Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville, Arkansas – 3/5/2015

March 5, 2015 (Thursday)

Had to get up a little early as Uncle Claude and Aunt Gail both have doctor’s appointments and we wanted to go with them as the roads were still a little slick. When we got to Uncle Claude’s appointment, it had been canceled due to the snow but they were able to see Aunt Gail early. After she got done we went to a nearby IHOP Restaurant. We were shocked when the waitress told us that they were out of pancakes. How in the world can an International House of PANCAKES be out of pancakes? Anyway, we got other things and again were glad to see Uncle Claude clean up his plate.

They had a special a few days before that ran them out of pancakes. Apparently, they can only serve IHOP's. — They had a special a few days before that ran them out of pancakes. Apparently, they can only serve IHOP’s.

After breakfast Aunt Gail took us on a tour of Muldrow and showed us the house where her grandparents used to live, and houses where some of her children and grandchildren live. Fun. I think she’s related to almost everyone in town.

We got back to their home, loaded up our car and agreed to meet them in Branson on Saturday. We are so delighted that Uncle Claude is feeling well enough to travel a little.

On their mantle, a picture of Uncle Claude and Aunt Gail at the Library of Celsus, where we were a few weeks ago.

Part of the reason we enjoyed our cruise so much was because Uncle Claude and Aunt Gail took a similar one 15 years ago. Aunt Gail at the gate of Hercules in Ephesus.

We said our goodbyes and left around 1:00 PM. We wanted to hit the road while the weather was clear.

We drove up to Bentonville (about two hours) and found the Crystal Springs Art Museum. We had heard about it a couple years ago on the television program CBS Sunday Morning. Michael and I (at that time) looked at each other and said we’d like to go. When we realized we passed through it on the way to Afton from the Muldrow area, we decided to go. So glad we did as it is an amazing place. The first thing you see as you enter the entrance is a huge metal tree that is absolutely stunning. The building itself is ultra-modern and beautiful. Was fun to see all the different periods of artwork (especially Rosie the Riveter). Loved all of it. The regular admission is free, but it costs a little for their special exhibits.

Spectacular stainless steel tree at the entrance.

Opened November 11, 2011. Thank you Alice Walton.

You get a sense right away it will be nice.

The place is large and the art is even larger.

To render delicate and emotive things out of stone is indeed art.

The old west is the subject of much of the art. — The old West is the subject of much of the art.

Martin Johnson Heade, "Haystacks". An example of Luminisum. 1875 — Martin Johnson Heade, “Haystacks”. An example of Luminisum. 1875

In the stair well, strands of different colored yarn stretch in geometric form. — In the stairwell, strands of different colored yarn stretch in geometric form.

Rosie's foot on a book. — Rosie’s foot on a book.

The frame is bold, patriotic and looks to be riveted.

She graced the cover of the Saturday Evening Post.

Exiting the exhibits, out to the gift shop and elevators.

You always get a shot at the store on the way out.

That was our day. Hope yours was great!