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Fall has arrived in Arkansas, and that usually means two main things: changing leaves and football. We’ve already shared everything you need to do in Fayetteville on a game day weekend (even if you are in a family feud), but this fall, there’s one more item to add to the list. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has opened its newest exhibition, “Get in the Game”, a bold and thought-provoking look at the connection between sports and art.
Organized by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and reimagined for its run in Bentonville, “Get in the Game” takes visitors far beyond the field. This isn’t just a collection of trophies behind glass; it’s an exploration of victory and defeat, the evolution of equipment, fan frenzy, and how athletes and artists alike push boundaries. With nearly one-third of the featured artists being former athletes, the works have a unique authenticity, blending the grit of competition with the creativity of expression from the middle of the match. Whether you are a lifelong Razorback fan, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to ponder, this exhibit will resonate with you.
Navigating the Gallery
From the moment you step into the gallery, the familiar hum of a stadium crowd greets you. Stay a while, and you might even hear a Hog Call echo through the space. That playful touch sets the tone: this is an exhibit designed to engage, challenge, and invite every Arkansan to view sports and art with fresh eyes and a new perspective.
The galleries are arranged in thematic sections:
- Winning and Losing explores the emotions, expectations, and cultural significance of competition.
- Field of Play examines the stadiums, tracks, and courts that define the game.
- Breaking Records, Breaking Rules explores fashion, gear, and video games that have transformed how we compete and perceive athletes. It also examines how these inventions and innovations expand the definition of excellence and expectations.
- Mind and Body transition into a reflective space, prompting you to question what athletes experience physically and mentally, and to determine if it is worth it.
- Fan Life concludes the journey, showcasing the energy, creativity, and dedication of those who cheer from the stands.
Arkansas receives special recognition by incorporating elements that reflect its local culture. You’ll see Olympic-level bicycles nodding to Bentonville’s reputation as the “mountain biking capital of the world,” along with vintage fishing rods from Gaston’s White River Resort. These objects connect the global story of sports to Arkansas’s local traditions.
Emma Amos, Hurdlers I, 1983, acrylic paint and hand weaving on canvas, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Six Must-See Highlights
With more than 200 works on display, it’s impossible to list them all. But here are six standouts to look for:
1. Fumble the Line by Ernie Barnes– A former Denver Bronco turned painter captures the chaos and beauty of a football scramble, blending athleticism and artistry.
2. Hurdlers I by Emma Amos– This textile masterpiece portrays two runners in motion, created with fabrics that echo skin tones and speed, commissioned for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
3. Altered Trophies (Everyday Monuments) by Jean Shin – At first glance, it looks like a simple pile of trophies. Pause, and you’ll realize they honor everyday achievements donated by community members, asking us to consider what, and who, we celebrate.
4. Robert Lugo’s Street Pottery – Hand-thrown urns adorned with graffiti-inspired patterns honor athletes like Dr. J, Kobe Bryant, and Scottie Pippen, blending street culture with classical forms.
5. Veiled Melancholy by Zoe Buckman– An artist transformed her wedding gown into an installation of gloves, a profoundly personal metaphor for endurance, resilience, and life’s toughest battles.
6. Nike Air Jordans and the FIFA Ball – A showcase of iconic gear, from Michael Jordan’s first banned sneakers to the soccer ball from Brandi Chastain’s unforgettable World Cup victory.
Each piece is eye-catching, but more importantly, each sparks questions about the stories behind the sports we often overlook and the norms woven into our cultural expectations.
Questions to Explore
One of the exhibit’s strengths is its ability to spark conversation, which is great if you’re visiting with friends, family or kids. But they are also good to ask yourself while enjoying a cup of Onyx coffee or a burger from Eleven.
- What does it really mean to win?
- Is losing the same as being defeated?
- Who defines the feelings we experience as fans or athletes?
- Should everyone receive a trophy, or are some achievements worth more than others?
- What small victories in life deserve to be celebrated more often?
- Who has changed the way we see sports, fashion, and athletic success?
- What can these changes teach us about history and culture beyond the field?
- Do sports change our definition of success or excellence?
- How do you like to feel celebrated?
- How do you feel supported in defeat?
Encourage your children to think about these questions, too. They might start seeing their involvement in sports in a completely different light.
Closing Thoughts
At its heart, “Get in the Game” is about more than just sports. It’s about culture, resilience, innovation, and the universal language of aiming for something bigger. In Arkansas, where sports are part of daily life, this exhibit provides a rare chance to stop and think about the meaning behind the cheers, the uniforms, and the records broken.
Whether you visit for the history, the interactive features like vintage Atari gaming stations, or simply the chance to admire the artistry in familiar objects, you’ll leave with a better understanding of why sports matter— not just on the scoreboard, but in the stories we tell about ourselves.
Of note, through the end of September, our readers get the special bonus of 50% off their first year of membership. Use the code FIRST50 at checkout.
The cover image depicts a portion of the trophies in the collection that make up Altered Trophies (Everyday Moments) by artist Jean Shin.
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