Korto Momolu, Ladybrille Woman of the Month September 2011, just completed designs for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Founded by the Walton Family Foundation.
“She was approached in 2010 by Crystal Bridges director Don Bacigalupi to create unique and stylish uniforms for the museum’s frontline staff.
After visiting the Museum site and discussing the vision and mission of the museum with Bacigalupi and museum founder Alice Walton, Momolu developed designs for a vest and sweater for the male employees, and a dress and blouse for the women. She also created a
custom fabric print for the scarves and ties worn by guest services staff.
Momolu took pains to find ways to connect her Crystal Bridges designs with the museum itself, and with the landscape of her adopted state. Long before the museum buildings were completed, she spent time in the forest on the Crystal Bridges site, gathering samples of local
flora for color and texture.
“Walking around the grounds of the future museum site enabled me to become at one with what the creators of the museum fell in love with; the beauty of Arkansas right at your feet,” Momolu said. “It was at that moment that it dawned on me to be inspired from the very place the museum would call home, the grounds surrounding it. I gathered leaves and berries and flowers that were well known to the area with the hope to create a signature print that not only represented Crystal Bridges,but show the beauty of Arkansas.”
Visitors to Crystal Bridges can see the result of Momolu’s work on guest services staff in the museum. The scarves in Crystal Bridges’ signature colors are reserved for staff members, but a variation of Momolu’s print is also available for purchase in the Museum Store.
About Crystal Bridges
The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of landscape. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate our heritage and artistic possibilities.
Founded in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundation and opened 11-11-11, the Museum takes its name from a nearby natural spring and the bridge construction incorporated in the building designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. A series of pavilions nestled around two spring-fed ponds house galleries, meeting and classroom spaces, and a large, glass-enclosed gathering hall. Guest amenities also include a restaurant on a glass-enclosed bridge overlooking the ponds and a Marlon Blackwell-designed museum store. Sculpture and walking trails link the Museum’s 120-acre park and gardens to downtown Bentonville, Arkansas.
For more information about Crystal Bridges visit CrystalBridges.org. “
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
