THE WALALA LOUNGE IN BENTONVILLE

Public Art
Client:  Oz Art NWA
Location: Bentonville, AR, USA
Artist: Camille Walala

Scope: Art consulting, Artist Representation, Curation, and Production

The Walala Lounge is a permanent public art installation by internationally acclaimed artist Camille Walala, located in Downtown Bentonville. The project consists of ten sculptural benches and ten planters distributed throughout the Market District, transforming everyday urban furniture into a vibrant, street-scale artistic presence.

Crafted entirely in steel for durability and outdoor performance, each sculptural element weighs approximately 2,500 pounds and features a distinct geometric composition of cuboids, cylinders, and arches. While each piece has its own identity, all are connected through Walala’s signature palette, expressive graphics, and bold use of color, resulting in a fully three-dimensional visual language that remains functional and inviting.

Curated and produced by Justkids for OZ Art NWA, the installation reimagines the role of public seating as an artistic and social element embedded within the city. The project expands the definition of public art beyond murals, integrating sculptural design directly into the daily life and circulation of the neighborhood.

Installed throughout the streets of the Market District, around the walkable block between SE 3rd, SE 4th, SE C, and SE D, the project introduces a playful rhythm into the urban fabric. Distributed along the inclusive residential community of Town Branch, the benches and planters encourage people to sit, gather, and experience the city from multiple points and perspectives.

“I wanted to take unusual shapes and turn them into meeting points. I love public art and creating free, joyful spaces where people can share everyday moments together. I can’t wait to see how people use these pieces.— Camille Walala

By merging utility with artistic expression, The Walala Lounge challenges conventional expectations of urban furniture and reinforces the idea that public space can be joyful, inclusive, and visually expressive. The project continues Justkids’ ongoing collaboration with OZ Art NWA in Bentonville, following previous installations by artists including Spidertag, Nina Chanel Abney, Robert Montgomery, and Anne Vieux.

Photos: Courtesy of Justkids

Press links about the project:

DESIGNBOOM https://www.designboom.com/design/camille-walala-walala-lounge-london-design-festival-09-21-2019/