Re-Imagining Conservation

June 29, 2023 - November 12, 2023

Exhibition open June 29 – November 12, 2023

The National Museum of Wildlife Art is delighted to partner with Creature Conserve to present Re-Imagining Conservation: From Many Viewpoints. This exhibition, which includes works from 31 artists from nine different countries, takes a broad look at the future of conservation. The artworks included here imagine a future where conservation action is multidisciplinary, inclusive, and connected. It asks viewers to consider: What if we imagine conservation from all perspectives? What new futures might we find when we change our point of view?

This is the second exhibition in this series and asks artists: What if conservation took on new forms? Artists are invited to dream big about the future of conservation for this exhibition and consider bold approaches to cross-disciplinary work. It encourages visitors to consider new ways to find a healthy balance in our human-animal relationships, including how we live together in shared environments. For example, what if we fully embedded wildlife rehabilitation within urban landscapes? What if political borders respected natural migratory pathways for all animals, human and non-human? What if we gave more to the land than we took from it?

Curated by Heather McMordie (Arts Curator, Creature Conserve) and Julia Spencer (Associate Curator of Education and Outreach, NMWA)

Justin Gibbens, *Flare*, 2020. Watercolor and ink on paper. 22 x 15 inches.

Anna Fine Foer, *No Longer Extinct*, 2022. Collage, watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and marker. 22 x 18 inches.

Cindy Rinne, *Follow Your Path*, 2021.Fiber art. 16 x 13 inches.

DG House, *Together We Dance*, 2023. Acrylic on cradled birch panel. 20 x 20 inches.

Rhonda Schmeltzer, *Fire Flower*, 2021. Fiber art. 30 ½ x 27 ½ inches.

Jessie Knirsch, *Less Fencing, More Migrating*, 2023. Oil, acrylic, marker, pen, and pencil on canvas paper. 16 x 20 inches.

Other Exhibits

Bison-tennial: From Colonization to Rematriation

Through August 23, 2026

Bison-tennial explores the profound influence of bison on the history, cultures, and landscapes of the North American West, especially within the United States. The exhibition traces their story from pre-colonial times through westward expansion, the near-destruction of the herds, and today’s growing restoration and rematriation efforts.

See the Exhibit

From Sea to Shining Sea: Wildlife Above & Below the Waves

Through August 23, 2026

Displayed in the King Gallery, From Sea to Shining Sea: Wildlife Above & Below the Waves celebrates the rich diversity of aquatic life across the continent—from freshwater rivers and wetlands to coastal shores and open seas.

See the Exhibit

What People Are Saying

"I have been to Europe multiple times—studied art in so many places—never saw anything so fantastic as this! Stunning and jaw-dropping, thank you!"

— Maggie A.

"Thank you for this glorious dedication to our "wild" life and human connection. Moving, emotional, and informative, with beauty within it all. "

— Lynne R.

"Architecturally stunning, thoughtful, interesting, educational, superb art and exhibits. A memorable experience. Thank you!"

— Susan B.

"I've never seen anything like this and I'm grateful to have stopped by. The extinct bird display nearly made me cry with the bird calls. Beautiful!!! "

— Marley S.

"This museum was so intimate and inspiring. As a former art teacher, the children's center made me want to have a classroom again!"

— Ellan M.

"Thank you for making this stop fun for my five kids. It kept them engaged, which allowed me to enjoy looking too!"

— Katie V.

"Super cool experience, I enjoyed the paintings and the thick paint textures! It made me feel like I was immersed in the natural environment!"

— Carmel G.

"BEST Museum I've ever been to! The hands on and special spaces for children were amazing and drew young people of all ages! Great job!"

— Judy G.