Article by KUAR Public Radio 

For nearly a decade, a gem of American art has been hidden in the landscape of the Ozarks.

Bentonville’s Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art cuts an unassuming figure at first. A squat façade sitting behind a glistening silver tree greets you as you round a circular drive, following a quick jaunt through the woods.

But the museum, which holds a collection spanning five centuries of art, sprawls into the forest around it; trails, sculpture and a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright dot the landscape, to name but a few.

Now, the museum is moving beyond its space into burgeoning downtown Bentonville. The Momentary, a refurbished cheese factory, will host art, performance and culinary experiences beginning Feb. 22.

After that, both Crystal Bridges and The Momentary will host State of the Art 2020: an exhibition of 60 artists from across the country, running until May 24.

Lauren Haynes, curator of visual art at The Momentary and curator of contemporary art at Crystal Bridges, is our guest this week.

Haynes spoke with Arts Scene about the show, the space, and some notable recent acquisitions into the Crystal Bridges collection.

Listen here!