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Tucker Smith: A Celebration of Nature

June 15, 2020 - August 23, 2020
1994052 Smith The Refuge_Crop2

The National Museum of Wildlife Art is proud to announce a retrospective of the work of Tucker Smith. Featuring more than 75 original oils, this exhibition will be a true survey of Smith’s life’s work, with pieces ranging from his early years as a professional artist to his most recent paintings. This exhibit will present the breadth of subject matter he has tackled, including western wildlife, camp and cowboy scenes, as well as stunning landscapes. One of the Museum’s signature images, The Refuge, will be a highlight of this touring exhibition which also features a full-color catalog. The exhibit is scheduled to travel to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the National Sporting Library and Museum, and The Booth Western Art Museum after making its debut at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

Organized by the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States.

Guest Curated by B. Byron Price, Director of Charles M. Russell Center for the Study of Art of the American West, University of Oklahoma.

Exhibition Touring Schedule

October 2, 2020 – January 3, 2021
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Oklahoma City, OK

April 8, 2021 – August 22, 2021
National Sporting Library and Museum
Middleburg, VA

September 11, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Booth Western Art Museum
Cartersville, GA

 

1994052 Smith The Refuge_Crop2
Tucker Smith (American, b. 1940), "The Refuge," 1994. Oil on Canvas. 36 x 120 inches. JKM Collection®, National Museum of Wildlife Art. © Tucker Smith.
2005 TheSeason_web
Tucker Smith (American, born 1940). "The Season", 2005. On Loan from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Roe Hatlen.
Lupine and Sage
Tucker Smith (American, born 1940) "Rabbit Brush, Lupine, and Sage," 2002. On loan from the collection of Dr. and Mrs. Robert McCloy
Other Exhibits
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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.

See the Exhibit
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Two of a Kind?

Through April 26, 2026

This exhibition is an exercise in comparison. It invites visitors to consider pairs of artworks, drawn primarily from the Museum’s permanent collection, and contemplate the question posed by its title: are these artworks truly Two of a Kind?

See the Exhibit
What People Are Saying
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"The most fabulous gallery that we have ever seen and enjoyed. Highlighting the plight of our animal kingdom is so important! "
— Nancy H.
"One of the most amazing museums I have ever visited. Everything—not just art, is amazing. "
— Elizabeth C.
"Phenomenal gallery! Exquisitely curated! Must-see highlight of our trip. P.S. Lunch was also delicious!"
— Jen R.
"Amazing collection of art. This is truly a special place!"
— David L.
"Absolutely incredible! We will be back!"
— Sebastian D.
"Love the variety of art, the historic documentation, and how attitudes changed and developed about wilderness and wildlife. Plus, wonderful interactive areas!"
— Bill S.
"Lunch was fab - the trout po' boy and lettuce wraps, wow!"
— Pamela Ann S.
"This is one of my happy places. I stop here every time I'm in Jackson."
— Monica M.