Exploring Connections: Two of a Kind? Opens at the National Museum of Wildlife Art

The National Museum of Wildlife Art is pleased to announce the opening of Two of a Kind?, a thought-provoking new exhibition inviting visitors to explore the relationships between pairs of artworks and consider the question at its heart: are these artworks truly Two of a Kind? On view from November 1, 2025 through April 26, 2026, this exhibition draws primarily from the Museum’s permanent collection and features two special loans from Art Bridges and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Curated by Kennis Forte, Ph.D., Associate Curator of Art, Two of a Kind? is an exercise in comparison. Through pairs, parallels, and perspectives–visitors will be encouraged to look twice. “This exhibit brings together pairs of artworks, mostly from the Museum’s permanent collection, that all have different kinds of relationships to each other,” says Forte. “It’s about encouraging our visitors to look beyond the subject of the artwork to think more deeply about how and why it was made.”

The exhibition is organized into five thematic groupings that offer visitors various ways to explore artistic parallels and contrasts. Material Matters considers how an artist’s materials or media impact our experience of the work, while Seeing Double suggests that there are many different ways artworks can be made to “go” together. In What’s in a Name, the exhibition examines the importance of an artwork’s title—or even the artist’s name—in shaping our understanding of meaning. A Matter of Perspective investigates how the identity of the artist, subject, or viewer can frame a scene in a unique light. Finally, Tête-à-tête explores how artists build upon or respond to one another’s work, proposing new connections between pieces that may never have been put into dialogue before.

“There are a number of artworks in this exhibition that have been in our collection for many years, but have never been part of a special exhibit before. We are looking forward to this opportunity to introduce these pieces to our visitors,” says Executive Director Steve Seamons. Among the highlights, visitors will encounter seventeen artworks that have never been publicly displayed at the Museum, along with two additional pieces shown previously but never as part of a special exhibition. The Museum is also thrilled to feature two exceptional loans from Art Bridges and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: works by acclaimed contemporary artists Jeffrey Gibson and Laurel Roth-Hope. “These are exceptional living artists,” Forte notes, “and we can’t wait to bring their works into conversation with two of the pieces in our collection.”

Visitors can expect an engaging and imaginative experience that rewards curiosity and contemplation. “Sometimes the relationship between the two works will be very clear at first glance,” says Forte. “Other times, the ties between them are a little more abstract. I hope people can take something new away from this exhibit—and maybe it will come to mind again the next time they visit an art museum.”

A special Sneak Peek program will be held on October 31, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., offering Museum members and guests an exclusive first look at Two of a Kind? before it officially opens to the public. Assistant Curator of Art Kennis Forte, Ph.D. will lead the program, providing insights into the exhibition’s themes and artworks. The event is free for Museum members and included with general admission, and attendees will also receive 10% off lunch at Palate following the program.

Two of a Kind? is generously sponsored by Cindy & Richard Atkin, Judy & Tom Bowser, Bunchberry Foundation, Susan & Gary Halling, M.J. Hunt & Bernie Little, Linda & Tom Markovits, Trudi & Bob Murch, Liz & Tom Niedermeyer, Pam Niner, Harlan Spinner & Will Wilson of UBS Financial Services.

The Museum will also host a free community exhibition opening celebration on Friday, November 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. entitled Pairs (Pears) & Prosecco.This lively evening invites the public to explore Two of a Kind? and all of the Museum’s new fall exhibitions, including Staff Picks and Tiffany Deater: What Lives Underneath. Guests can enjoy pear frangipane tarts from Salt Maven Catering (available to the first 300 attendees), complimentary prosecco from TLS (one drink per person, 21+, first 300 guests), and nonalcoholic sparkling drinks for all ages. Live music will be provided by Aaron Davis & the Mystery Machine, and visitors can participate in an animal pairing game for a chance to win a pair of gloves. This celebratory event will be hosted inside the Museum and is free and open to the public. This event is generously sponsored by the Friess Wildlife Art Charitable Lead Trust, Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board, and Lea Charitable Trust.