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TINY: Charismatic Minifauna from the Permanent Collection

October 20, 2017 - April 15, 2018

Throughout the history of human and animal relations, charismatic megafauna and other large species have received considerable attention. As profoundly significant to the human psyche as large animals are, they are not the only creatures to appear in works of art. Small animals, such as rodents, amphibians, and insects, are also important to our visual culture. Whether they are rendered as accurate, scientific specimens or as anthropomorphized caricatures, small animals are as informative about our own culture as they are about the natural world around us. Two noted artists planned for inclusion are William Kuhnert, who drew finches, parrots, and small falcons, and Pablo Picasso, who created imaginative prints of insects, lizards, and spiders.

“TINY: Charismatic Minifauna from the Permanent Collection” is generously sponsored by:

Nancy & Dick Collister

Stephanie Brennan
Michael Coleman Skunk
Michael Coleman (American, b. 1946), "Skunk," n.d. Oil on board. 11 x 14 inches. JKM Collection®, National Museum of Wildlife Art. © Michael Coleman.
Two Bank Mice John James Audubon
John James Audubon (American, b. Haiti, 1785 – 1851), "Two Bank Mice," 1846. Watercolor and Pencil on paper. 12 3/4 x 18 5/8 inches. JKM Collection®, National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Dwayne Harty Pika
Dwayne Harty (Canadian, born 1957), "Pika," 2011. Oil on Canvas. 18 × 24 inches. Gift of the Artist and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Hays Pond Snipes and Frog
William Jacob Hays Sr. (American, 1830 – 1875), "The Pond: Snipes and Frog," 1862. Oil on canvas. 8 x 12 inches. Gift of the 1999 Collectors Circle, National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Other Exhibits
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A Conceptual Thread

Through November 2, 2025

Various types of textile art—quilting, weaving, tapestry, and knitting—will be featured in this exhibit, each showcasing its unique ability to tell stories about wildlife and nature. The exhibition will also include a large communal loom in the Wapiti Gallery; Museum visitors will have the opportunity to contribute to the exhibition by weaving on this loom during their visit.

See the Exhibit
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Staff Picks

Through May 10, 2026

Curating this exhibit has been an exercise in collaboration, which is one of our core values at the Museum. We began by asking each staff member to make a short list of some of their favorite works in the collection. Then, the curatorial team took them to see a few of those pieces. We asked the staff to look for artworks that were not already on display and would not be part of any upcoming exhibitions. A person’s taste in art is so uniquely personal and individual to who they are. This exhibition is not only an opportunity for you to get to know our staff, but it is also a chance to discover new pieces in the permanent collection—or perhaps to see old favorites in a new light.

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What People Are Saying
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"Phenomenal gallery! Exquisitely curated! Must-see highlight of our trip. P.S. Lunch was also delicious!"
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"Amazing collection of art. This is truly a special place!"
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"Love the variety of art, the historic documentation, and how attitudes changed and developed about wilderness and wildlife. Plus, wonderful interactive areas!"
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