Arkansas Interior Designer Chosen to Enhance Stuart Davis Exhibit at Crystal Bridges

Stuart Davis: In Full Swing is the first major exhibition in 20 years dedicated to Davis (1892–1964), a key figure in the development of American modern art. The exhibition showcases 86 works that reveal the dynamic, original style of this important American painter.  Davis's art was informed by his love of jazz, advertising imagery and everyday city life, and it blurred the distinctions between high and low art, and between realism and abstraction.

To further accentuate the exhibit, Crystal Bridges has selected renowned interior designer Chris Goddard of Goddard Design Group in Fayetteville to design his interpretation of a 1950s lounge area to show how Davis's art influenced home décor in the early 20th century. The space utilizes layers of texture, pattern and color that are perfect for relaxing, listening to music and embracing the spirit of the period.

"Chris Goddard is best known for his eclectic style and his ability to merge the old and the new for a fresh modern design," said Dylan Turk, Curatorial Assistant, Crystal Bridges. "We are delighted that he is involved in making this a memorable exhibition for our visitors."

Goddard, who was nominated as the 2017 International Interior Designer of the Year and named one of the top 100 designers in the world by the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review, says he is honored to help showcase the work of Davis.

"Art and good design are visual anti-depressants. Stuart Davis is known for helping transition our design styles from florals to graphics, especially in fabrics. He brought happiness into the home through color and large graphic patterns," said Goddard. "It is a thrill to design around his art and play off his colors."

Goddard has worked on design projects in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and throughout the country. His largest project consisted of building a French chateau for a client – it took 12 years to build. That was where he says he honed the fundamental skills of scale, function, form and space that greatly influence his current projects.

"It's uncommon knowledge that the art doesn't have to match the sofa," said Goddard. "Visitors will see the timeless impact of Stuart Davis's art. The bold colors, layered patterns and graphic images that he loved are still evident in the textiles and wall coverings of today."

The exhibit opened September 16 and tickets are $8 (free for members and under 18). For more information, visit https://crystalbridges.org/exhibitions/stuart-davis-in-full-swing/.

SOURCE Goddard Design Group