Crystal Bridges Adds Magazine to Member Benefits

Since Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art began its membership campaign last July, 6,100 households have now signed up, museum executive director Don Bacigalupi said Friday.

At a news conference in the museum’s Great Hall, he and Kathryn Roberts, the museum’s director of member and guest services, revealed the latest benefit for members — a colorful, 40-page magazine called simply “C.”

Besides standing for Crystal Bridges, Bacigalupi said, the letter was chosen to represent other “c” words, such as companion, connection, conversation, community, collaboration and culture.

Roberts said the first issue will be mailed to members shortly. It features Soundsuits creator Nick Cave on the cover, and articles on topics ranging from the permanent collection to prepping installations for opening.

A handy pullout event calendar is stapled in the magazine’s centerfold.

Roberts presented the first copy to a member family of seven who visits the museum nearly every week.

About 60 percent of member households are families, she said.

Laura Jacobs, the museum’s director of communications, edits the magazine along with assistant editor Linda DeBerry.

Jacobs said a second edition will be published in September, and three are planned for 2013.

While admission to the museum founded by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. heiress Alice Walton is free, memberships are available at eight levels ranging from $35 for students to $5,000 for benefactors.

Member benefits include free or discounted admission to special exhibits or events and 10 percent of items purchased in the museum store.