30th Anniversary Schedule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WILDLIFE ART 30TH ANNIVERSARY SCHEDULE

“Exploring Wildlife Art”                                     Opens with 30th Anniversary Party, Tuesday, May 16, 2017
“Exploring Wildlife Art – National Museum of Wildlife Art Gallery Reinstallation” will feature a new gallery layout with engaging new stories exploring humanity’s relationship with wildlife and nature. The installations will present old favorites, like Robert Bateman’s Chief, alongside never-before-seen acquisitions. Emphasis will be placed on the art and history of this region, including the groundbreaking work of figures like Thomas Moran, whose magnificent paintings of Yellowstone helped convince congress to create the world’s first national park. Looking further at the history of North American art, Native American birdstones dating from 2500 b.c. will complement Euro-American painting and sculpture from the 1800s and 1900s displaying the beauty and bounty of a continent filled with amazing populations of wildlife.
Other galleries will look at how European global exploration and the work of Charles Darwin influenced the way we see wildlife today; the development of Carl Rungius into the world’s premiere painter of North American wildlife; and how modern artists like Georgia O’Keeffe incorporated wildlife into their exploration of the boundaries of art. Rotating exhibits of living artists, ranging from traditional to contemporary in style, will round out this reinstallation that is sure to delight as it engages us in new ways of exploring wildlife art.

“Andy Warhol: Endangered Species”                                         Wednesday, May 17 – Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017
Opens with 30th Anniversary Party, Tuesday, May 16
Mix’d Media                                                                                                                                                                      Thursday, July 13, 6–9 p.m.        The “Endangered Species” portfolio was commissioned by the art dealers Ronald and Frayda Feldman. The idea for the portfolio was born after conversations they had with Warhol about ecological issues, including beach erosion.
Warhol owned beachfront property on Long Island, and undeveloped acreage in Colorado. Today, the loss of habitat and biodiversity are urgent topics as the impact of development reaches critical thresholds. Warhol’s 15-acre beach is now The Andy Warhol Preserve, a gift to The Nature Conservancy from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
While Warhol is best known for his Pop art and films, his interest in nature was life-long. As a child he drew animals in science class at Holmes School, kept a flower garden in the family’s yard, and drew in Schenley Park and Phipps Conservatory. In college, he went to the zoo in Highland Park to draw. Later in his life Warhol created his Cow and Fish Wallpaper, the film Sunset, and hundreds of paintings, prints, and drawings of flowers.

“Photo Ark: Photographs by Joel Sartore”                                  Saturday, June 10 – Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017
Organized and Traveled by National Geographic
Sneak Peek                                                                                                                                                                              Friday, June 9, 11:30 a.m.
Society Event (Paintbox Society+) with Joel Sartore                                                                         Tuesday, June 27, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Mix’d Media with Joel Sartore                                                                                                                             Wednesday, June 28, 6–9 p.m.
With ingenuity and wit, National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore has captured portraits of more than 5,000 creatures to date. Many of the animals live in the world’s zoos and aquariums, institutions dedicated to preserving and caring for species of all kinds. This exhibition features many iconic images and allows visitors to follow Sartore around the world on this exciting and important project.
About the Photographer:
Joel Sartore is a photographer, speaker, author, teacher, conservationist, 24-year contributor to National Geographic magazine, as well as a National Geographic Fellow. He has traveled to every continent and specializes in documenting endangered species and landscapes. Simply put, he is on a
mission to document endangered species in order to show a world worth saving. “Every year I see more habitat loss, more species consumed for food, medicine or simply decoration,” says Sartore. “The Photo Ark was born out of desperation to halt, or at least slow, the loss of global biodiversity.”

“Iridescence: John Gould’s Hummingbirds” Saturday, May 27 – Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017                                        Sneak Peek                                                                                                                                                                            Friday, May 26, 11:30 a.m.
Mix’d Media                                                                                                                                                                          Thursday, Aug. 3, 6–9 p.m.
This collection of avian artworks by John Gould, includes 80 antique prints from c. 1861. The exhibition will highlight a recent acquisition and give visitors an in-depth look at a single artist prominent in the wildlife art field. The collection includes all 20 hummingbirds known to exist in North America at that time, plus 60 other hummingbirds from around the world.

“Western Visions® Show and Sale”                                                    Saturday, Sept. 9 – Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017
Jewelry Luncheon                                                                                                                                                                 Wednesday, September 6
Palates and Palettes                                                                                                                                                                         Friday, September 8
Artist Party                                                                                                                                                                                   Thursday, September 14
Western Visions® Show and Sale                                                                                                                                          Friday, September 15
The National Museum of Wildlife Art’s 30th Annual Western Visions® fundraiser will offer for sale the work of contemporary and traditional wildlife artists – well-established, top-selling artists as well as emerging talents who will be the next generation of leading wildlife artists. Western Visions® is a cornerstone of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival.
“TINY: Charismatic Minifauna from the Permanent Collection”
Thursday, Oct. 13, 2017 – Sunday, Apr. 22, 2018  
Sneak Peak                                                                                                                                                                    Thursday, Oct. 12, 11:30 a.m.
Mix’d Media                                                                                                                                                                    Thursday, Oct. 12, 6 –9 p.m.
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.

“30 Wonders/30 Years: A History of the Museum in 30 Works”           Sat, Oct. 21, 2017 – Apr. 28, 2018
Sneak Peek                                                                                                                                                                         Friday, Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m.
Carl Rungius’s Sportsmen’s Moose exemplifies the amazing stories behind many of the objects collected by the Museum during its 30-year existence. This painting appeared on a poster in 1907, promoting a sportsmen’s expo. The National Museum of Wildlife Art owned a copy of the poster and used the image of the moose on the inaugural material for the opening of the Museum in 1987 without knowing where the original was. In 2012, the painting was found in an attic on Prince Edward Island and, thanks to the RSGBK Foundation, we were able to acquire it. It is a classic, early Rungius with a great story and clear ties to the museum. This exhibit will uncover other amazing stories behind a diverse range of objects as we trace the history of this institution from Wildlife of the American West Art Museum on the Jackson Town Square to the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States in its permanent facility overlooking the National Elk Refuge. This exhibition will consist of 30 objects representing the diversity of the collection in terms of depth and breadth.

“Jackson Collects: Wild Selections from Private Collections”
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 – Saturday, Apr. 28, 2018
Sneak Peek                                                                                                                                                                            Friday, Oct. 27, 11:30 a.m
Mix’d Media                                                                                                                                                                          Thursday, Nov. 6, 6–9 p.m.
This exhibit will bring in rarely seen work from private collections giving visitors a sense of the amazing artwork in existence right here in our valley. Approximately 20 works will be featured, including wildlife and landscape scenes. Complementing the borrowed artwork will be recent gifts and promised gifts, which will help us talk about how the Museum builds its own collection. Works like the one pictured to the right – a painting by Robert Bateman entitled Harris Hawks (a promised gift to the museum) – will be featured.

2017 PROGRAMS & EVENTS

First Sundays                                                        Every Month, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Winter Months; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
On the first Sunday of each month, the National Museum of Wildlife Art is free for all Teton County residents. During winter months, the Museum organizes family-friendly, art-making programs and entertainment connected to the exhibitions on view.
Harvest on the Hill                                                                                                                                                                Sunday, November 5
Wild about the Season                                                                                                                                                         Sunday, December 3

Mix’d Media                                                                                                                  Select Thursdays, 6 – 9 p.m.
Wednesday, June 28                                                                                  “Joel Sartore: Photo Ark”
Thursday, July 20                                                                                        “Andy Warhol: Endangered Species”
Thursday, August 3                                                                                    “Iridescence: John Gould’s Hummingbirds”
Thursday, October 12                                                                                “TINY: Charismatic Minifauna from the Permanent Collection”
Thursday, November 9                                                                             “Jackson Collects”
Thursday, December 14                                                                             TBD
Thursday, January 11, 2018                                                                      TBD
Blacktail Gala                                                                                                           Saturday, Feb. 11, 5:30–9 p.m.
This is a special evening with fabulous wildlife art, excellent wines, a delicious meal, and the excitement of voting on artwork for acquisition by the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

Plein Air Fest, Etc.                                                                                                                              Saturday, June 17
More than 50 invited artists are given one day to create new masterpieces en plein air. They paint from the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s sculpture trail with stupendous views overlooking the National Elk Refuge. Collectors are invited to browse and bid on the fresh artworks, which will be sold by silent bid.

Black Bear Ball                                                                                                                      Saturday, Aug. 19, 6 p.m.
Total Eclipse of the Sun Party                                                                          Monday, Aug. 21, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Yoga on the Trail                                                                                           Thursdays, July 6 – Aug. 24, 10–11 a.m.
July 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24
Top Jackson Hole yoga instructors conduct weekly summer classes outside on the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s Sculpture Trail. Participants will feel inspired doing Sun Salutations and Downward Dogs as they look across the grand vista of the National Elk Refuge. In a trend as big as the outdoors, yoga classes from coast to coast have been moving out of the studio and into nature. Yogis will enjoy impressive views that include plenty of big sky and mountain drama from the trail’s perch overlooking the National Elk Refuge. It’s inspiring to connect two ancient art forms—visual art inspired by artists over the centuries, and the art of yoga, ensuring healthy mind, body and spirit. Free.

Running Wild                                                                                                                                       Saturday, June 24
The National Museum of Wildlife Art hosts “Running Wild: Dick Jennings Memorial Race,” a 5K run or walk, 10K run, and a short kids race. The racecourse starts at the National Museum of Wildlife Art and heads out the pathway, running alongside the National Elk Refuge in beautiful Jackson Hole. Immediately following the race, participants and spectators will enjoy music and refreshments. “Running Wild” provides funding for the Art Leadership Scholarship in Honor of the Memory of Dick Jennings. The scholarship is given annually by the Museum, with support from the Community Focus Committee of the Board of Trustees, to a Teton County high school senior.
COST: $20 Pre-registration up to day before the race. $25 on June 24. All participants will enjoy free Museum Admission on race day.
Info: Andree Dean, Race Coordinator, 307-732-5445, adean@wildlifeart.org

Open Studio: Wildlife Trading                                                         Saturday, June 24 – Thursday, Aug. 24
During Museum hours located in the Wapiti Gallery, Open Studio is a drop-in, creative space for all ages. Open Studio promotes art-making inspired by works in the collection. Design stations, stocked with exciting materials, encourage participants to use their imagination to reveal the artist inside. Free with Museum admission.

Fables, Feathers & Fur: Storytelling at the Museum                   Wednesdays, Sept. – May, 10:30–11 a.m.
“Fables, Feathers & Fur” is an exciting opportunity for young visitors (ages 3–6) to engage – through looking, reading and making art in the galleries – with the art on exhibit at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Storytelling takes place in the galleries. All materials will be provided. Free to all guests.

7th Annual Bull-Bransom Award Announcement                                                                           Spring 2017
The Bull-Bransom Award is named for Charles Livingston Bull (1874–1932) and Paul Bransom (1885–1979), two of the first American artist-illustrators to specialize in wildlife subjects. Both artists had tremendous impact on younger wildlife artists, created numerous children’s books and are well represented in the National Museum of Wildlife Art collection. The award, created in 2010, is given annually to recognize excellence in the field of children’s book illustrations with a focus on nature and wildlife. Created in the tradition of such prestigious awards for illustrators of children’s books as the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and Hans Christian Andersen awards, the Bull-Bransom Award is presented in the form of a medal and $5,000.

Last year’s award winner Carin Berger will be in Jackson, Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 21 to work with second graders in Moran, Kelly, Wilson, and Jackson.

Member Events:

Paintbox Society Party with Joel Sartore                                                    Tuesday, June 27, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Paintbox members are dedicated supporters of the Museum and enjoy the camaraderie of art and wildlife enthusiasts. The Museum will host a dinner for Paintbox Society, Rungius Society, and Collector Circle Members, with National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore in attendance.

Collectors Circle Dinner                                                                                                           Wednesday, July 26
Founded in 1998, the Collectors Circle is for those members of the National Museum of Wildlife Art who are passionate about fine art and investing in the Museum’s acquisition program. Members select artworks for purchase to augment the Museum’s world-class collection, as recommended by the Collections Committee. Each year, the Museum hosts a special evening when guests are presented with the array of vetted artwork choices and, during dinner, vote on their top preferences. The evening is a ton of fun – people feel passionately about certain artworks, and try to convince their friends to vote for the pieces they most want to see in the Museum’s collection.

Rungius Society Party                                                                                                                       Summer TBD
Art Around the Valley
Rungius Society Members immerse themselves in a social and philanthropic group that provides critical Museum support. Art Around the Valley and other exclusive events for Rungius Society members take you into the homes of area collectors and behind the scenes at the Museum, and provide critical support to the Museum. The Museum opens its doors for a special summertime exhibition preview and season opening celebration. Meet local artists, see private art collections, and get an insider’s look at the Jackson art scene as a member of the Museum’s Rungius Society.

Paintbox Society Party                                                                                                                                     Fall TBD
An Evening of Art

The National Museum of Wildlife Art, founded in 1987, is a world-class art museum holding more than 5,000 artworks representing wild animals from around the world. Featuring work by prominent artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Robert Kuhn, John James Audubon, and Carl Rungius, the Museum’s unsurpassed permanent collection chronicles much of the history of wildlife in art, from 2500 B.C. to the present. Built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge, the Museum received the designation “National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States” by order of Congress in 2008. Boasting a museum shop, interactive children’s gallery, restaurant, and outdoor sculpture trail, the Museum is only two-and-a-half miles north of Jackson Town Square, and two miles from the gateway of Grand Teton National Park.
www.WildlifeArt.org
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

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Media Contact:
Jennifer Weydeveld, Director of Marketing 307-732-5450 – direct; 505-231-1776 – cell
jweydeveld@WildlifeArt.org