Featuring large-scale paintings created by local artists, educators, and students from across Northwest Arkansas, the Pintura Fest Public Art Pop-up is a free, community exhibition presented by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

The paintings were created for Pintura Fest—a community fiesta inspired by the exhibition Diego Rivera’s America, on view at Crystal Bridges through July 31.

Diego Rivera (1886–1957) was one of the most significant artists of the 20th century and paved the way for modern public art in the Americas. His murals were part of a larger movement to make art accessible to broad, diverse audiences.

In the spirit of Rivera’s work, 17 large-scale paintings were created in front of a live audience at Pintura Fest by local artists, educators, and students from schools across the region.

Each artist or school art group’s work was created in response to a question: What is your story as an NWA resident? How are you part of the story of a diverse NWA? Most artworks were started offsite in the weeks leading up to Pintura Fest and finished at Crystal Bridges during the event.

These paintings will be on display at locations throughout Northwest Arkansas from April 17 to July 31, 2023—free and available for everyone to enjoy. After the exhibition closes, the paintings will continue to delight and inspire as they return to their permanent homes with the participating schools and regional artists.

We hope you’ll visit each of the locations below to experience the incredible work of these artists, as well as the exhibition that inspired it all. See you there!