In 2013, representatives from the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art embarked on a coast-to-coast curatorial road trip. Their objective: to discover new and intriguing works of art existing outside of typical metropolitan venues. Former Director Don Bacigalupe and Curator Chad Aligood traveled 100,000 miles and conducted nearly 1,000 studio visits with artists who had been recommended by their colleagues in each state. Their findings formed the basis for State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now, an unprecedented nationwide survey of contemporary American art.
Consisting of approximately 75 remarkable works of art ranging from paintings and drawings to sculpture, photography, video, and installations by 42 artists from every region of the country, State of the Art seeks to de-mystify contemporary American art. Works of art and artists were chosen based on their innovative use of materials, their relevance to modern life, and their deep connections to their communities and present-day issues. In order to further enhance that engagement, The Mint Museum is working directly with a selection of participating artists to offer a wide range of exhibition-related programming.
State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now was organized by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas. Exhibition programs are supported, in part, by the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation.
