Bentonville, AR January 2026 by City Lifestyle

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Eyes on The Road, People The new year is here! It’s always exciting to look forward to the rest of a new year. But, for me, the days between Christmas and New Years always feel just a little bit melancholy. The decorations are coming down, the Christmas dinner leftovers have lost their luster, and our tree has started to drop needles because—even though I start out with enthusiasm—I inevitably forget to water it. There’s something about that clock striking midnight, the ball dropping, and the Aussies shooting off their famous fireworks that flips a switch for me. Like moving my eyes from the rear view mirror to the road in front of me, I start to see all that is new coming towards me. It’s a moment of seeing the potential that the new year holds. I get excited about the seasons and packing in as many experiences as I can. I look forward to setting professional goals. And I, of course, look forward to another year of providing a platform to tell Bentonville stories and a space for local businesses to connect directly with their community. We’re kicking it off as we always do with our “Health and Wellness” issue. There have been some amazing strides taken in the Bentonville community this past year in the health and wellness space and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Bentonville continues to invest in being an active community whether it’s on two wheels or not. I hope these pages serve as a bit of inspiration and positivity in starting off your new year. Here’s to your health,

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Wyatt Layman | wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Michelle Bazis | michelle.bazis@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Claire McFarland | claire.mcfarland@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Andi Darling C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Pari Dukovic, Megan Coupaud, Timothy Hursley, Claire McFarland, Teagan Kenny

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

W YAT T L AY M A N , P U B L I S H E R @BENTONVILLECITYLIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Bentonville City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Bentonville area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Bentonville City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

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Featured

24 34 8

A Well Balanced Lifestyle

Rebecca Harper's Body Balance Studio Trains For Wellness Longevity

The Brain-Body Connection

Exploring The Relationship Between Mental And Physical Health From The Perspective Of Three Thaden Educators

Bentonville's Hub For Health

The Crystal Bridges Campus Unites Art, Architecture, Nature, Education, and Wellness to Create Transformative Experiences

On the Cover

Departments

The Heartland Whole Health Institute lobby features a pecan-wood ceiling, Venetian plaster walls, and travertine stone floors, with wool felt on the walls flanking the staircase.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Local Limelight HOME + DESIGN

Healthy Lifestyle FOOD + BEVERAGE

Photography: Timothy Hursley, courtesy Heartland Whole Health Institute

Inspired By HEALTH + WELLNESS

Events

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JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1-7: Lighting of the Square, Merry & Bright Market, Brooke Sneed Mural at Motto Hotel.

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C I T Y SC E N E

Wellness Elevated at Premier Dermatology At Premier, wellness isn’t a menu of isolated treatments—it’s a personalized, medically guided journey led by Dr. Missy Clifton and her team of advanced practice specialists. With advanced testing, regenerative therapies, and whole-body support, Premier offers clients the tools they need to thrive at every stage of life. Every patient’s journey starts with a face-to-face consultation to determine issues and set goals. Advanced diagnostics including PNOE VO2 max metabolic testing—a powerful assessment of oxygen usage, calorie burn, and metabolic efficiency—and DEXA Scan, the gold standard for analyzing fat, muscle, and bone composition can be performed to help clients understand their bodies at a deeper level. With this data, customized wellness plans, including nutrition and work out plans can be created specific to each client’s needs. Premier’s wellness center features Emsella, a breakthrough, non-invasive pelvic-floor strengthening treatment that helps improve bladder control for both women and men. For those navigating fatigue, mood changes, or metabolic slowdown seen in perimenopause, menopause and andropause, Hormone Replacement Therapy provides personalized support to restore energy and hormonal balance and sexual wellbeing. Hair and scalp concerns can be addressed with TrichoTest, a genetic-based analysis that guides targeted hair-health solutions. Patients are then given a comprehensive plan of supplements, growth factor therapy, red light therapy, and prescription treatments to reach their hair goals. Hair regrowth is monitored quantitatively with the advanced hair measurement tool called Hair Metrix. Those striving for long-term health and weight management can benefit from Premier’s Medical Weight Loss program, which pairs clinical oversight with modern therapies including peptides like GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists in micro-doses to create safe and sustainable results. Other Peptide Therapies can be added to help with gut health, visceral fat burning, and muscle building. Certain additional peptides can be utilized to support cellular repair, injury recovery, hormone balance, sleep issues, inflammatory disorders like arthritis, and to enhance overall vitality. Adjunctive therapy with red light therapy and Infrared sauna treatments, provides a full body approach to recovery, aesthetic outcome improvement and overall longevity.

479-273-3376 | premierderm.net 901 SE Plaza Ave, Suite 5, Bentonville, AR 72712 shoppremierderm.com | @premierderm

In Bentonville, Premier Dermatology, Aesthetics & Wellness has become the destination for those seeking a deeper, more holistic approach to health. Besides her board certifications in dermatology and laser surgery, Dr. Clifton is board certified in integrative health and antiaging medicine. With this expertise she has created a comprehensive wellness suite designed to help clients restore balance, optimize performance, and feel their best from the inside out. The skin is the body’s largest organ. To have healthy and radiant skin, overall health must be optimized. Our renowned dermatology and aesthetic treatments continue to be a focus for every patient. Advanced skin assessments like Visia and Aura skin analysis allow our experts to create customized skin care regimens. Cutting edge laser treatments, advanced facial therapies, injectable neuromodulators, fillers and growth factor treatments are modalities that our experienced providers use to help each patient reach their aesthetic goals. Now, with treatments for weight loss, hair re-growth, metabolic balancing, bioidentical hormone replacement, sexual health maximization, and longevity, Premier has an option for all things skin and wellness for each patient.

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JANUARY 2026

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2026 1:00-4:00 PM

Crystal Bridges Launches Lecture Series With President Barack Obama

PLAN YOUR DREAM WEDDING WITH US! Meet our expert team Experience local wedding vendors Win exciting prizes Enjoy refreshments Photo-perfect moments everywhere

479.254. 3870 312 N. Main St reet Bentonville, AR 72701 14

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art launched its new lecture series, Building Bridges, on December 1st with a conversation about the American Spirit featuring Crystal Bridges Board Chair, Olivia Walton, and President Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States. The series aims to bring together thought leaders, thinkers, and artists with differing perspectives to model civic dialogue. Visit https://crystalbridges.org/ for updates regarding future Building Bridges events. Photography by Pari Dukovic

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Compton Gardens & Arboretum Hosts Wedding Open House On January 11th, Compton Gardens & Arboretum will open its doors to couples planning their wedding day and considering this iconic space for their event. Stop by to tour the recently renovated property and visualize your 'I dos" in the heart of Bentonville. 312 North Main Street.

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CONTINUED >

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business monthly CONTINUED

Vintage Retailer & Community Space Opens Off Price Coffee Rd Bentonville’s newest vintage retailer and cozy gathering place – Field Supply – is joyfully curated by mother-daughter duo, Lizzie Duncan and Emily Petrick. The dynamic creatives bundled their backgrounds to transform a former mechanic shop into a blissful retail retreat off Price Coffee Rd. Open by appointment, and the first Thursday-Saturday of every month, visitors can expect timeless fashions and homewares with charming baked goods, great coffee, and a homey atmosphere. IG Updates: @ShopFieldSupply Photography by Michelle Bazis

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Resolutions aren’t just for humans Your dog’s bad habits don’t have to make the resolution list again. This year, invest in peace of mind with calm, reliable behavior that lasts a lifetime.

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Looking for your winter escape? Celebrate the season at The Bluewood Retreat! Twinkle lights, fireside s’mores, and a space designed for connection.

www.thebluewoodretreat.com Bella Vista, AR | VB @thebluewoodretreat JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B E N TO N V I L L E A R

A WELLBalanced LIFEST Y LE ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN COUPAUD

Rebecca Harper's Body Balance Studio Trains Wellness Mindset

Exercise is often the most neglected tool in our wellness arsenal. Not only is fitness uncomfortable as we begin and progress, but precious time can be hard to come by between work, extracurricular commitments, and social engagements. The excuses for neglecting our fitness are endless, so we turn to miserable diets to supplement our lack of physical activity. But what if we could find balance in our daily lives between work, family, social commitments, and fitness? What if regular exercise felt as routine as taking a shower, going to a hair appointment, or making dinner? This balanced approach to wellness is a motto Rebecca Harper lives by. The Body Balance founder and fitness instructor grew up in Louisiana, attending Louisiana State University, where she earned a degree in elementary education. Harper’s background in gymnastics and dance, no doubt, fueled the foundation for her love of pilates and barre; however, her journey to opening her homey movement studio at Crystal Flats didn’t begin until well into motherhood. “I knew I wanted to be a mom, and to be able to put all of my time into raising the kids.” A decade into raising three children, Harper had effectively put movement on the back burner; her identity had become so interwoven with her family that she described feeling a little lost. “I had lost myself in motherhood,” she said. “I didn’t have any way to connect back into myself; I was constantly pouring out.”

Looking for a place to reintroduce herself to fitness, she says she ‘stalked’ a studio online for a year before stepping through the doors for a barre class. “I loved it. With my background in dance, it felt like getting back to myself.” Soon after, Harper’s barre instructor invited her to join her in taking Tracey Mallett’s pilates and barre teacher trainings. “I didn’t intend to teach, but when I went, it just felt like, this is where I’m supposed to be.” Harper spent the next decade teaching pilates and barre classes throughout her community, reallizing that, one day, she wanted to open her own studio. At first, she envisioned a classic studio with barre and floor pilates, but when she visited a friend’s Ohio studio to do some recon, she fell in love with the XFormer machine. “It was the first thing I’d ever done where I felt my core immediately; it’s not a buildup, you can’t cheat at it.” After years of teaching, 2020 was around the time Harper felt ready to start planning for her studio, and she had her eye on the Crysal Flats project. Living in the area, she and her neighbors were apprehensive about the mixed use development, but something told her, ‘Maybe God has a plan and this is where my studio is meant to be.’ Harper met her business partner, Elda Scott, on a walk when she had first moved to NWA. “I was 25 and a new mom in a new place; I think she could see I needed a friend.” She and Scott formed a fast friendship and, as neighbors with children around the same age, spent many play dates and special CONTINUED >

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

“One of my primary goals with building this community is to teach people to train their movement for life.”

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“At Body Balance, I want to encourage people to think of working out as practice for real life. occasions together. While Harper began unpacking plans to open her own business, the pandemic was forcing folks out of gyms and studios, so Scott asked Harper to train her at home. Listening to Harper’s dreams to open her own studio, Scott asked if she could be a part of it. “She’s a great partner and sounding board for me. I’ve never owned a business before, so I can always go right to her and she grounds me.” When I asked Harper how she came up with the brand, Body Balance, she said it had a lot to do with her own journey to finding balance in wellness after having kids. Her Instagram @Balancing_Rebecca is a place where Harper likes to share her life as a wife, mom, fitness lover, and business owner, so ‘balance’ was her word. Body Balance may seem like an on-the-nose name for an XFormer pilates and barre studio, but for Harper, she’s creating a space to shift her clients’ mindset about wellness. “You name it, I’ve said it – any excuse you can think of to no work out,” she said. “I think the thing that keeps us from committing is the mindset – it’s not sustainable. We want to work out to look good, or because it’s bikini season; that mindset needs to shift to wellness. How does it make you feel? Not just during the workout, but after. Does it make you feel good? Do I feel good when I don’t do it?” One of the reasons Harper focused so much on atmosphere when designing her studio was because she wanted Body Balance to feel like home. “My goal was to create a space where people feel comfortable and supported in their movement journey, because that’s what creates consistency. When you feel confident, continuously challenged, and supported, showing up becomes easier and progress becomes sustainable.”

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

A strong body today means more freedom and independence later.”

The Body Balance founder uses her own experience with starting over as motivation to keep moving and encouraging others to do the same. “Some people go on vacation and feel like they have to start over, but it comes back quicker as long as you keep going. You just have to keep moving. That’s why it’s called a movement studio and not a fitness studio.” Body Balance offers a supportive, welcoming environment where cross-training builds strength, confidence, and sustainable progress. Instead of just XFormer or just traditional Pilates and Barre, members have access to both in one studio. Body Balance also offers Bounce (rebound) and weight training classes, as well as restore and recovery classes. Learn more at www.BodyBalanceNWA. com and on Instagram @BodyBalance_NWA.

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The Brain-Body Connect ion Exploring The Relationship Between Mental And Physical Health From The Perspective Of Three Thaden Educators

Three different Thaden faculty members were asked the same question regarding mental and physical health. The first is Coach Scott Passmore, who serves as the Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Wellness. The second, Dr. Alana Janoff, who is a member of the English faculty. Lastly, Dr. Suzanne Schmidt, Thaden School’s high school counselor.

ARTICLE BY ANDI DARLING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TEAGAN KENNY

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T

| HOME + D E SIGN

Mindfulness As Medicine How do we define and improve mental health? As developing minds are drowned with digital media, we’re becoming increasingly aware of its influence on mental health and how we define a healthy mind. When I decided to write an article on wellness, I immediately thought of mental health. Physical health is absolutely important; however, I would argue that physical health is more manageable. If your physical health is failing, the solutions are easier to find, while mental health has many solutions. Whether it’s seasonal, circumstantial, or hereditary, there are many ways you can address

mental stressors. For the body, we typically have a clear checklist. But our individually dynamic minds can’t be forced into sharp-edged boxes. So how do we make measurable changes? How do we educate in a way that everyone can benefit from the information? As I explored how my school views mental health, I learned that viewing the brain and body as one unit is helpful. When I asked three highly educated faculty members at Thaden School about what the connection between brain and body looks like to them, they offered intriguing insights. CONTINUED >

“Just as illness and wellness are two sides of the same coin, I would assert that physical and mental health are as well.” JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B E N TO N V I L L E A R

Coach Scott Passmore

Dr. Alana Janoff

Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Wellness

English Faculty

“Over the past several years, numerous studies have examined the relationship between mental health and physical fitness. The majority of these studies have highlighted the positive benefits of physical activity on a person’s mental well-being. Self-esteem, resilience, health benefits, and confidence are enhanced through physical activity. These factors can have a direct impact on the emotional health of a person, improving one’s energy, reducing stress and anxiety, and fostering a sense of accomplishment. A great example can be seen when a beginning-level runner is preparing for a long race. This individual may start training at a very low level of fitness and struggle to run at a slow pace for a short distance. However, progressive and consistent training allows the runner to improve their fitness over time and eventually run a 5K with ease. The runner will experience a sense of accomplishment and pride, resulting in improved mental health.”

“I believe that the relationship between physical conditioning and mental well-being is not just a matter of short-term mood improvement; it is a lesson in resilience and mental toughness. I believe that if our bodies are accustomed to (intentional) physiological challenges through regular physical conditioning, we will also be better equipped to address the mental and emotional challenges that life – in all of its unpredictability – inevitably presents to us. Though stress might be invisible or difficult to pinpoint, the toll that stress and elevated cortisol levels take on our bodies is real. Though none of us can predict the future, the simple knowledge that I can perform extremely challenging physical feats and push myself beyond limits is, for me, a powerful reassurance that when challenges arise or seemingly insurmountable problems present themselves, I will be able to meet them and transcend them.”

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T

| HOME + D E SIGN

Dr. Suzanne Schmidt School Counselor “If you have historically thought of your physical and mental health as two distinct processes, I would invite you to think differently. In the early 1990s, Jon Kabat-Zinn introduced a progressive concept in his book, ‘Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness.’ Zabat-Kinn presents research that highlights the benefits of using mindfulness as medicine to enhance healing and well-being. His groundbreaking work is recognized as foundational for understanding integrated wellness. When we consider the deeply woven concepts of physical and mental health, it’s important to take a comprehensive perspective. We think of movement, social connectedness, food, quality of relationships, and sleep habits as foundational components for physical and mental health. Contemporary medicine uses a bio-psychosocial model because your doctor understands that effective treatment requires addressing psychological stress, social environments, and biological states simultaneously. Simply put, we can’t attend to one without the other. Today, we continue to see a strong bidirectional influence between our mind and body. For example, we now know that chronic stress, depression, and anxiety influence immune function, inflammation, and hormone balance, thereby contributing to conditions such as high blood pressure, GI issues, and heart disease. Additionally, we know that chronic or acute physical illnesses, such as autoimmune disorders, can worsen and negatively influence mental wellness. Just as illness and wellness are two sides of the same coin, I would assert that physical and mental health are as well.”

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the BENEFITS OF PLANT-BASED EATING ARTICLE BY CLAUDIA MARTIN AYOADE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Most people think a plant-based diet is strictly for those vegan and vegetarian types, but there is no debating the overwhelming evidence showing the benefits of improved health for those who make that diet choice. Plant-based eating is more of a lifestyle than a diet. You are simply eating more foods that are closer to their harvested state with minimal processing.

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Meatless diets have been shown to improve health outcomes by lowering the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and some cancers. It also improves gut health because of added fiber to your diet. A plant-based diet still allows to you consume the carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals and vitamins that are necessary for good health, with the added benefits of being higher in fiber and phytonutrients. You do not have to give up meat entirely and there are labels to identify where you fall in your plant eating journey. Do what is comfortable for you so you will stick with it. You can choose to be a flexitarian which mean you occasionally eat meat but you choose plants as the primary foods you eat. You have some flexibility with your diet. If you choose to be a vegetarian, then you do not eat meats but you still eat eggs and dairy products as opposed to being a vegan who eats no animal products. There is also another reason to add more fruits and vegetables to your daily food intake; It is better for the environment. The industries that produce our dairy and meats is said to account for a third of the world’s water usage in addition to producing greenhouse gas emissions. Eat your greens and save the planet!

TIPS TO GET STARTED ON YOUR PLANT-BASED JOURNEY: 1. Make small changes to test your comfort level when reducing meat intake. There is a risk of being overwhelmed if you suddenly stop eating meat altogether, and it will be harder stick to your choice long term. Increase consumption of plant foods you already like. 2. A plant-based diet does not mean boring! You can create a variety of dishes, including ethnic meals that are meat free and delicious. This is a great time to try new spices to add a punch to your vegetables and add green leafy vegetables to your smoothies. 3. Use the whole plant because there are nutrients in every part of the plant, including the stems and leaves. Use the leaves from celery, radishes, beets and carrots and use the stems from spinach. Don’t throw away vital nutrients like potassium, vitamin C and fiber. You are also reducing waste. 4. Eat the rainbow! Choose different colored fruits and vegetables to get a variety of nutrients. The color of plant-based foods is often an indicator of the vitamins and minerals they contain. So, more colors mean more nutrients. Example: Orange foods contain beta carotene, the precursor for vitamin A. 5. If you do not eat animal products, you will need to take a B12 and possibly an iron supplement. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin available only in animal products. Low B12 can cause anemia and damage to the nervous system. Some vegan foods are fortified with vitamin B12. 6. A meat-free diet does not automatically mean healthy if you replace the meat with highly processed junk food and meat substitutes. You need to eat fresh quality fruits, vegetables and grains to get the health benefits that can add years to your life.

Claudia Martin-Ayoade, is a registered dietitian, writer and public speaker who is passionate about educating people on nutrition and addressing food insecurity. AgeSmartNutrition.com

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AWSOM main entry

BENTONVILLE'S HUB OF HE ALTH ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIMOTHY HURSLEY AND KRESCENT STUDIOS

T H E C R Y S TA L B R I D G E S C A M P U S U N I T E S A R T, A R C H I T E C T U R E , N AT U R E , E D U C AT I O N , A N D W E L L N E S S T O C R E AT E T R A N S F O R M AT I V E E X P E R I E N C E S T H AT E N H A N C E H E A LT H A N D W E L L-B E I N G

Located in the heart of Bentonville, our Crystal Bridges Campus features three landmark institutions nestled within 134 acres of Ozark forest: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Heartland Whole Health Institute, and Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. Both Heartland Whole Health Institute [HWHI] and the highly anticipated Alice L. Walton School of Medicine [AWSOM] opened in 2025, joining the Museum and adding to the sturdy pillars on which Bentonville’s whole health hub stands. Each founded by philanthropist, Alice L. Walton, this CONTINUED >

I NSP IR E D BY | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B E N TO N V I L L E A R

The Institute's Dogtrot entrance at night

triad of industry-shaking spaces embodies her desire to redefine how we view wellbeing, urging the healthcare community to adopt a much wider lens.

HEARTLAND WHOLE HEALTH INSTITUTE

Established in 2019, HWHI works with the healthcare industry to develop a whole-health approach to care with disease prevention and sustained wellness at the forefront of its cause. In addition to Ms. Walton’s own health care experiences, the Institute’s mission is driven by research revealing that the United States has one of the highest levels of health care spending worldwide, yet relatively low

I NSP IR E D BY | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

rankings in overall health. Aside from improving quality of care, HWHI aims to transform care by reducing costs and expanding access; first in the heartland, with plans to expand nationwide. Completed in May 2025, the 85,000-square-foot building, designed by Marlon Blackwell Architects, features public areas on the first floor, including art galleries, event spaces, and a café, while upper floors are dedicated to offices for the Institute and other non-profits founded by Walton, including Art Bridges Foundation and Alice L. Walton Foundation. Inside, materials including pecan and walnut wood, travertine stone, venetian plaster, and wool are used to elicit memories of time spent in

Meditation room at HWHI

T R “AW AD SO IT IO

ORM THE FUTURE OF MEDICAL EDUCATION, TR ANSCENDING RANSF TO T E E N A R T, A R C H I T E C T U R E , N A T U R E , A N D W E L L N E S S .” ED BETW GN RIES - WESLE Y WALLS DA UN

nature. The exterior features giraffe-stone walls and pre-weathered brass fins that blend with the surrounding Ozark woodlands. “With the Institute opening on the campus of a world-class museum of art, we have the opportunity to help visitors experience art and wellness offerings, and how they can aid whole health – our physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being,” said HWHI President, Claude Pirtle.

ALICE L. WALTON SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Taking action at the core of care, Walton founded AWSOM in 2021 to establish a first-of-its-kind medical degree program that

enhances a traditional medical education with arts, humanities, and whole health principles. Where traditional Western medicine focuses primarily on treating acute and chronic illness, AWSOM graduates will be equipped to also offer preventative treatments, applying the evidence-based ARCHES curriculum to prevent, promote, and restore patient health. [ARCHES: Art of Healing, Research, Clinical, Health Systems Science, Embracing Whole Health, and Science of Medicine.] The architecturally acclaimed 154,000-square-foot building was designed by Arkansas-based firm, Polk Stanley Wilcox, with landscape and rooftop park design by NYC-based design CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B E N TO N V I L L E A R

and planning studio, OSD: Office of Strategy + Design. AWSOM’s glass facade reflects its rich landscape, which features more than 550 new trees and 140,000 native plants, trails, gardens, meditation terraces, outdoor classrooms, and a woodland amphitheater with a 215-foot water feature. Visitors have access to the school’s interactive grounds in addition to its firstfloor gallery and café space on the second level. Meanwhile, AWSOM students enjoy state-of-the-art teaching and recreational spaces, including a Clinical Skills Center, Simulation Center, and a Makerspace for projects like 3D-printed anatomical models, and wellness studio. “Well-designed spaces play a role in our well-being, and as we train future physicians to successfully tackle the health care challenges of the 21st century, it’s essential that we support their physical, mental, emotional, and social health,” said Walton.

PHILANTHROPIST AND FOUNDER, ALICE L. WALTON Alice Walton is deeply committed to the advancement of art and wellness. She founded the Alice L. Walton Foundation to increase access to arts, improve education, enhance health and well-being, and advance economic opportunity. Her transformative experiences in the arts led to an interest in wellness and how art, nature, and the spaces around us shape and improve our lives. The addition of the Institute and School to the Crystal Bridges Campus fulfills Walton's vision of integrating art and wellness.

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CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

The oldest child, so to speak, is nearing the end of its recent growth spurt. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will open a 114,000-square-foot expansion, designed by Safdie Architects, in conjunction with the Nation’s 250th birthday, June 6th and 7th, 2026. The addition increases the museum’s facilities by more than 50 percent, adding galleries, studios, dining options, and more. Offering free access to the general public, the Crystal Bridges Campus unites art, architecture, nature, education, and wellness to create transformative experiences that foster learning and enhance health and well-being. Each of these industry-shaking spaces stands out in its own right while collectively boosting Bentonville’s culture, economy, and presence as both a cornerstone of progress and the standard for enriching communities. Photography courtesy of Alice Walton School of Medicine and Heartland Whole Health Institute.

Aerial rendering of Crystal Bridges Museum. Courtesy of Safdie Architects. JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B E N TO N V I L L E A R

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JANUARY 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S JA NUA RY 1 ST - 3 RD

Field Supply January Shopping Weekend 12770 Gooseberry Rd, Bentonville | 11:00 AM This expertly curated vintage retail retreat is only available during the first Thurs-Sat of the month, or by appointment. Visitors can expect timeless fashions and homewares with charming baked goods, great coffee, and a homey atmosphere. Follow along on Instagram for new product announcements and shopping schedule updates: @ShopFieldSupply JA NUA RY 4 T H

NWA Wedding Show Four Points by Sheraton Bentonville | 12:00 PM NW Arkansas' premier wedding show, prepping brides and grooms for their nuptials with access to an array of inspiration and vendors, including event planners, photographers, caterers, cake specialists, venues, and honeymoon giveaways. Advanced tickets are $8 online, or $10 cash only at the door the day of the show. JA NUA RY 6T H - 2 7 T H

Pedal Kids Winter Classes 3605 NW Wishing Spring Road, Bentonville Pedal Kids winter programs and camps are live! Sign up for youth skills classes to prepare your kids for spring break and summer fun. They'll learn everything from the basics of how to balance and pedal to how to ride local bike trails with confidence. Participating kids are placed in groups based on ability. To sign up, visit PedalKids.com/programs or email programs@buddypegs.com. JA NUA RY 7 T H

Open Mic Night Bentonville Taproom | 7:00 PM Itching for a bit of live music to liven up your January schedule? Visit Bentonville Taproom, Wednesdays at 7 pm to perform or watch an open mic night. Who knows? You might catch the next big talent to come out of NWA! JA NUA RY 1 7 T H

The Local NWA January Supper Club Red Barn | 6:00 PM The Local NWA is celebrating Korean cuisine for its January supper club at Bentonville's Red Barn on A St. Hosts, Hannah Morehart and Chef Meleah Minard, will introduce guests to a Southern twist on Seoul food during this completely dairy-free dining experience. Tickets tend to sell out quickly. Follow @TheLocal_NWA on Instagram for ticket information and event updates. JA NUA RY 1 7 T H

Botanical Bundle Dying Workshop Hillfolk at 8th Street Marketplace | 12:00 PM Dip your toes into a new creative hobby at Hillfolk this winter. During this botanical bundle dying workshop, attendees will learn natural dyeing with fresh and dried flowers to create two silk bandanas/scarves. Workshop tickets are $65 and cover all supplies. Learn more at www.hillfolk.com.

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