“Each moment of the year has its own beauty…every hour a picture which was never seen before… shall never be seen again.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Imagine a place where rare images of beauty were displayed every hour, delicate works of art which had never been seen before can be seen only once. Emerson believed these images were created by nature every moment. Waiting be discovered, nature’s most creative work is on display on the Arkansas Art Trail. Visitors discover places where art and nature come together and where threads of discovery, exploration and reverence for the American landscape weave compelling tapestries that illustrate the American experience … past and present.
During the month of April, in partnership with the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, the Arkansas Art Trail introduces the American Experience as celebrated in Arkansas. Through art, music, dance and literature in ways that are as enigmatic as the Arkansas landscape.
The Arkansas Art Trail was inspired by the Hudson River School Art Trail. In the 19th century, artists of the Hudson River School captured iconic landscapes of the northeast with paint. Following the example of American writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, they sought an “original relation to the universe” through a life of simplicity and independence. In the process, American artists defined what it was to be American helped to shape a national identity that valued individualism and rugged beauty.
Today, artists are still creating defining work. The American landscape, both rugged and fragile, is an inspiration. The Arkansas Art Trail highlights unique architecture created with purpose and fundamental connections to the land. It stops for breathtaking vistas and wild rivers, and introduces visitors to the artists working in the Arkansas landscape. The trail offers a deeper look at the side of Arkansas many have never seen.
April’s art experiences are limited but with year round appeal, visitors to the Arkansas Art Trail are sure to discover moments of beauty “never seen before.” A visit to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art provides an opportunity to see original 19th century Hudson River School paintings and a stop in Eureka Springs , a Top 25 Arts Destination, allows visitors to watch regional artists paint in plein aire or get creative with an art class, enjoy the music of esteemed international musicians or sit down to an authentic hootenanny, experience life in a historic town or marvel in contemporary architecture that celebrates the beauty of the outdoors.
Here are just a few of April’s Art Experiences:
Artist Studio Tour – April 15, 2012
Take a docent led tour of the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa and see local artist, Larry Mansker’s murals. Meet Mansker in his art studio for a glass of wine and then settle down for a splendid dinner with the docent and Mansker at the Chef’s table in the Crystal Dining Room Restaurant.
Package includes:
Painting of downtown Eureka Springs by Larry Mansker.
• 1 night stay in a Premium Room, breakfast included
• Studio Tour for Two
• Dinner with Artist in the Crystal Dining Room Restaurant for Two
(Artist Studio Tour is limited to 20 people.)
Photography Exhibit & Workshop – April 19-20, 2012
Explore the Ozarks with renowned landscape photographer and local artist, Edward C. Robison III. Follow Robison to some of his favorite photo spots and shoot at sunset then join Robison the following morning. See some of his photographs of the Ozarks and review photos taken the day before.
Package includes:
• 1 night stay in a Premium Room, breakfast included.
• April 19th & 20th- 4 hour photo tour of the Ozarks and morning workshop
Landscape photographer Edward C. Robison III.
(Photography Exhibit & Workshop is limited to 12 people.)
Meet an Artist in Residence – April 24-26, 2012
Learn to paint abstract birds, flowers and landscapes with artist Karrie Evenson. Evenson will be working in residence at the Crescent Hotel. Meet Evenson and watch her paint on the evening of April 25th. Enjoy wine and cheese.
Package Includes:
• Stay in a Premium Room, breakfast included
• Attend 2 workshop classes per day for two people
• Attend the wine & cheese reception on Wednesday, April 25th with Artist.
(Artist in Residence is limited to 10/workshop)
Artist in Residence Karrie Evenson.