National Museum of Wildlife Art Presents Staff Picks Exhibition

The National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibition, Staff Picks, on view October 18, 2025, through May 10, 2026. This exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to see the Museum’s world-class collection through the eyes of the people who know it best—its staff.

NMWA’s team is a diverse group of individuals with unique talents, interests, and expertise. While each person contributes to the Museum in a different way, all share the privilege of working among an exceptional collection of wildlife art. Staff Picks invites visitors to explore a selection of favorite artworks chosen by staff members from across the organization.

“It’s about getting a chance to highlight all of the great people who work behind the scenes to make the Museum such a special place,” says Executive Director Steve Seamons. “Staff Picks is also about the relationships we have each formed with the collection during our time at the Museum—whether we have been here for a few months or 35 years.” The works in the show range from traditional to contemporary in style, and span over a century of art history. Each piece was selected by an individual staff member, and will be accompanied by a label sharing their personal reflections about the artwork and why it resonates with them.

The exhibition also includes three artworks that have never before been publicly displayed at the Museum: Wilhelm Kuhnert’s Lying Bear, Robert Bateman’s Evening Light, and John Clymer’s Peaceful Hideaway.

“Sharing some of our favorite works with visitors and the community has been such a joy,” says Associate Curator of Art Kennis Forte, PhD. “It’s been so fun for the curatorial team to learn more about our colleagues through the kinds of artworks they’re drawn to and the stories they’ve shared about their selections. We’re excited to bring those stories to our visitors as well.”

Curating Staff Picks has been an institution-wide team process reflecting one of the Museum’s core values—collaboration. The exhibition began with an open call for staff to identify favorite works from the collection (excluding those already on view), followed by visits with the curatorial team to review each piece in person. The result is a deeply personal, highly diverse exhibition that highlights the individuality of the Museum’s staff while revealing new perspectives on the collection.

The public is invited to a special Sneak Peek Program on Friday, October 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The program is included with general admission and free for Museum members.

“Visitors should expect a very eclectic mix of subjects, styles, and stories,” says Forte. This exhibition is not only an opportunity for museumgoers to get to know NMWA 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.

Staff Picks is generously sponsored by Stephanie Brennan, M.J. Hunt & Bernie Little, Mays Family Foundation, Deborah & William Murdock, Bill Newton, and Marcia & Mike Taylor.