Culture...in Arkansas?

You know, most of you who are unfamiliar with Arkansas, would probably assume that in Arkansas the word 'culture' means learning how to eat your ribs without splattering on your Razorbacks shirt, or understanding the difference between a crawfish boil and a shrimp boil.  If I were to ask you what you thought 'modern art history' meant in Arkansas you would probably answer "the first rendering of the Razorback bumper sticker" or the Duggar family picture.


But indeed, with the help of a small donation from the Walton family (the family of Sam Walton who started a small chain of stores known as Walmart), Northwest Arkansas is now home to one of the world's greatest art museums.  Please, don't take my word for it.  The opinion of someone who force dropped Art History in college after syllabus week would not be a good census.  The New York Times called Crystal Bridges "a genuine cultural contribution, and possibly to become a place of pilgrimage for art lovers from around the world."  Nicki and I thought we would go and provide our own review...surprisingly no newspapers asked for our editorial.


In all honesty, Crystal Bridges is spectacular.  From what I understand the museum is dedicated to modern American art - which ranges from rooms filled with revolutionary war heros to Norman Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter (again - I write that not as someone who knew what that painting was before Saturday).  The art collection is spectacular, but the building and the surrounding grounds make the event worthwhile. 


As you will see below, the building was set in the middle of a forest area and the developers envisioned areas for local residents to enjoy walking paths, benches, overlooks, etc. year-round.  What makes this possible is that, thanks to a donation from the Walton family, the museum is free of charge - and is set-up to be that way for the next 20 years.


We went on our visit with our friends the Reinerman's, and enjoyed a 'night out' in Bentonville afterwards.  The addition of the museum makes for just another compelling reason for you to come visit us!  We even promise to show you how to eat a crawfish.

This was an incredible display of spools of yarn showing the last supper upside down - which could be seen in focus through this lens.

I'm fairly sure I doodled this in a notebook in 8th grade - who knew it would have been art history...

This is the interior view of the buildings - the building is set to represent the 'natural state' of Arkansas - and is wonderfully designed.

Christmas in OHIO

A few highlights of our Ohio Christmas Extravaganza!!

Awaited at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati - One of our favorite events in December that is an amazing production of the Christmas Story.  From the music to the dancing to even the drummer (that Nick is obsessed with) it truly portrays what Christmas is all about.

Our family picture at Crossroads minus a few because Pattie, Ray, and Connor were getting things ready for Spicher Family Christmas later that night!

Abby - 10 going on 16

B

Ben - the biggest Browns fan who doesn't live in Cleveland

Connor - quote of the night "I love it!  I love it"  It was so much fun watching him open all of his gifts

Just before heading up to Akron for Christmas we got to celebrate with Izzy and Dan at their baby shower.  Baby Bobshaw is due the end of March and we are so excited for the new addition to their family!

Of course, we had to have personalized cups for the occasion!

AKRON - We drove up to Akron on Christmas Eve morning.  We were very excited to see my parents and Jack who had been at "camp" aka my parents house since Thanksgiving.  As you'll see in the pictures below, my mom is definitely attached and spoils him just a little.  Jen and John joined us in Akron on Christmas Day.

Nick's gift to my dad - can I refill your eggnog Eddie?

Christmas Day Fondue!!

Never a trip to Akron without the annual Christmas Ale Taste Test

Mom and her grandkids

My gift to Nick - and he would say the only thing he's been waiting over two years to receive

Jack and Mom

Stan Hywet Hall - Touring the house and Christmas lights...an Akron Christmas Tradition