Yes, those cutting edge arty types are coming to Eureka!

The directorial staff of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the chief editor of American Style magazine will visit local galleries and tour Eureka Springs this month. A reception will be held in their honor at the Bank of Eureka Springs. Steve Schmidt of the Eureka Springs Artists Registry has selected art to be exhibited at the event that will show the quality and diversity of artwork available in Eureka Springs.

Featured artists are: Drew Gentle, James Yale, Larry Mansker, Denise Ryan, David Pettit, Cynthia Dupps, Zoi Young, Ron Lutz, Jody Stephenson, Karin Boudet, David Hussey, Jack Miller, Mike Butler, Zeek Taylor, Mark Rademacher, Carol Sarri, John Rankine, Al Hooks, John Wiley, John Willer, Mary Springer, Ken Concar, Carol Peacock, Wendi Beauford, Fran Carlson, Jim Nelson, Max Elbo, Cynthia Kresse, Ralph Wilson, John Stalling, and Valerie Damon.

Crystal Bridges is scheduled to open in 2010. The museum is the pet project of Alice Walton of Walmart. She has spent over twenty years collecting major pieces of American art. According to the New York Times, Ms. Walton is much more than a benefactress of the museum but is a knowledgeable hands-on part of purchasing for the collection. The project came to light a couple of years ago when Alice outbid the National Gallery and the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a Durand painting. The final bid was $35 million. She has since paid more than that for a prime work, successfully purchasing an Eakin's for approximately $65 million.

The impact that the museum will have on Northwest Arkansas including Eureka Springs could be substantial when it comes to bringing art lovers to the area. Yes, they are coming to your town. Thank goodness!The show is sponsored by the Bank of Eureka Springs, Arvest Bank, Community First Bank, and The Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce. This is a private reception, invitation only (sorry about that).

A reminder, if you haven't voted in the American Style magazine poll for Eureka Springs to remain on the top 25 list of American art destinations please do so at americanstyle.com. There are only a few more days left to vote!

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