I have been expectant as to how exposure to the arts could begin to shape the youth of Northwest Arkansas in new ways. How would being given the chance to walk, quite literally, out one’s backdoor and into a beautiful world, establish ideas and a desire to create?  How would being in a world where art is more than poorly printed, 2x2 image in a dreaded history book shape the minds of Northwest Arkansas' future? In the few months since Crystal Bridges’ fantastic opening, I’ve been pleased to see what precisely the museum’s installation has meant.

Camp War Eagle 365 staff and volunteers have recognized the possibility of positive effect and have taken each and every opportunity to guide students in infusing art into their lives. Since October, dozens of outings have been taken to the Museum. Mentors, Ozone directors and volunteers, all making a point to take the students they lead to explore what’s in store at Crystal Bridges.

Rogers Ozone Director Matt Noetzel brought the experience to 15-year-old student Tony, whom Matt mentors. Tony, in awe of the museum’s fascinating architecture offered insight to Matt that it would be incredible to see it “converted into a paintball course.” The two especially favored “Wonder World,” an exhibit based upon “perception, representation, illusion, nature, and history.” Fayetteville Ozone Director Alyssa Hanson took the occasion to introduce Samantha, a high school junior, to her first major museum. Fantastic works of abstract art captured Samantha’s attention. What other doors to discovery and culture will this open? Would she have ever been so drawn in and fascinated had it not been for the connection we established for her by Camp War Eagle 365?