Crystal Bridges Announces New Exhibition Debuting in 2014

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will include a unique exhibition next year, comprised of works from America’s undiscovered artists.

“State of the Art” will debut Sept. 13, 2014, and include works from contemporary American artists throughout the country.

Crystal Bridges officials announced the news on Nov. 11, the museum’s second anniversary.

Museum president Don Bacigalupi and Chad Alligood, assistant curator for special projects, have been traveling the country meeting with and researching the work of some 1,000 contemporary American artists.

Based on their survey of hundreds of artists’ studios in both rural and urban areas, they will identify works from more than 100 artists to be included in the exhibit, scheduled to run through Jan. 5, 2015.

“We’ve come to recognize that many extraordinary artists may be known in their own locales, but have yet to emerge on the national stage,” Alligood said. “Their work, however, deserves consideration from a national audience.”

A grant from Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will ensure free admission to the temporary exhibit. Temporary exhibits typically have an admission fee at Crystal Bridges. This grant is in addition to the $20 million

endowment from Walmart to sponsor free admission to the permanent collection galleries since the museum opened.

Laura Jacobs, the director of communications at Crystal Bridges, said the museum has welcomed 1,119,168 visitors as of Nov. 18. The October attendance was 41,611 and the 2013 attendance through Nov. 18 was 463,156.

Jacobs also said Crystal Bridges will usher in 2014 with its first New Year’s Eve party. New 365- A New Year’s Celebration will begin at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $85, $68 for members.