March 14, 2024
Artist Christopher Marley, Author Christian Cooper to discuss intersection of art, nature, science
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — As part of its Arkansas Live initiative, Arkansas PBS will livestream Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s Exhibition Opening Talk: "Exquisite Creatures" With Christopher Marley, Friday, March 15, at 6 p.m., and Creature Fest: Christian Cooper Lecture Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m. at myarpbs.org/arkansaslive.
“Exquisite Creatures” is a dialogue with art, nature and science that asks the question: what is it about the natural world that calls to people? Throughout the exhibition, artist and naturalist Christopher Marley reflects on humanity’s intimate relationship with nature, revealing its intricate beauty and diversity through three-dimensional works comprised of animal, mineral and plant specimens arranged in precise, geometric compositions. Shown together, the works create an immersive environment that inspires wonder and fosters a desire to preserve the natural world.
In celebration of the grand opening of “Exquisite Creatures,” Marley will discuss his art and book, “Exquisite Creatures: A Dialogue With Art, Nature, and Science.”
Marley is an artist, designer, photographer and author who uses preserved natural specimens as his medium. He grew up in Oregon, then spent over a decade working in dozens of countries in fashion advertising. Through his travels across five continents, Marley found that there were still enigmatic organisms and minerals to be discovered in every biome he explored. His life’s work is to broaden the world’s appreciation for these little-known or misunderstood elements of nature. Marley collects or reclaims his subjects in an environmentally sensitive manner using a worldwide network of people and institutions that share his passion for nature.
Then, on Saturday, March 16, as part of Crystal Bridge’s Creature Fest, author Christian Cooper will discuss his acclaimed book, “Better Living Through Birding: Notes From a Black Man in the Natural World.” Cooper is a science and comics writer and editor and the host and consulting producer of “Extraordinary Birder” on National Geographic.
The “Exquisite Creatures” exhibition’s curatorial lead is Xuxa Rodriguez, Ph.D., associate curator, contemporary art. The exhibition is sponsored by Coca-Cola, Serfco. Termite and Pest Control, Gelmart, and Marybeth and Micky Mayfield.
Arkansas Live is an initiative from Arkansas PBS that brings compelling special events directly to Arkansans via vivid, multi-camera livestreaming. Viewers gain front row access to some of the most in-demand events across the state, including livestreams from Crystal Bridges, Arkansas Department of Heritage, Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, and more.
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 12.2 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 120 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house was preserved and relocated to the museum grounds in 2015. Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities. Some 418,375 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 nearly 100,000 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.
About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/live, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Russellville), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Gaither) and KETS (Yancy).
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