The Momentary

ANNOUNCING: The first-ever KaniniFest, a three-day, single act play festival featuring plays, dance workshops, drum circles, art installations, and more, coming to the Momentary this October 11-13 🎭 Taking its name from the Indigenous Australian term 'Kanyini' meaning 'oneness,' the festival celebrates the profound connections between the land, spirit, and soul. This year’s theme, inspired by Crystal Bridges’ 'We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy,' seeks to magnify the voices and perspectives reflecting the diverse canvas of America. Created by actors and current artists-in-residence at the Momentary, Christopher Alexander Chukwueke and Tenisi Davis, KaniniFest will amplify the voices of BIPOC playwrights from our nation. Partners includeTheatreSquared, INTERFORM.ART, The Medium, and the University of Arkansas. Read more: https://bit.ly/3zaiWXj

How do you spend your five-to-nine? 🌸 Your day doesn’t have to end at the office! Recharge and connect with MoPros—curated experiences for creative professionals. This month, we're partnering with Kaleidoscope Collective to bring you an Ikebana workshop with local artist Arianna Hesler. Discover the traditional Japanese art of floral design and create stunning compositions using seasonal branches and dried flowers. Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/3KLgmt5

JOHN LEGEND UPDATE: 'An Evening with John Legend' will proceed as planned on Saturday, June 1st. In partnership with Cox Communications, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary will thank our region's first responders and frontline service restoration teams* by offering 1,000 free tickets to the concert. First responders can each receive a pair of tickets by visiting the Momentary's Box Office or via phone at (479) 657-2335. The limited number of tickets will be available first come, first served. We’re also working with Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to collect donations for those facing food insecurity in the region. We kindly ask concert attendees to consider contributing nonperishable food items. Collection bins will be available at the Momentary during the show, and for a few weeks following the event to allow community members to continue donations. Additional collection bins will also be available at Crystal Bridges. Following a challenging weekend of severe weather disturbances, we hope this show will create a space for community members to come together for a heartfelt performance and an opportunity to assist with ongoing food insecurity. --------- *First responders include firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, 911 dispatchers, electrical and critical services workers. Read more: https://bit.ly/453aftr

At Crystal Bridges and The Momentary, our hearts go out to our staff, neighbors, and the entire Northwest Arkansas community in this difficult time following the weekend’s severe weather events. For many across the community – which includes Crystal Bridges and the Momentary staff members, volunteers, and their friends and families – the recovery process will continue for some time. Crystal Bridges and the Momentary have received an outpouring of care and concern from the public expressing support during this challenging time, a testament to the strength of the community. Specific updates regarding impacts to the Trails & Grounds, exterior artworks, exhibitions, and scheduled programs and events across both spaces will be shared as more details become available in the coming days.  See current operational updates here: 

Upcoming at the Momentary | “Awol Erizku: Mystic Parallax” 🪩 We are excited to present "Mystic Parallax," a stunning exploration of Blackness and contemporary global culture by the talented multidisciplinary artist Awol Erizku. Known for his unique blend of music, popular culture, and sports symbolism, Erizku's work offers a distinct Afrocentric perspective that challenges the Western gaze. This exhibition features an extraordinary collection of photographs, installations, and soundscapes that create a rich tapestry of evolving motifs. Erizku's art transcends traditional mediums, embracing fluidity and improvisation. Opening May 25, the "Mystic Parallax" exhibition also marks the first major monograph from this emerging artist, co-published by #theMomentary and Aperture. We look forward to welcoming you to this inspiring and groundbreaking exhibition. https://bit.ly/3K3VHQC 📸 Awol Erizku “Nipsey Hussle and Lauren London”, GQ, 2019f rom “AwolErizku: Mystic Parallax” (Aperture, 2023) Courtesy the artist.

Get ready for an artistic adventure this month at MoPros as we take a look into the mind and creations of Danielle Hatch . 👒 Join us on Wednesday, May 29th, as we journey through Danielle's artistic world, exploring her process, style, and what ignites her creativity. You'll also gain insights into her piece "All The Soarings Of My Mind Begin In My Blood," currently on view at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Plus, enjoy a drink curated by Danielle while tuning into the album that inspired her artwork. Click the link to secure your spot. We can't wait to see you there! 👋 https://bit.ly/3wtrhnL 📸 : Photo by Emily Hawkins courtesy of the artist

OPENING SOON: "Kristine Potter: Dark Waters," an exhibition of richly detailed black-and-white photographs inspired by the enigmatic terrain surrounding bodies of water that bear names of violence in the American South - places like “Murder Creek,” “Deadman’s Branch,” and “Bloody Fork.” In this exhibition, Potter captures the feeling of a place in images that are simultaneously alluring and haunting. Join us for the opening weekend: On Friday, May 10th, Mo Members get an exclusive first look at the exhibition and a special Member Mingle, where you can enjoy delectable bites, refreshing drinks, and even meet the artist herself. Not yet a member? Don't miss out! Sign up today to unlock access to special discounts, previews, and a whole lot more. Then, on Saturday, May 11th, the exhibition opens its doors to all! 👏 We'll see you soon! https://bit.ly/3Q3rncv 📷 : Kristine Potter, "The Medium," 2017 from "Kristine Potter: Dark Waters (Aperture, 2023)

We are delighted to announce the return of Grammy award-winning songwriter and musician Aoife O’Donovan to #FreshGrassBentonville 🎶 Join us at FreshGrass Festival on May 17-18 for an unparalleled experience, showcasing exclusive commission debuts. Don't miss the captivating performance of "America, Come" by Aoife O'Donovan & Hawktail, featuring the University of Arkansas Children's Choir. This musical exploration delves into the pivotal narrative of women's voting rights, drawing inspiration from the impactful stories, letters, and speeches of the summer of 1920. To discover more, click the link and secure your festival tickets today: https://bit.ly/3U44kj0

Work hard, play harder 💼 Make the most of your after-work hours and recharge in style with MoPros—curated experiences for creative professionals. Join us on Wednesday, April 24 for an exclusive silversmithing workshop with local artist Rebecca Lynn Hewitt of Squiggle Cutters in partnership with Kaleidoscope Collective. 🎨 In this MoPros, you will form, solder, and texture two of your very own sterling silver ring bands while exploring a handful of metalsmithing techniques. Ready to elevate your after-hours routine? Sign up now: https://bit.ly/4aiWEju 📷 : Photos courtesy of Kaleidoscope Collective and Squiggle Cutters

Don't miss out on the final week of "Enduring the Amazon: Life and Afterlife in the Rainforest." 🦋 Journey through the Amazon rainforest from afar through the lenses of five visionary artists including Richard Mosse, Ben Frost, David Brooks, Susannah Sayler, and Edward Morris. Experience the scope and scale of this natural wonder before it's too late: https://bit.ly/43BYMQQ