May 26 Sunday
Participants will be led through an assortment of songs from different eras and genres. Lyrics and chord names are projected on a large screen so attendees may play and sing along, or just listen and enjoy the music. All instruments and skill levels are welcome.
Moving. Meditative. Magical.Experience an immersive vision of art-infused wellness
Join us for an immersive journey at the intersection of music, wellness, technology, and art created by four-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and mental health pioneer Jewel!
Presented as a collaboration between Jewel and Crystal Bridges, The Portal features one-of-a-kind, 200-piece aerial drone shows choreographed by Jewel and set to an original score by the artist, a meditative art walk featuring works by prominent contemporary artists, a never-before-seen painting and sculpture by Jewel, and chef-crafted dining options as part of a complete experience for the body, mind, and spirit.
From the seven-foot hologram of Jewel welcoming you to the experience to the culminating choreography over the museum’s central pond, each element of the experience invites us to explore Jewel’s concept of the Three Spheres of human existence: the inner world, outer world, and the unseen world.
Encompassing our experiences of mind, body, and spirit, Jewel has meticulously crafted each aspect of The Portal to harmonize the Three Spheres, creating a dynamic space and experience where inner thoughts, external actions, and hidden emotions converge.
Innovative, transformative, and just plain fun, The Portal promises a moving, restorative experience unlike any other at Crystal Bridges.
See you there!
May 27 Monday
Plunge into the chaos of Arkansas’ Civil War experience. Dr. Georgena Duncan, retired history professor, will lead the class through the Secession, battles at Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove, and then the slow, sure Union occupation of Little Rock, Fort Smith and the Arkansas River Valley. Focus will center on how this led northern Arkansas and the River Valley to destruction by guerillas, and Confederate operations still proceeding in southern Arkansas. Participants will see what a major impact the war had on population and economic development for the state.
“Breath is Life, Movement is Life.” Data and experience suggests an increased focus, energy, self-awareness, and overall happiness while regularly practicing Mindful Movement. This class introduces several systems of mindful movement and how to integrate these practices into your daily lives to obtain a greater sense of personal empowerment and balance.
Ed Mink will bring his 35 years of experience as a wellness educator to this interactive class. The holistic lifestyle of Yoga will serve as the foundation for the series and also the connecting thread as we explore Pilates, Boxing and Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing). This engaging, interactive and experiential weekly class will be somewhat flowing in focus, incorporating a blend of soft and dynamic movements designed to improve balance and coordination while enhancing personal wellness.
Julie Hop earned her BFA in Painting and Drawing from Columbia College, Chicago. She has been a muralist and has participated in exhibits in Chicago, New Orleans and Eureka Springs. Julie has designed and implemented art classes for children, teens and adults and has experience as a public school teacher.Faith Cleveland has been practicing alcohol ink, ceramics, and small metals for several years. Her work has appeared in galleries downtown and online. Her passion for making has lead her to sharing her knowledge through teaching at ESSA.
May 28 Tuesday
Women’s ability to contribute to science has been devalued for centuries and in many places they were denied education. Nevertheless, they did contribute to scientific progress. Now many of the barriers have been removed but they can still face misogyny and an unwelcoming workplace.
Dr. Malcolm Cleaveland will examine some of the prime examples, such as Marie Curie (radioactive elements), Rosalind Franklin (structure of DNA) and Annie Cannon (stellar classification). Participants will see how our society has evolved, as today, women can lead NASA teams on the frontiers of science and conduct groundbreaking research.
May 29 Wednesday
This course involves reading and discussing a novel -- All Eyes on the Sky. -- about life and death in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan. The author of the novel, Dr. Samuel Totten, Professor Emeritus, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, based the story on his experiences and observations in the war-torn Nuba Mountains.
The class will be comprised of a short lecture on the ongoing crisis in Sudan, a group discussion of the novel, including commentary about why and how Totten wrote it, along with personal stories of his time in the Nuba Mountains during which he illegally crossed into Sudan in order to truck food to those in most desperate need.
Participants are responsible for obtaining their own copy of the novel: All Eyes on the Sky ($14.95 at Amazon.com)