“Mod” about Crystal Bridges

BENTONVILLE — The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art turned back the clock on Thursday night (April 19) for another Young Patrons membership event. Guests enjoyed a Mad Men-inspired evening of 1960s-era food, drink, music, dress and art.
 
The nearly 180 in attendance tapped their toes to music of the era carefully chosen by DJ Beat Bachs. Partygoers clearly understood the evening’s theme as most women wore pencil skirts or dresses reminiscent of the period, and men donned fedoras and thin ties.
 
According to Jamey McGaugh, a development officer with Crystal Bridges, this event doubled the attendance of the first one a few months ago. Young Patrons is a membership group for young adults who are looking for networking and art education. The education component for the event always includes a gallery talk by a staff curator or other art expert. Thursday’s talk suited the theme as it focused on two select pieces from the collection and the pop art movement of the 1960s.
 
Summer Daoud, a recent transplant from San Francisco, said she was initially nervous about coming to Arkansas. Crystal Bridges, however, really gives the region the feel of a big city. Duoud said: “The art is fantastic, and the place alone is a piece of art.” She said she looks forward to becoming more engaged in the art and local culture.