The memories of Luke Lynch and Stephen Adamson Jr. live on.
The two men, age 39 and 42, were killed last May by an avalanche on Mount Moran. They were climbing the line known as the Sickle. Lynch died in the avalanche, and Adamson died from injuries a few days later.
To honor their legacy, their widows, Kathy Lynch and Sara Adamson, had a piece of art donated to the National Museum of Wildlife Art in the men’s name.
“I think it is a nice lasting way to honor them in a unique way and in a way people will enjoy indefinitely,” Lynch said.
The artwork, Bison Head, is by British artist Kendra Haste and, unlike many of the pieces in the museum, is a contemporary take on the classic mounted bison head. It’s constructed from galvanized wire and steel armature.
Adamson said the idea to donate a piece came from the fact that her husband was on the museum’s board, so she approached museum curator Adam Harris about acquiring one.
“It seemed like an obvious place to start with a memorial gift like that,” she said.
Harris picked out a few potential pieces, but when Adamson and Lynch saw the bison they both instantly knew it was the right one.
“Stephen and Luke shared a great love of hunting together and had bison hunted multiple occasions together,” Lynch said. “I felt like it was perfect when I saw it because of their shared history with bison.”
Adamson said she felt the same way.
“It somehow really spoke to me as for both Stephen and Luke,” Adamson said.
The fact that the bison head is a contemporary piece also influenced the decision. It stands out, Lynch said.
“It is a more unique and modern piece of art and is a nice addition [to the museum] that way,” Lynch said.
Her husband and Stephen Adamson also shared a love of art.
“Luke really appreciated art and any public art people could enjoy,” she said. “It enhances a community to have great art, whether at the museum or around town. He appreciated what art brings to the human experience.”
Bison Head was unveiled at the 2016 Collector’s Circle event, and the first time Adamson saw it was this month at the Western Visions Artist Party.
“It was a great feeling to see it up there,” Adamson said. “To have a piece that we know is going to be there forever and is a memorial to them and is so striking and remarkable.”
Contact Isa Jones at 732-7062 or entertainment@jhnewsandguide.com.