A Display of God's Handiwork

Mr. Hawkins in the center of the frame

Today we traveled from Colter Bay to Jackson, Wyoming to visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art and some other galleries in Jackson.  It is fitting as we come toward the end of our national parks tour that we appreciate how this natural beauty is depicted in the work of many gifted artists.

I am an artist also.  I began drawing and painting when I was just a youngster.  Many of my early Christmas presents were art supplies.  I like to study and attempt wildlife and western art.  I have only sold a few of my pieces but mainly draw and paint for my own enjoyment.  Much of the experience I have with the subjects I draw and paint comes from personal experiences while out hunting and fishing.  often visit and direct art questions toward Betty Bowen, middle school art teacher and Fund for Teachers Fellow.  Betty is a skilled artist and I often gather insight from her. 

Art brings a peace to me and I try to convey what I feel in the art that I paint.   Today I will be able to view many of the works of Bob Kuhn at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming.

The National Museum of Wildlife Art was established in 1987 in Jackson, Wyoming.  A large collection of art was donated by Joffa and Bill Kerr.  In September of 1994, the Museum opened the current 51,000 sq. ft. facility.   It is located just up the hill from the southern end of the National Elk Refuge and is built into the hillside.   It includes an outdoor walkway filled with various bronze and metal sculpture.  Featured artists include John Clymer, Robert Kuhn, Robert Bateman, Georgia O’Keefe, Carl Rungius, and Charles M. Russell.

The work of Robert Bateman

I have admired all these artists and their works all my life.   It was certainly a thrill to see their work in person and up close.   For example, Carl Rungius used extreme care when painting fur on animals.  His brushwork follows the natural direction of hair on the animal and shows correct anatomy underneath.  You could actually see the sheen on the black bear he painted, and it looked just like the sun reflecting off of the bear’s fur.   I have followed his wildlife art all my life.  I still remember the first time I heard his name.  It was on an educational program on OETA,   Oklahoma Educational Television Association.  I still remember the painting they showed that day.  It showed mule deer escaping a forest fire in the middle of the night.   At the age of 49, I finally got the chance to look at the painting as an original.   Pictures in art books do not show the beauty of the painting in real life and all the detailed brushwork being used along with strong colors.

I feel truly blessed to have seen this collection of art today.   We not only should appreciate our natural resources, but also those who often remind us of their beauty.   Thanks to Fund for Teachers, I have been able not only to increase my understanding of ecology and conservation but I also have had an increased desire to preserve these lessons through art and other mediums so that others can enjoy the beauty that God has given us to enjoy and manage.