Artwork of Thomas Moran on exhibit in Jackson
Watercolors and sketches of Yellowsone and Jackson, May 27-September 24
May 23, 2006
(Jackson Hole) This summer, the National Museum of Wildlife Art will present a collection of watercolors and sketches of Yellowstone and the Tetons by legendary western artist Thomas Moran. The exhibit, "Thomas Moran: Painting the Parks", will run from May 27 through September 24, 2006. The exhibit is being done in partnership with the Yellowstone National Art Trust
Moran is credited with introducing late 19th century America to the amazing natural beauty of the west. His skillful fieldwork documenting the wonders of the region led to the immediate creation of Yellowstone National Park and helped conservationists realize the overall importance of this unspoiled area.
"Painting the Parks" provides visitors a rare chance to see the Moran collections from Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park at the same time. In addition, three works from local collections will also be on view.
In addition to the remarkable sketches, this exhibit features photographs by William Henry Jackson and Moran artifacts including his paintbrushes, palette knife, and a journal.
Also on view are several remarkable chromolithographs produced by Moran and Louis Prang in 1876, which were the first color images of the park available to the general public. As a part of this joint effort between the National Museum of Wildlife Art and the Yellowstone National Art Trust, three chromolithographs from the Yellowstone National Park Collection will be on display at the Community Visual Art Association for the duration of the exhibit. These rare prints complement the sketches and allow viewers to see one of the ways Moran used his working studies once he returned to the east.
This exhibit offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to see the working sketches of one of America's most influential landscape painters. The miniature masterpieces not only helped create our first National Park, but also, with the Grand Teton collection, are a crucial component to one of the most important chapters of American art history.
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