“Each moment of the year has its own beauty…every hour a picture which was never seen before… shall never be seen again.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Imagine a place where rare images of beauty were displayed every hour, delicate works of art which had never been seen before can be seen only once. Emerson believed these images were created by nature every moment. Waiting be discovered, nature’s most creative work is on display on the Arkansas Art Trail. 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 … 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.
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 helped to 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 works of art and architecture that were 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.
Here are just a few of April’s Art Experiences:
Take a Eureka Springs 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.
See Iconic Ozark Landscape through the Eyes of a Photographer
Photography Exhibit & Workshop
Explore the Ozarks with renowned landscape photographer and local artist, Edward C. Robison III. Watch ann evening slideshow highlighting some of the most beautiful places in the Ozarksthen accompany Robison the following morning for a 4 hour photo workshop in the Ozarks.
Meet an Artist in Residence
Karrie Evenson will be working in residence at the Crescent Hotel. Enjoy wine and cheese and meet Evenson then join a small class to learn to paint abstract birds, flowers and landscapes with the artist.
Sign up for these events and see other great Featured Attractions on ReserveEureka.com.
April’s art experiences are limited but with 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. Crystal Bridges special exhibit The Hudson River School: Nature and the American Vision opens May 5. Enjoy an Art Night Out, take a gallery tour and more.
Eureka Springs, a Top 25 Arts Destination, is a great place to 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, experience life in a historic town or marvel in contemporary architecture that celebrates the beauty of the outdoors. Eureka Springs celebrates art the entire month of May with the May Festival of the Arts.
Explore Eureka Springs lodging, restaurants, spas and attractions on the Official site for the Greater Eureka Springs Region, EurekaSprings.com.