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Spring break is just around the corner, and if you’re seeking a unique and meaningful experience, be sure to include Navigating Lolelaplap at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in your plans.
This impactful exhibit, which closes at the end of March, tells the story of the Marshallese people—one of the largest immigrant communities in Northwest Arkansas. More than just an art display, this exhibition immerses visitors in the rich traditions, artistry and resilience of the Marshallese, providing an unforgettable cultural experience where art reveals their story.
A Story Woven in Art and Tradition
Crystal Bridges shares a diverse array of American stories through art, and Navigating Lolelaplap exemplifies this mission. The exhibit features a remarkable collection of Marshallese artifacts, including woven mats, dresses, and a traditionally crafted canoe built on-site in 2021 by native Marshallese artists. These items highlight the importance of navigation, storytelling and craftsmanship in Marshallese culture while also honoring their journey to Arkansas.
The exhibit’s title, Lolelaplap, pertains to navigation in both a literal and metaphorical sense. In the Marshallese language, Lolelaplap refers to the Marshall Islands, which are located between the Philippines and Hawaii. “The islands” encompass five islands and 29 atolls.
The exhibit showcases the Marshallese people’s deep seafaring traditions, migration and adaptation to new lands in the United States.
The Marshallese Presence in Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas hosts the largest Marshallese population in the continental U.S. Many families moved to the area due to the enduring relationship between the United States and the Marshall Islands, which began during World War II and involved nuclear testing in the Pacific. Today, the Marshallese significantly contribute to Arkansas communities, engaging in various industries and enriching the state’s cultural tapestry.
Springdale is home to the largest population of Marshallese beyond the Islands. Each year, the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese (ACOM) coordinates multiple events based in Northwest Arkansas to continue developing community leadership, educating others about their culture, and cultivating traditions among the multi-generational residents.
ACOM’s partnership played a crucial role in bringing Navigating Lolelaplap to life, ensuring visitors receive an authentic and personal perspective on the experiences of Marshallese families in Arkansas. By highlighting genuine Marshallese artists and showcasing traditional cultural crafts, we foster a realistic understanding of their typical way of life, which uses natural materials for daily living and transportation.
A Learning Experience for the Whole Family
One of the best aspects of this exhibit is its ability to engage visitors of all ages. Families can use Navigating Lolelaplap as a starting point for conversations about culture, migration and identity while experiencing the beauty of Marshallese craftsmanship.
Initiating age-appropriate conversations with children through art is an excellent way to explore universal cultural similarities and differences. The Navigating Lolelaplap exhibit provides an opportunity to discuss challenging topics with kids while offering unique content, entertainment and learning. (But they don’t have to know that part!)
Many children in Northwest and Southwest Arkansas interact with their Marshallese classmates at school or meet them in their local communities. This exhibit provides an engaging and interactive opportunity to learn more about their heritage.
How Families Can Interact with the Exhibit
- Observe and Compare Art Forms – Examine the handwoven mats, dresses and traditional canoe. Compare them to everyday objects in your home—what materials are used? What purpose do they serve? How does art tell a story? How can the objects we find in our home be considered art?
- Discuss Cultural Connections – Explore how various cultures convey their identities through art and storytelling. Highlight the similarities and differences between Marshallese traditions and those of your own family.
- Explore History Through Art – With older kids and teens, discuss the history of the Marshall Islands, U.S. nuclear testing, and how the Marshallese came to Arkansas. Use the exhibit as a visual way to understand past events, even if the scenario feels a little sticky.
- Connect Art to Daily Life – Notice details in the art and artifacts that reflect daily Marshallese life, such as woven mats, canoe building and traditional clothing. Talk about how craftsmanship plays a role in your daily life and what you use to survive. How does a commitment to excellence in craftsmanship affect how you live?
- Create Interactive Art – Explore the museum’s interactive art space and craft a piece inspired by the exhibit, like a weaving project or a navigation chart, to enhance understanding through creativity.
- Recognize Art as Storytelling – Discuss how art transcends the final piece; it includes the artist’s journey, culture and the meaning behind their work. Highlight how Marshallese, Asian Americans, Native Americans and other communities enrich the American narrative through art.
- Extend the Experience Beyond the Museum – Grab a coffee or lunch at the museum and ask your kids what piece stood out to them the most and why. Encourage them to reflect on what they learned and how they can share this knowledge with others.
By exploring Navigating Lolelaplap together, families can utilize art to foster cultural awareness, inspire curiosity, and encourage meaningful discussions beyond the museum’s walls. After you visit the museum, use part of your Spring Break week to learn more about Marshallese dances, favorite foods or language.
Make a Day of It!
While at Crystal Bridges, take advantage of the museum’s many offerings through its permanent collection and rotating exhibits. After creating art or grabbing a coffee, stroll through the grounds and outdoor spaces to discover outdoor art trails, the Frank Lloyd Wright House and nature experiences. If you’re planning a visit during spring break, don’t miss the American Sunrise exhibit, which showcases art by Indigenous peoples and features a closing weekend experience on March 22 with museum curators and the author who inspired the exhibit.
Starting March 15, families can enjoy the KAWS: Family display, which includes exciting events perfect for kids on spring break.
The Navigating Lolelaplap exhibit is a limited-time opportunity, closing at the end of March. Don’t miss your chance to experience this celebration of Marshallese heritage, a vibrant culture in Arkansas. Keep your plans flexible for future Marshallese art experiences, as Crystal Bridges continues to advocate for the island peoples and helps amplify their story!
The cover image is courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
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