Exquisite Creatures: A Special Exhibit at Crystal Bridges Worth a Road Trip!
I have a confession to make. Until I took an ancient art history class in college I really didn’t give two figs about art museums. Now the more “mature” I get, the more art I want to discover and learn about. The Arts in general have really become a source of wonder and fascination for me. Am I now “cultured?” Not really. I’m still the same person but I feel more alive due to the art I see all around me, including when I travel. Let me introduce you to this exhibit.
NOTE: There are currently no pictures of the special exhibit in this post because I am waiting for permission from the venue to include some. Please click on the links provided in the post to see photos of the artist’s work.
Trust me, you’ll want to see the photos in the provided links❣️
For the last few years I have had the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas on my Bucket List.” I was delighted I got to incorporate a visit into my most recent road trip to see the April 8 eclipse. While preparing for my visit the week before, I discovered a fascinating ticketed exhibit on display until July 29, 2024. It was called “Exquisite Creatures.” It was only $12.00 for a ticket, so I reserved a ticket for myself and decided to go there as one of the first exhibits I saw at Crystal Bridges. It got rave reviews so I was curious what it would be like. For more information (and a few photos!!!) on the special exhibit, click below…
Thoughts from the artist/naturalist, Christopher Marley. ⬇️
Top Tip! Go online at the address above and order tickets as soon as you possibly can. A limited number of tickets per day are available. PLAN AHEAD to avoid disappointment! 🙂
Artist’s Webpage About This Exhibit! Lots of info and photos❣️⬇️👏👏👏
I have to admit I was not prepared for the unbelievable beauty of this exhibit. It was one of the best and most unique exhibits I have ever seen. The artist and naturalist, Christopher Marley, takes animals, fish, insects, and other creatures that have recently died and preserves them. While that itself is not so unusual, what he does with them is. He creates some of the most unique, gorgeous, and fascinating artwork I have ever encountered. REALLY.
Note: No creatures were killed or harmed to create the following exhibit. The artist reclaims and preserves creatures that have recently died, most in captivity.
I was totally and completely mesmerized by the beautiful colors, shapes, and patterns displayed just in the first room alone. The exhibit contains fluorescent insect lit by backlighting. You know the thrill of taking something that glowed in the dark into a dark room as a kid, triple that thrill at seeing the fantastic creations that backlit fluorescent insect patterns create. I think the best way to describe it is a British term - gobsmacked. I was totally gobsmacked the minute I entered the first room of the exhibit.
But wait! Other animals, fish, sea creatures, insects, and animal parts (like beautiful bird feathers) were utilized in designs too. In each room there was information pertaining to the creatures displayed, the artist, and the process used to create this fascinating exhibit. It was both incredibly beautiful and interesting.
Show me more❣️ ⬇️
I was also amazed at the size of the exhibit. I don’t know how many rooms were part of the exhibit, but I would guess at least 10. One room contained a comfy sofa and a full-wall video screen with nature scenes. Gorgeous and mesmerizing. 😲
I know I have gone on and on about how spectacular this exhibit was, but it is because it truly was one of the best and most unique art or science exhibits I have ever experienced. I came away with a deep appreciation for the wonders of all creation and the intense desire to preserve it for the future. Nature’s beauty is unparalleled. I have always believed that. But after experiencing this exhibit, I knew it without a shred of doubt. You MUST GO see this exhibit if you are able. Can you say, “Road Trip?!?” 😉🚗👏
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in itself is a beautiful and fascinating place, the Exquisite Creatures exhibit aside. It is a gorgeous museum that blends unique art and the splendid architecture with the beauty of the natural world. Started by Alice Walton, it is a dramatic rethinking of what an art museum can be. I will focus on the Crystal Bridges museum in a future post. It was imperative I promote the Exquisite Creatures exhibit now due to the July 29 end of the exhibit.
Of course, there is a gift shop at the end of the exhibit. You could purchase Christopher Marley’s book entitled Exquisite Creatures in the gift shop. You can also purchase a copy at the link below.