Crystal Bridges raises $1.25 million

Above is an exclusive interview with Jewel.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. ( KNWA/KFTA ) — Good Day NWA’s Jason Suel took the stage during “The Portal: An Art Experience by Jewel” this past weekend.

The art exhibit which explores the intersection of music, mental health, technology, and art, brought in stars from across the U.S. to celebrate and give a first look at the featured art and performance of Jewel. An auction helped raise $1.25 million for the museum.

“It was an amazing night at Crystal Bridges! It was inspiring to see the community come out to support such a worthy cause,” Suel said about the event. “Eliminating barriers for students to continue to have exquisite art experiences at the museum. Jewel is an example of what artists could become. Her continued success in the art and wellness areas elevates everyone involved. I was honored to take part in the evening’s festivities.”

The exhibit begins with a reflective art walk through the museum’s contemporary wing, showcasing Jewel’s curated selection of ten artworks from Crystal Bridges’ collection by artists including Ruth Asawa, Fred Eversley, Julie Mehretu, Mickalene Thomas, and Sam Gilliam, in addition to two original artworks by Jewel: a portrait of her son, and a striking new sculpture, according to a news release.

Part of the exhibit also has a choreographed 200-piece drone light show. The exhibit is set as “three spheres of existence:” the inner world, outer world, and the unseen world encompassing the human experience of mind, body, and spirit.

People have until July 28 to view the exhibit. More information on tickets and days available can be found online.

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