HISTORICAL MUSEUM NEWS
History Club May 10
At 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10, the History Club will present Ardith Winters Wharry of Fayetteville with her program on “A Review of American History Through the Eyes of Quilters.” A former Bella Vista resident, Ardith started the local quilt guild, Calico Cut-ups, in 1991 and will present a sample of a quilt from each time frame in history that she covers.
The History Club has no dues and admission is free. Everyone is invited. Refreshments will be provided by the evening's sponsor, the Calico Cut-ups.
May exhibit
A temporary exhibit provided by museum volunteer and artist Jill Werner is on display at the museum for the month of May. She was selected by the Bella Vista Arts Council to be the first recipient of the new “Artist of the Month” program and was recognized at a ceremony at the museum on May 5. Her work consists of sculptural installations or wall-hung art. Unusually proportioned quilts are used for the lines and surfaces, but other materials such as wood, foam and metal, are also used. Visitors are welcome throughout the month to view this exhibit.
Fay Jones exhibit
A long term special exhibit will be on display at the museum from June through December, on loan from the State Archives office in Little Rock. It will consist of three large folding panels that focus on world renowned architect Fay Jones and his work. Jones is the only student of Frank Lloyd Wright to receive the prestigious American Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 1990. Three samples of his work exist in Bella Vista, the Cooper Chapel, the Bella Vista Country Club, and a private residence. A program about his work will be presented at our July History Club meeting.
Pioneer Cabin project
The Bella Vista Historical Society has continued to work on the previously announced project of the pioneer log cabin, to be donated to the museum by Scott and Angie Butler. Research into more of the history of the original cabin is being conducted. We anticipate getting the cabin moved to the museum grounds by this fall. The museum has been approved for a grant by the Benton County Historical Preservation Commission to pay for some of the expenses, but still needs your support to make this project a reality. Businesses and organizations, as well as individuals, are welcome to make a donation by mailing it to or dropping it off at the museum, or going online to www.gofundme. com/cabinfever. Any donation over $100 will be recognized on a plaque inside the cabin.
Long-term residents of Bella Vista
The museum staff would like to find the residents who have lived in Bella Vista the longest and recognize them at a future event. If you know someone who has lived in Bella Vista for 30-40 years or more, please contact the museum at 479855-2335 and leave your contact information.
New gift shop merchandise
New jigsaw puzzles have been added to our gift shop merchandise, including ones featuring the Back 40 Trails, the Bella Vista Police Department, and the Bella Vista Fire Department. Other new merchandise includes two volumes of coloring books that feature Northwest Arkansas, and a specially made Bella Vista Christmas ornament. Everything makes great gifts for both children and adults. Outside of our local golf pro shops, the museum is the only source of Bella Vista souvenirs!
Hours of operation
The Historical Museum is located at the corner of U.S. Highway 71 and Kingsland, next door to the American Legion, and is open 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Phone 479-855-2335. Website www.bellavista.museum.org.