Junior Retreat
by Alise David
For the 2018-2019 Junior Retreat, the Juniors traveled to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. The students kicked off their adventure early Friday morning with a 3-hour bus ride to downtown Bentonville. After a brief introduction, students were led on a tour throughout the modern art exhibit and studied several pieces, specifically by African American artists. Students took a closer look and added insight to pieces such as Nari Ward’s We the People, and Vanessa German’s 3 figures sculpture.
The Crystal Bridges Museum was designed by world-renowned architect, Moshe Safdie. The museum is constructed over natural springs and ponds and was designed strategically to incorporate several glass bridges overlooking the water. The surrounding areas include 120 acres of parkland including sculptures and trails. The museum itself was founded in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundations and opened to the public on 11-11-11. Other than the artwork, the museum is home to a library of over 50,000 volumes of art-related media and it’s very own restaurant. Year-round programs held at Crystal Bridges range from art-workshops to films to special events. Even weddings have been held in their elegant dining halls.
During the afternoon, students were given free time to explore the exhibits, nearby trails and cafe. Junior, Aasim Hawa commented, “the nearby trails and nature was amazing, it was a great way for us to bond as a class.” A three-course meal at the museum’s restaurant, Eleven, was the best way to conclude their day of adventure. Under the arched ceilings lined with pine beams and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, students indulged in a variety of entrees ranging from herb brined chicken breast to Arkansas’ own rainbow trout. Junior, Natasha Bisarya described the museum as “beautiful’ and added “dinner was the best part. It was the perfect meal to end the perfect day.”
