Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has opened a new special exhibition titled "American 250: Common Threads." The exhibition features a wide range of artworks, including historic documents, quilts, prints, and contemporary pieces, all reflecting on the American experience and national identity. A notable interactive work by artist Basil Kincaid involves local quilters assembling fabric squares decorated by Arkansas students.
The exhibition commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, aiming to present layered and surprising perspectives on American stories through art. It explores how artists have documented, celebrated, and questioned national symbols across centuries, from early engravings to contemporary works. The show is part of a broader craft celebration and is organized in partnership with the American Folk Art Museum.