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NMWA Exhibits
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The Art of Robert Bateman
July 4 through October 5, 2008
On Exhibit Now
A painter, naturalist, and conservationist, Robert Bateman is one of the world's most celebrated contemporary wildlife artists. He was drawn to the wilderness as a child and further explored his love of nature and his study of natural ecosystems while working at a wildlife research camp in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. With a degree in geography from the University of Toronto, he taught high school for 20 years, painting wildlife and nature in his free time.
While Bateman began his career as an abstract artist, in the mid-1960s, he turned towards realism to capture wildlife in its various habitats after being inspired by the work of Andrew Wyeth. His work fuses a realistic style with dynamic compositions, and captures both the particularities of the natural world and his conservationist spirit. Bateman has become a spokesman for many environmental issues and uses his artwork and limited edition prints in conservation fundraising efforts. He features animals that face ominous challenges as humankind continues to abuse the natural world.
David J. Wagner, Ph.D., Curator/Tour Director organizes this retrospective. Bateman works from the NMWA’s Permanent Collection will supplement it.
Generously sponsored by Platinum Sponsors: Friess Associates, L.L.C., Carolyn & Chuck Miller; Gold Sponsors: Peggy & Lowry Mays, Bob Graham and Karen Terra/Graham4, Lindy and J. Hanley Sayers, Charlotte & Hank Stifel, Leigh & Bert Tuckey; Silver Sponsors: Sue & Jud Ball, Consulate General of Canada in Denver, Elizabeth & Horace Gray, Mill Pond Press, Spring Creek Ranch, Marna & Robert MacLean
Robert Bateman (Canada, b. 1930), Sheer Drop, 1980. Oil on Masonite. 48 x 36 inches. JKM Collection, National Museum of Wildlife Art. © Robert Bateman.
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Ritual Abstractions: Aboriginal Art of Australia & New Guinea
June 21 through November 2, 2008
On Exhibit Now
For centuries, men in the Australian Outback have created patterns in the sand during ceremonies. In the 1970s, paint and canvas were introduced and a burgeoning art movement began. Somtimes called "dot-painting," these works show the intimate connection between the people and the land, often incorporating the shapes of animals into largely geometric, abstract patterns. On the island of New Guinea, native artists also use animal shapes in their elaborate ceremonial masks. Both cultures' use of animal imagery as central elements of their spiritual lives speaks to the world-wide importance of a core museum interest, investigating humanity's relationship with nature.
Ritual Abstractions will feature approximately 15 large-scale paintings plus a variety of artifacts from both Australia and New Guinea. The exhibit will also feature interpretive text and will be up though October so local and regional school groups will have a chance to see it.
Generously sponsored by Platinum Sponsors: Adrienne & John Mars; Gold Sponsors: Sarah & Bill D'Alonzo; Silver Sponsors: Ann & Kent Nelson, Howell A. & Ann M. Breedlove Charitable Foundation, The Whetzel Family, and the William Talbott Hillman Foundation.
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Picasso's Park: Modernism Meets Natural History
June 7 through October 19, 2008
On Exhibit Now
Pablo Picasso is world-renowned for challenging the art establishment and leading the modern art movement. Picasso influenced the visual arts in a way no one else has, from museums, to galleries, to how art was taught in school. His experimentation with form, line, color, and structure opened the doors to a flood of art movements including abstraction and expressionism. It is of particular interest to the National Museum of Wildlife Art that Picasso tackled the animal as subject. He did this with gusto in a series of 31 etchings for a 1942 edition of Buffon's Natural History (originally published in between 1749 and 1778). Not one to adhere to convention, Picasso illustrated lobsters, spiders, and frogs in addition to the more classic deer, lions, and hawks.
This exhibit will feature all 31 etchings Picasso created for this project, interpretive text, a resource table and a variety of educational programming.
Generously sponsored by Gold Sponsors: Charlotte & Hank Stifel, Western Interiors and Design magazine; Silver Sponsors: Denise & Tor Bixler, Eliza & Tom Chrystie, Mary Anne & Dick Cree, Gina & Dick Heise, Sally & Rick Mogan, Julie & Will Obering, Jade & David Walsh, and Pat & Bill Wilson.
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Wyoming Winners: Federal Junior Duck Stamp
May 3 through August 24, 2008
On Exhibit Now
The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is an integrated art and science curriculum developed to teach environmental science and habitat conservation. In 2008 the NMWA, the State Receiving Site for the Wyoming Competition, received 550 paintings and drawings from Wyoming students grades K through 12. Click HERE for more information and to view the winners of Wyoming's 2008 competition.
Generously sponsored by: Clarke Nelson, Cynthia & Dick Quast, Joanne & David Stokes, and Spring Creek Ranch.
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