Eureka Springs Downtown Network

Imagine a place where rare images of beauty were displayed every hour, delicate works of art that had never been seen before and can be seen only once. Ralph Waldo Emerson when he wrote “…each moment of the year has its own beauty, …every hour, a picture which was never seen before, … shall never be seen again.” believed these images were created by nature every moment. Waiting to be discovered, nature’s most creative work is on display along the Arkansas Art Trail. There, visitors discover places where art and nature come together and where threads of discovery, exploration and reverence for the American landscape weave compelling tapestries that illustrate the American experience, both past and present.

During the month of April, in partnership with the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, the Arkansas Art Trail introduces “The American Experience” as celebrated in Arkansas through art, music, dance and literature in ways that are as enigmatic as the Arkansas landscape.

The Arkansas Art Trail was inspired by the Hudson River School Art Trail. In the 19th century, artists of the Hudson River School captured iconic landscapes of the northeast with paint. Following the example of American writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, they sought an “original relation to the universe” through a life of simplicity and independence. In the process, American artists defined what it was to be American and helped shape a national identity that valued individualism and rugged beauty.

Today, artists are still creating defining work. The American landscape, both rugged and fragile, is an inspiration. The Arkansas Art Trail highlights unique architecture created with purpose and fundamental connections to the land. It stops for breathtaking vistas and wild rivers, and introduces visitors to the artists working in the Arkansas landscape. The trail offers a deeper look at the side of Arkansas many have never seen.

April’s art experiences are limited but embody year round appeal. Visitors to the Arkansas Art Trail are sure to discover moments of beauty “never seen before.” A visit to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art provides an opportunity to see original 19th century Hudson River School paintings and a stop in Eureka Springs, a Top 25 Arts Destination, allows visitors to simply watch regional artists paint in plein aire or get creative with an art class, enjoy the music of esteemed international musicians or sit down to an authentic hootenanny. Visitors will experience life in a historic town and marvel in contemporary architecture that celebrates the beauty of the outdoors.

Here are just a few of the Arkansas Art Trail’s “April Art Experiences” packages that the partnering Crescent Hotel has put together:

• Artist Studio Tour – Take a docent led tour of the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa and see local artist, Larry Mansker’s murals. Meet Mansker in his art studio for a glass of wine and then settle down for a splendid dinner with the docent and Mansker at the Chef’s table in the Crystal Dining Room Restaurant.
• Photography Exhibit & Workshop – Explore the Ozarks with renowned landscape photographer and local artist, Edward C. Robison III. The evening starts with a hands-on workshop under Robison’s tutelage. Participants will hear some helpful tips and then get to shoot their own images of the Ozark Mountains and the Beaver Lake region with the knowledge learned. The next day those images captured at sundown the day before will be discussed with suggestions from Robison. He will even present advanced digital photo editing “tricks” so future images will be even closer to being “picture perfect
• Meet an Artist in Residence – Learn to paint abstract birds, flowers and landscapes with artist Karrie Evenson. Evenson will be working in residence at the Crescent Hotel. Meet the artist and watch her paint one evening while casually enjoying wine and cheese. For more information on the Arkansas Art Trail, one should go to arkansasarttrail.com and for complete “April Art Experiences” packages, one should go to reserveeureka.com/eureka-springs-featured-attraction.shtml

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