Bentonville, Ark. ­­­- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is packing October with several Halloween events, including Trick Art Treat and Halloween in the Hollow, a new focus exhibition called Personal Space, and the opening of the newest temporary exhibition, Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now.

Opening on October 8, Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now brings contemporary Indigenous art front and center. Listed as one of the ‘most promising museum shows around the world’ by ARTNews and ‘one of the 10 US art shows you have to see this fall’ by AFAR Magazine, Art for a New Understanding will broaden definitions of contemporary art with a new understanding of Indigenous art. A full roster of programs will accompany the exhibition in the coming months.

Personal Space is a free focus exhibition opening on October 27, which takes a look at various depictions of space within Modern and Contemporary art, including sculpture, photography, and installation. This exhibition asks viewers to consider what emotions are evoked by the places, people, objects, and symbols depicted within the artworks on view, both from the Crystal Bridges collection and on loan.

Crystal Bridges is also offering a series of Halloween programs for all ages. Teen Night: Fright in the Forest will take place on October 13 in the North Forest. High school students from all over Northwest Arkansas are invited to attend the event, which will feature live music, a costume contest, murder mystery, and more. Trick Art Treat will be a Halloween event open to all ages on October 28 from 4 to 6 pm. Guests can paint pumpkins, make art, play games, and grab some Hershey’s candy. Both events are free, no registration required.

Artinfusion’s annual Halloween in the Hollow party is taking place on Saturday, October 27 beginning at 9 pm. The 1491s, a Native American sketch comedy group, will be performing during the evening. There will also be a tarot card reading, haunted trail, food and drinks, costume contest, a DJ and dancing, and access to the new temporary exhibition, Art for a New Understanding.  

The Fall Forest Concert Series is coming to an end this month. The final concert of the season will take place on Saturday, October 6 at 7 pm, featuring the Orchestral Pow Wow Project and Kalyn Fay celebrating Indigenous music with the House of Songs Ozarks. This concert is part of the programs affiliated with Art for a New Understanding.

Bentonville Community Center Class » My Grown-up and Me: Build It!
(Ages 2 to 4 with a caregiver) Monday, October 1, 8, and 22, 9:30 to 10:30 am
(Ages 4 to 5) Monday, October 1, 8, and 22, 11 to 12 pm

Put on your hard hats as you discover the materials and shapes used by architects! Encourage language development and fine motor skills in your young learner as they have fun constructing edible bridges with marshmallows, painting and stacking blocks, and creating their own dream house. $50, register online through the Bentonville Community Center or by calling 479.696.0200.

Bentonville Community Center Class » Homeschool Art: Meet the Artists of Crystal Bridges
(Ages 5 to 12) Monday, October 1, 8, and 22, 2 to 3:30 pm

Discover a new artist in Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection each day! Learn about artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Louise Bourgeois, then experiment with new drawing, painting, and sculpting techniques. $50, register online through the Bentonville Community Center or by calling 479.696.0200.

Figure Drawing
Monday, October 1 and October 15, 1 to 3 pm

Practice the basics during an afternoon of figure drawing at the museum. A variety of drawing materials will be provided, and model poses will include both shorter warm-up poses and longer poses. $10 ($5 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Yoga and Art
Monday, October 1, 6 to 7 pm

Exercise your body and mind at Crystal Bridges with yoga and art! Join Lynn Hancock of Yoga Story in an uplifting group class that explores different facets of vinyasa as well as various disciplines of yoga practice. Open to all levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats and dress appropriately. $5 (Free for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Meditation and Mindfulness » Night Zag Wall by Louise Nevelson
Monday, October 1, 1 to 2 pm

Take a break from your busy life and come to Crystal Bridges for rejuvenation in a guided meditation surrounded by the beauty of art and nature. This session will be held indoors in front of the artwork Night Zag Wall by Louise Nevelson. Space is limited – please arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. Free, no registration required.

Tots and Tales » Sensory Art (Ages 1.5 to 3 with an adult)
Wednesday, October 3, 1:30 to 2:30 pm
(OR) Saturday, October 6, 10:30 to 11:30 am

Enjoy two opportunities for this class for toddlers! Explore the galleries texture boards, scents, and sounds. Enjoy story time and have messy fun in the studio experimenting with art materials that engage your senses. $10 ($8 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Native Voices Film Series » Contemporary Filmmakers Showcase featuring Kyle Bell and artist Steven Paul Judd
Wednesday, October 3, 7 to 9 pm

Indigenous filmmaker Kyle Bell and artist Steven Paul Judd will be featured in this evening screening of their best docushorts, including Bell’s Defending the Sacred and Native Evolution. Based in Tulsa, OK, Bell  and Judd will join a conversation following the screening about his award-winning films, including Dig it if You Can, of which Judd is the subject of, and his work on the Emmy-winning television program “Osiyo: Voices of the Cherokee People” that airs in Oklahoma and Arkansas. Free, register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Afterschool Art Class » Gallery Exploration (Ages 5 to 12)
Thursday, October 4, 11, and 18, 4 to 5:30 pm

Explore the temporary exhibition, Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now through gallery sketching and eye spys. Create expressive portraits, abstract sculptures, and experiment with textiles, all inspired by the exhibition. $45 ($36 for members)/3 sessions, register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Turquoise Moon Trunk Show
Friday, October 5, through Sunday, October 7, 10 am to 6 pm
Friday, October 5: 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7: 10 am to 6 pm

The team at Turquoise Moon works with Native American artisans in northern New Mexico and the Southwest to create the distinctive jewelry featured at Crystal Bridges. Free, no registration required.

Member Preview » Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now
Friday, October 5, 11 am to 9 pm

Museum members are given early access to our new temporary exhibition, Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now. Come experience a unique contemporary Indigenous art exhibition, organized by Crystal Bridges that unveils the power and influence of Native American artists and enriches our understanding of contemporary art. Free, register online or by calling the Member Priority Line at 479.418.5728.

Homeschool Friday Fun » Art for a New Understanding (Ages 5 to 8 and 9 to 12)
Friday, October 5, 12, and 19, 2 to 3:30 pm

Gain a new understanding about contemporary Native American art when you visit the temporary exhibition, Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now. Back in the studio, try your hand at paper weaving, make wall hangings, and colorful portraits. $45 ($36 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Opening Exhibition Lecture » Rebecca Belmore and Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now
Friday, October 5, 7 to 8:15 pm

Join us for a special Opening Exhibition Lecture with curators of the exhibition, Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now and interdisciplinary Anishinaabekwe artist Rebecca Belmore. Free, register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Forest Concert Series » Orchestral Pow Wow Project celebrates Indigenous music collaboration with the House of Songs Ozarks
Saturday, October 6, 7 to 10 pm

For the final forest concert of the season, we are celebrating the opening of the special exhibition, Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now, in collaboration with the House of Songs Ozarks. $10 (Free for members and youth ages 18 and under), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335. *Please Note: Though tickets for members and youth ages 18 and under are free, a printed ticket is required for entry. Reserve these tickets online or with Guest Services.

Discover the Grounds with Athena LaTocha
Saturday, October 6, 10 to 11 am

Meet Artist Athena LaTocha of the exhibition, Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now, in this outdoor discussion on the local Ozark terrain. Joined in conversation with Crystal Bridges Horticulturalist, Cody George, and members of Pea Ridge State Park, the discussion will include stories and reflections on the past, present, and future landscape surrounding Crystal Bridges. Free, register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Adult Workshop » Painting Nature with Athena LaTocha
Saturday, October 6, 1 to 5 pm

Join artist Athena LaTocha from the exhibition, Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now, in this painting workshop combining natural materials found right on Crystal Bridges’ grounds! Each guest will have the opportunity to choose natural materials to add to a large abstract work of art, creating marks that are both intentional and tell a story. Walnut and sumi inks will be used, and all materials are provided. $55 ($44 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Member Fall Picnic
Sunday, October 7th, 11 am to 1 pm

Take a stroll out to the Fly’s Eye Dome for a fall picnic on our North Lawn! Enjoy a light lunch and live music as you relax by the water and take in the fall views. Stay for our game-themed Family Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. for gallery activities inside and yard games outside. Free, register online or by calling the Member Priority Line at 479.418.5728.

Family Sunday » Games
Sunday, October 7, 12 to 5 pm

Get your game face on during this game-themed day the entire family will enjoy! Compete against each other in gallery games, make a matching game in the studios, and play yard games outside. Free, no registration required.

Creative Connections
Monday, October 8, 1:30 to 3:30 pm

Join us for Creative Connections, a program for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care partners. Museum Educators facilitate interactive discussions of artworks in the galleries followed by hands-on art activities in the studio. No prior art experience is required! Refreshments and art materials are provided. Free, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 479.273.5559 or sdillingham@alz.org to register.

Mini Masters » My Five Senses (Ages 4 to 5 with an adult)
Wednesday, October 10, 1:30 to 2:30 pm
(OR) Saturday, October 13, 10:30 to 11:30 am

Enjoy two opportunities for this class for preschoolers!  The same class is offered on both Wednesday and Saturday – choose which day works best for you. Experience artworks in our permanent collections using all five of your senses!  Enjoy story time and create a scented, tactile painting in the studio. $10 ($8 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Book Club » There, There by Tommy Orange
Wednesday, October 10, 1:30 to 3:30 pm

Join our Book Club! Read books that will pull you into current exhibitions by informing, entertaining and making the art come alive. For this session, we will be reading There, There by Tommy Orange. Free, no registration required.

Figure Drawing from the Nude Model
Wednesday, October 10 and October 24, 6:30 to 8:30 pm

Join us in the studio for an evening of drawing from a live model, featuring both shorter warm-up poses and longer poses. All materials are provided. Participants must be 18 or older. (Note: Figure Drawing sessions with a clothed model are offered on the first and third Mondays of each month, and are open to participants ages 14 and up.) $10 ($5 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

ArtBuzz » Night with Wright
Wednesday, October 10, 7 to 8:30 pm

Experience the architecture of Crystal Bridges in a whole new way through this program that mixes art, a signature cocktail, and conversation for an evening that will leave you buzzing! Join master storyteller Timothy Totten for an evening of energetic discussion featuring the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright, as you sip your drink on the Bachman-Wilson Home lawn. $20 ($16 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Preschool Playdate » Spooky Spiders
Thursday, October 11, 11:30 am to 2 pm

Louise Bourgeois’s Maman, our not so itsy-bitsy spider, invites you to a day of play at the museum! Enjoy art projects, story time, and creative play inspired by our spooky, eight-legged friends. Playdate starts with a performance on Walker Landing, then continues with activities in the North Forest. Free, no registration required.

Gallery Conversation » Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now
Thursday, October 11, 1 pm

Join Curator Mindy Besaw for an opening conversation in the new exhibition, Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now. The exhibition features over 80 artworks from the 1950s to today, including paintings, photography, video, sculptures, performance art, and more, all created by Indigenous US and Canadian artists. Free, no registration required.

Art & English
Thursday, October 11, 6:30 to 7:30 pm

Are you interested in practicing conversational English while learning about American art, history, and culture? Join us for Art & English! Adult English language learners are encouraged to practice their conversational English skills while discussing artworks in the galleries. Children of participants are invited to join the gallery discussion or make an art project with an art instructor in the studios during the program. Free. To register, email LiteracyPrograms@CrystalBridges.org.

Performance Lab » Video! Reclaiming Native Identity with Anna Tsouhlarakis
Friday, October 12, 7 to 8 pm

Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now exhibition artist Anna Tsouhlarakis highlights the power of video art combined with performance to re-write and re-record a new future for Indigenous peoples. Free, register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Teen Night » Fright at the Museum
Saturday, October 13, 7 to 10 pm

High school students from all over Northwest Arkansas are invited to attend our annual Halloween-themed Teen Night, featuring live music, a costume contest, murder mystery, and artmaking in the North Forest. Presented by the Crystal Bridges Teen Council. Transportation provided by Pinnacle Car Services. Free, no registration required.

Adult Workshop » Sculpture with Anna Tsouhlarakis
Sunday, October 14, 1 to 5 pm

Anna Tsouhlarakis, whose artwork is featured in the temporary exhibition Art for a New Understanding: Native Voices, 1950s to Now, will lead this introductory sculptural workshop featuring recycled and foraged items. Guests will create a small, personal sculpture using surprising materials and engaging techniques. All materials are provided. $55 ($44 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Fall Forest Fun » Forest Sunset Meditation
Wednesday, October 17, 6 to 6:45 pm

Plan to wind down from your busy day and join us this evening in our North Forest for this guided meditation as the sun sets, surrounded by the beauty of art and nature! All ages welcome. Free, no registration required.

WOW » Oktoberfest in the Ozarks
Wednesday, October 17, 6 to 7:30 pm

Join host Case Dighero and special guests as they discuss the art of beer making in the twenty-first century. Open to guests ages 21 and above. $50 ($40/members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Gallery Conversation » Tempest by Brian Tolle
Thursday, October 18, 1 pm

Join Assistant Curator Alejo Benedetti for a discussion in the North Forest on Tempest by artist Brian Tolle. Illuminated with blue LED lights embedded in the tops of the walls, Brian Tolle’s Tempest brings the experience of dynamic ocean water into the North Forest. Free, no registration required.

Saturday Session for Teachers
Saturday, October 20, 9 am to 1 pm

Four-hour Saturday morning workshops focusing on particular topics or highlighting current temporary exhibitions and ways in which they may be a resource for teachers’ classroom curricula. Each session includes a studio artmaking component. Materials and refreshments provided. Separate registration for each session. Four hours Professional Development available. $10 ($8 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Creative Connections
Monday, October 22, 1:30 to 3:30 pm

Join us for Creative Connections, a program for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care partners. Museum Educators facilitate interactive discussions of artworks in the galleries followed by hands-on art activities in the studio. No prior art experience is required! Refreshments and art materials are provided. Free, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 479.273.5559 or sdillingham@alz.org to register.

Wednesday, October 24, 6 to 8 pm
Wednesday Series for Educators

A series of two-hour evening programs on a wide range of topics, ranging from temporary exhibition highlights to ways of teaching from works of art in the museum’s permanent collection. Materials and refreshments provided. Separate registration for each session. Two hours Professional Development credit available. $10 ($8 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Native Voices Film Series » Contemporary Filmmakers featuring Missy Whiteman
Wednesday, October 24, 7 to 9 pm


Meet filmmaker Missy Whiteman (Northern Arapaho and Kickapoo) via Skype, who will present a selection of her best of Indigenous shorts including Coyote Way: Going Back Home and Time Dreams.  Missy will join us in a Skype chat to discuss her films based in part on traditional cultural ways and ideas, and also about social issues today on loss and the rebirth process of healing through a redefinition of cultural identity. Free, register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

ArtBuzz » Hufft Architects
Thursday, October 25, 7 to 8:30 pm

Experience architecture in a whole new way through this program that mixes art, a signature cocktail, and conversation for an evening that will leave you buzzing! This evening, meet Principal of Hufft Architects, Brad Kingsley, AIA, for a discussion on the firm’s innovative projects, including 8th Street Market and beyond! $20 ($16 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Spotlight Talk » Genevieve Gaignard
Friday, October 26, 7 to 8 pm

Join us for an evening conversation with artist Genevieve Gaignard and Curator Allison Glenn, celebrating the opening of the focus exhibition Personal Space. The discussion will center on Genevieve’s installation art included in the exhibition. Free, register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Art by the Glass » Magazine Monoprints
Friday, October 26, 6:30 to 8:30 pm

Learn the art of gelli printing in this fun class that pairs two glasses of wine with an art project! This evening, guests will create their own monoprints, combining magazine images, paint, and gelli printing techniques. All materials, appetizers, and two glasses of wine are provided. Open to ages 21 and up. $55 ($44 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

CB Babies
Saturday, October 27, 10 to 11:30 am

Oh, baby! Join us for this special program for the museum’s youngest visitors: infants ages 3 to 24 months and a caregiver. Spend time in the galleries looking at and talking to your baby about art before enjoying sensory playtime. Make sure you are able to hold your baby or have them in a front carrier; they need to see and physically react to the artworks. This is a time to bond with your baby, so please make other arrangements for any siblings. $10 ($8 for Members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

NEW Multisensory Saturday
Saturday, October 27, 11 am to 2 pm

Join us for multisensory exploration at the museum! In observation of Disability Awareness Month and in partnership with Sources and the NWA Disability Awareness Month Committee, join us for gallery activities that focus on access and inclusion and highlight all the senses. Free, no registration required.

Gallery Conversation » 1491s
Saturday, October 27, 1 to 2 pm

Meet Bobby Wilson, Ryan Redcorn, and Migizi Pensoneau of The 1491s comedy group for a fun conversation in the focus exhibition In Conversation: Will Wilson and Edward Curtis. Join us for this afternoon chat in the exhibition on themes of Indigenous representation in art, photography, and the media from the perspective of the group. Free, no registration required.

Studio Squad » Photo Studio (Ages 11 to 13)
Saturday, October 27, 4 to 5:30 pm

Calling all tween photographers! Bring your phone or other photo-taking device and join L.A.
artist Genevieve Gaignard for a fun workshop all about taking the perfect portrait. We will explore the exhibition Personal Space with Gaignard, which includes her installation Black is Beautiful. Back in the classroom, she will help us set up our own photography studio for each student to capture their unique personality. Be sure to bring a couple props for your turn in the spotlight!

A limited supply of photo devices available. Sponsored by Nickelodeon. Free, register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Halloween in the Hollow
Saturday, October 27, 9 pm to 12 am

Harness your creative energy at Artinfusion’s annual Halloween in the Hollow, a huge costume party right here at the museum. Additionally for Artinfusion members only, please join us for a VIP exhibition opening reception from 8 to 8:30 pm to kick off the new temporary exhibition, Personal Space, that includes a champagne toast to artist Genevieve Gaignard and Associate Curator Allison Glenn. $45 (Free for Artinfusion members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Adult Workshop » Painting with Yatika Fields
Sunday, October 28, 1 to 5 pm

Art for a New Understanding artist Yatika Fields will lead this high-color painting workshop inspired by public art aesthetics. Guests will create their own large canvas, filled with vibrant colors and patterns, creating their own personal narratives. All materials are provided. $55 ($44 for members), register online or with Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

Fall Forest Fun » Trick Art Treat
Sunday, October 28, 4 to 6:30 pm

Have a ghoulishly good time during Trick-Art-Treat in the forest!  Enjoy pumpkin painting (crystal bridges provides the pumpkins), candy, and a special photo-BOO-th! Sponsored by ConAgra Brands and The Hershey Company. Free, no registration required.