Unmasking violence awareness

League serves shelters

Proceeds from the seventh annual Moonlight Masquerade on Feb. 1 will help the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas continue its work to increase awareness of domestic violence, “unmasking” it and assisting those affected by it. Some 250 guests helped the nonprofit organization raise $24,000 during the evening at Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery in Springdale.

Junior League members address domestic violence through a number of signature programs. The league started its That’s My Bag initiative to help children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect and placed in foster care. When the court orders a child removed, the child frequently is not able to bring any personal possessions. That’s My Bag provides a backpack filled with clothes, undergarments, socks, pajamas, hygiene items, books and toys for some 350 children each year.

Members of the organization also help shelters, volunteering to aid area agencies that serve those affected by domestic violence, such as Peace at Home Family Shelter, EOA Children’s House and Restoration Village.

Up next for the league is Touch a Truck on May 18 at Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers.

Those joining the Junior League for the Masquerade included Kimberly Gatlin, Christine Doellinger, Jennifer and Joe Weber, Brooke Johnson, Mandi and Brian Nussbaum, Brittney and Mike Daily, Heather Pribislavski and Cheryl and Gene Long.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomed patrons for a preview reception for its latest temporary exhibition, Men of Steel, Women of Wonder on Feb. 7

at the museum.

Curated by Alejo Benedetti, Crystal Bridges assistant curator, the exhibition “examines art-world responses to Superman and Wonder Woman ranging from their Depression-era origins to today’s contemporary artist interpretations.” The exhibition features more than 70 paintings, photographs, installations, videos and more by more than 50 artists.

The exhibition will run through April 22.

Patrons previewing the exhibition included Marvelyn Stout, Jacob Roberts, Brenda Maxwell, Kim Ratcliff, Deborah Wright, Tony Waller, Esther Silver-Parker, Kellie Shetler, Tracey Kenny, Katie Holley, Camas and Matt Maroney, Rhianon Deleeuw and Josh Mahony, Norma and Rick Frisby, Corey Bender, Twilla Brooks and Nicole and Marvin Deshommes.

For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Rod Bigelow, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art executive director and chief diversity and inclusion officer (from left), Kellie Shetler, Tracey Kenny, Katie Holley, Matt and Camas Maroney and Alejo Benedetti, Crystal Bridges assistant curator, gather at the debut of Men of Steel, Women of Wonder on Feb. 7 at the museum in Bentonville.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Deborah Wright (from left), Tony Waller and Esther Silver-Parker enjoy the Men of Steel, Women of Wonder preview.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Brittney Skelton (left) and Kimberly Short, Moonlight Masquerade committee members, welcome guests to the Junior League benefit.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Brooke Johnson (from left), Brian and Mandi Nussbaum, Brittney Daily, Heather Pribislavski and Mike Daily visit at the seventh annual Moonlight Masquerade on Feb. 1.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Marvelyn Stout (from left), Jacob Roberts, Brenda Maxwell and Kim Ratcliff attend the exhibition preview at Crystal Bridges.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Norma and Rick Frisby (from left) and Rhianon Deleeuw and Josh Mahony enjoy the new exhibition at Crystal Bridges.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Gene and Cheryl Long help support the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas at Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Jennifer and Joe Weber attend the Junior League Masquerade on Feb. 1.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Corey Bender (from left), Twilla Brooks and Marvin and Nicole Deshommes attend the Men of Steel, Women of Wonder preview.