The Momentary Explores Consumer Culture with New Exhibitions Opening in July

Two exhibitions turn the familiar into the extraordinary, exploring how everyday goods shape our lives 

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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — On July 18, 2026, the Momentary will debut two new exhibitions that explore consumer culture through the lens of supermarkets and everyday goods. The shows will include Lucy Sparrow: The Beginning of Convenience, a vibrant and nostalgic felt supermarket installation, and Chuck Ramirez: Ordinary Wonders, a photography exhibition exploring the objects people buy, use and leave behind.  

Her first museum exhibition in the United States, Lucy Sparrow: The Beginning of Convenience will take visitors back in time through an immersive “time capsule” installation of a 1980s-90s supermarket, with over 20,000 hand-crafted felt items, ranging from food and beverage products to beauty items and household goods.  In addition, a replica of Sparrow’s studio, known as the Felt Cave, and a self-produced documentary provide a look behind the scenes at her artistic journey and unique creative process. Sparrow’s labor-intensive handiwork of “convenient” supermarket wares invites us to see the familiar with new eyes.   

“It is an honour to present The Beginning of Convenience at the Momentary as my debut museum exhibition in the United States. This exhibit is particularly meaningful, coming as I celebrate a decade of showing my work in America,” said British-born Sparrow. “I am especially pleased that the exhibition will be free to visit and open for a year, allowing a broad audience to visit and engage with my largest immersive installation to date.” 

Chuck Ramirez was a San Antonio-based artist with a deep appreciation for material culture. For many years, his day job was as a graphic designer and art director for the Texas grocery chain H-E-B. In his commercial work, he helped sell products that lined store shelves and filled home pantries. In his personal practice, he viewed the things of our daily lives as reflections of humanity, community, memory, and loss. In Ramirez’s hands, the stuff people buy, consume, discard, or treasure are more than just objects; they are evidence of the vibrance of life. 

“Both of these exhibitions inspire reverence for the everyday,” said Alejo Benedetti, curator of contemporary art. “In the case of Chuck Ramirez, his love for ‘stuff’ leads the day. In his photographs, common objects become mirrors into who we are, what we value, and how we find poetry in the otherwise mundane things that populate our lives.” 

To celebrate the opening of the exhibitions, the Momentary will host a free House Party on Saturday, July 18. The House Party will feature retro-inspired activities, including opportunities for visitors to make their own felt “shopping buddy,” customize a shopping bag, ‘80s and ‘90s inspired trivia, roller skating with AR Roller Skate Crew, live music with DJ Girlfriend, and more. 

Artist Lucy Sparrow will be in attendance for an exhibition tour and a live cashier performance, and visitors will even have the chance to purchase a limited quantity of her felt creations. To cap off the evening, the Momentary will host a concert featuring Arnie Brenn.  

Lucy Sparrow: The Beginning of Convenience is on view from July 18, 2026, through July 11, 2027. Chuck Ramirez: Ordinary Wonders is on view from July 18, 2026, through January 10, 2027. Both shows are free and open to the public.  

The Momentary’s 2026 exhibitions are supported in part by Proctor and Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company, Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation in honor of Willard Walker, Lamar and Shari Steiger Family in honor of Jack Shewmaker, Tyson Family Foundation in honor of Don Tyson, AMP Sign & Banner, Chris and Meagan Nicholas, Jennie and David Hartman, Doug and Shelley McMillon, Donna and Wayne Morris, CCF Brands, Circana, Sandy Edwards, Dayna and Phil Martz, Chris and Meagan Nicholas, Kelly and John David Rainey, Kieran and Emma Shanahan, and the Ruiz Healy Gallery . 

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About the Momentary 

Opened in February 2020 in Downtown Bentonville, the Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time; and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension of Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is ‘a living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary was founded by the Walton family, based on the vision of Tom, Olivia, and Steuart Walton. Its commitment to cultivating arts and cultural experiences provides more opportunities for education, engagement, and enjoyment in our region. The Momentary welcomes all with free general admission. Offerings include live music by national and regional artists, visual and performing arts, an artist-in-residence program, culinary experiences, such as national and local chef dinners, Onyx Coffee Lab, and the sky-high Tower Bar, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, an outdoor festival space, and a retail shop. For more information, visit theMomentary.org. The Momentary is located at 507 SE E Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712. The Momentary’s Founding Funders are Walton Family Foundation, Walmart, RØDE Microphones, The Coca-Cola Company, Tyson Family Foundation, and Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation.