Crystal Bridges Launches Multi-Year Museum School Program

Made possible by Windgate Foundation, pilot program to center American art in 16 middle schools across Arkansas

High-resolution images, video testimonials, and fact sheet available for download.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art today announced a new middle school program aimed at helping Heartland communities celebrate their own uniqueness through creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and the integration of American art in the classroom. With a specific focus on visual arts, the initiative will offer teachers and school administrators a comprehensive action plan, customized workshops and courses, student field trips to the museum, and museum educators in the classroom.

The Crystal Bridges School Partnership Pilot Program will serve 16 schools across the state of Arkansas in Alma, Bentonville, Cave City, Bigelow, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Little Rock, Nettleton, and Springdale. Michelle Flournoy, who leads the museum’s endowed Windgate Education Excellence Through the Arts Initiative, will oversee the strategic development, long-term planning, growth, and implementation of the transformative program.

“For 13 years, Crystal Bridges has provided radical access to premier art experiences right here in Northwest Arkansas,” said Flournoy. “Through this innovative arts initiative, we are able to deepen that community impact as we integrate American art across the curriculum and help students foster a sense of pride, connection, and identity.”

There is growing evidence that well-designed, arts integrated educational experiences can engage young people who are often left out. In 2013, Crystal Bridges and the University of Arkansas Department of Education Reform collaborated on a study involving more than 10,900 K-12 students and 489 teachers from 123 schools. The results showed critical thinking, recall, tolerance, empathy, and cultural interest increase with a trip to a museum.

“Our pilot program is backed by research that shows the deep educational value in museums and arts education,” said Dru Davison, program manager of school partnerships at Crystal Bridges. “By weaving the arts into core classroom curricula, we’re helping students develop critical thinking skills, social-emotional skills, and cultural awareness. Research has proven that middle school years are critical for young people’s development as learners, creators, and citizens – and this program fosters that while energizing teachers and engaging entire communities.”

The museum’s pilot program is expected to reach 800 teachers and more than 8,000 students, enhancing wellbeing and advocacy for the arts during a critical time for development. The multi-year partnership will culminate with a public art project by students and teachers, framed around the question: How can we bring American stories to life in our community?

In 2026, as Crystal Bridges opens its expanded campus, the initiative will have a formal launch that scales across middle schools in the greater Heartland area. Coinciding with the opening of a robust Learning and Engagement Hub, a state-certified school tour program, and ongoing social impact work, the institution is doubling down on its commitment to making art a part of everyone’s life.

A complete list of participating schools can be found below. Teachers or school administrators who are interested in joining the pilot program should email School.Programs@CrystalBridges.org with their name and role, as well as the school’s name and district.

Alma Public Schools Alma Middle School Bentonville Public Schools Lincoln Junior High Washington Junior High Cave City Public Schools Cave City Middle School East End School District Bigelow High School Eureka Springs School District Eureka Springs Middle School Fayetteville Public Schools Gifted and Talented Middle School Program Hot Springs Public Schools Hot Springs Jr. High Academy Little Rock – Charter Exalt Academy Little Rock Public Schools Mann Magnet Middle School Forest Heights STEM Academy J.A. Fair K-8 Preparatory Academy Nettleton Public Schools Nettleton Jr. High School Springdale Public Schools Hellstern Middle School J.O. Kelly Middle School Sonora Middle School

###

About Windgate Foundation

Windgate Foundation, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a private foundation established in 1993 whose purpose is to advance contemporary craft and strengthen visual arts education in the United States. Education, health, and community initiatives are an additional area of focus in Arkansas. For more information, visit

WindgateFoundation.org

.

About Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The mission of

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Since opening in 2011, the museum has welcomed more than 14 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a non-profit charitable organization by arts patron and philanthropist,

Alice Walton

. The

collection spans five centuries of American masterworks

from early American to current day and is enhanced by

temporary exhibitions

. The museum is nestled on 134 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by the world-renowned

Safdie Architects

. A rare

Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house

was preserved and relocated to the museum grounds in 2015. Home of the prestigious

Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art

and

Tyson Scholars of American Art Program

, Crystal Bridges offers

public programs

including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities. Some 478,375 school children have participated in the

Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program

, which provides educational experiences for school groups at no cost to the schools. Additional museum amenities include a

restaurant

,

gift store

,

library

, and five miles of art and walking trails. In February 2020, the museum opened

the Momentary

in Downtown Bentonville (507 SE E Street), conceived as a platform for the art, food, and music of our time. In 2026, Crystal Bridges will complete a 114,000 square foot expansion that will allow the museum to expand access for all. For more information, visit

CrystalBridges.org

. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.

Media Contact

media@crystalbridges.org