Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville opened its new exhibition, “Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work,” with a private sponsor preview and guided tour on September 10. The exhibition celebrates the life and work of Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses, showcasing her unique contributions to American folk art.
During the sponsor preview, co-curators Josie Johnson, assistant curator of modern art; Larissa Randall, assistant curator of American art; and Seynabou Diallo, curatorial assistant, led attendees through the collection. The exhibition highlights Grandma Moses’s vibrant and charming depictions of rural life, capturing the simplicity and dignity of everyday work on farms and in small towns.
The exhibition features a range of Moses’s paintings, each illustrating her distinctive style that blends narrative detail with nostalgic sentiment. The works underscore her late start in the art world—she began painting in her seventies—and how her art resonated with both popular audiences and institutions, eventually securing her place in American art history.
Visitors to Crystal Bridges can experience this exhibit as part of the museum’s ongoing commitment to presenting diverse American art stories alongside its celebrated permanent collection. Grandma Moses’s paintings offer accessible themes that appeal to families and solo visitors alike, bringing to life an era and lifestyle familiar to many in Northwest Arkansas and beyond.
The exhibition’s timing is fitting for Bentonville, where art and culture have become central to community identity and tourism. It complements other initiatives at Crystal Bridges that focus on American artists and storytellers, following efforts such as the recent call for applicants to the Tyson Scholars of American Art program.
“Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work” runs through early 2027, providing ample opportunity for visitors to engage with this collection. The presentations serve both art enthusiasts and casual museumgoers, with layers of historical context and detailed craftsmanship on display.
The exhibit also invites reflection on the themes of labor and creativity, highlighting the often-overlooked perspectives of older women artists and rural communities. Grandma Moses’s paintings remain a testament to creativity that transcends age and background, offering inspiration to a wide audience.
Crystal Bridges Museum continues to enrich Bentonville’s cultural landscape with exhibitions like this, fostering a deeper appreciation for American art’s diversity. The museum’s location near multiple trail systems and parks makes it an accessible destination for combining outdoor activities with art viewing.
The exhibition aligns well with the museum’s broader mission to connect visitors with American heritage and inspire a deeper understanding of the nation’s cultural fabric. Its presence in Bentonville further establishes the city as a hub for meaningful, locally relevant art experiences.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
