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Soft Light Radiates Across Humble Domestic Scenes and Objects in Leah Gardner’s Still Lifes

By in Art World News

Soft Light Radiates Across Humble Domestic Scenes and Objects in Leah Gardner’s Still Lifes

All images © Leah Gardner, shared with permission

In her still lifes and avian portraits, Chicago-based artist Leah Gardner showcases the way evening light can transform a humble tomato cluster or pot of tea into an object of intrigue and beauty. Working in oil paint on panel, Gardner’s visible, impasto brushstrokes depict sweeping shadows on tabletops and backdrops skewed through glass. “What excites me most is finding the colors hiding everywhere in plain sight, then deciding how much power to give them to create the mood I am after. It feels like a puzzle,” she says.

Entirely self-taught, Garnder first began painting a few years ago after the initial COVID-19 lockdowns. She gravitated toward still life because of the consistency a static image offers. “As I improved, it became an opportunity to create a narrative of a moment in time and tell a snippet of a story, while also getting to control for factors like light, position of shadows, and experiment with visually pleasing composition from the ground up,” she says. “I enjoy owning the process every step of the way.” Today, her works continue to evolve as she accentuates light and movement and identifies the extraordinary moments within everyday life.

Prints and originals are available in the artist’s shop, and you can follow her latest work on Instagram.

 

a wine glass with a small amount of red wine at the base surrounded by playing cards and a green plant

a pigeon asleep on a pink backdrop

a teapot full of red tea on a table with playing cards and daisies

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a bedside table with drinks, medicines, and creams illuminated by a pendant light

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Soft Light Radiates Across Humble Domestic Scenes and Objects in Leah Gardner’s Still Lifes appeared first on Colossal.

Thru the Lens photography exhibition opens Friday – The Port St. Joe Star

By in Photography

Thru the Lens photography exhibition opens Friday – The Port St. Joe Star
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An opening reception of Thru the Lens, The Joe Center for the Arts’ newest photography exhibition, will be held Friday, Sept. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. EDT.  

This juried photography exhibition runs through Oct. 20 and presents amazing images of human interest, landscapes, seascapes, sunsets and the natural world. All pieces will be available for purchase.

Awards will be presented by juror Kathryn Stivers of Tallahassee at the Sept. 22 event. An award winning architect, fine art photographer and fused glass artist, Stivers captures the beauty of the Florida Panhandle. While she has trained at university in the fields of fine art photography, printmaking, and architecture, photography remains her first love and passion. 

The Joe is located at 201 Reid Ave in downtown Port St Joe.  Admission is free.  Hours of operation are Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT. The Joe Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to exhibit, educate, partner and inspire through the arts.

Celebrate Native Americans’ Day at Crazy Horse Memorial with Cultural Performances, Hands-On Activities, and More

By in Native

Celebrate Native Americans’ Day at Crazy Horse Memorial with Cultural Performances, Hands-On Activities, and More
image

CRAZY HORSE – Crazy Horse Memorial® will host its annual Native Americans’ Day celebrations on Monday, October 9, 2023. The all-day event features a Native Americans’ Day Program, hands-on activities, and performances by Pamyua, a nationally acclaimed Alaska Native performance group.

The Native Americans’ Day Program begins at 10:00am and will feature speaker Dr. Jacob Weasel (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) who recently ascended Mount Everest in his quest to summit the highest points on all seven continents. His journey is aimed to raise funds for his non-profit, The Wopila Project, for playground equipment at Lakota Homes in Rapid City. The Program will also host participation dancing with the familiar face of Starr Chief Eagle who has spent over 10 years teaching visitors at Crazy Horse Memorial® and students in the Rapid City Area School system.

Crazy Horse Memorial Educator of the Year, which honors an individual who has made significant contributions to Native American education in the last year, will be named. The award includes a $1,000 grant to the recipient’s school library or to programs of his or her choice that help indigenous students. Last year’s Crazy Horse Memorial Educator of the Year was Dr. Joseph Marshall III (Sicangu Lakota), an educator and administrator who has worked at both high school and college levels, a founding member of Sinte Gleska University, and the author of over 20 published works that include non-fiction, novels, screenplays, and collections of short stories and essays.

Hands on activities for all ages will feature the creations of dream catchers and bracelets. These activities will be guided by regional Native American artists. In addition to the crafts, hands-on activities such as a coloring wall will be on display so visitors young and old can draw what Native Americans’ Day means to them.

Pamyua will take to the Veranda Stage in the afternoon to share their Inuit culture and unique blend of music and dance through three different interactive sessions at 12:30, 1:30, and 4:30. Pamyua was created by brothers Phillip and Stephen Blanchett with a musical concept to blend Inuit drum/dance melodies with R&B vocal styling and arrangements. Joining the Memorial all the way from Alaska, they bring a high-energy, educational presentation that all ages will enjoy. In coordination with Custer Area Arts Council, Pamyua will be visiting Southern Hills area schools the following week. 

As always, free tatanka stew will be available for lunch to all visitors while supplies last, courtesy of Korczak’s Heritage, Inc., Laughing Water Restaurant®, and Custer State Park.

All crafts, programs, and performances are included at no additional cost when you visit the Memorial. South Dakota was the first state to officially celebrate Native Americans’ Day on the second Monday of October annually since 1990. 

The South Dakota Legislature established the Native Americans’ Day holiday at the urging of Gov. George S. Mickelson, then governor of South Dakota. The transformed holiday was a direct result of correspondence between the editor of Indian Country Today, Tim Giago, and the governor. Giago, an Oglala Lakota hailing from Pine Ridge Indian Reservations, had written a column in the Lakota Times expressing the need for change. In addition to the newly created holiday, Mickelson further declared 1990 as a “Year of Reconciliation” in observance of the 100th anniversary of the Wounded Knee Massacre.

The first Native Americans’ Day observance was held at Crazy Horse Memorial® and more than 1,200 people attended the event on October 8, 1990. “We can’t turn back the clock,” Gov. Mickelson said, “we can only turn to the future together. What we can do as leaders, both Native American and white, is teach others that we can change attitudes.” The Native Americans’ Day celebrations at Crazy Horse Memorial® will be the 33rd annual for South Dakota.

For more information, please visit www.crazyhorse.org and follow Crazy Horse Memorial® on all social media and/or contact Amanda Allcock at 605-673-4681 or email Amanda.Allcock@crazyhorse.org.

Weekend Fun: The Jo Bros, Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO, and Capitals Garage Sale

By in Native

Weekend Fun: The Jo Bros, Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO, and Capitals Garage Sale

It’s finally starting to feel like fall outside, and we know you’re eager to take it all in. Although severe weather across the region may cancel outdoor events, don’t worry, there is still plenty of fun in store for the weekend. From breathtaking acrobatics under the big top to inspiring Native contemporary art, be sure to check out these events happening September 22–24.  

Because the forecast calls for a lot of rain this weekend, you will want to check whether the outdoor events listed below are still happening before venturing out. 

Family Flashlight Corn Maze Night 

September 22–23, 6–8:30 p.m.

Do your kids crave a little extra challenge from their corn maze? At Great Country Farms, your family can take on the quintessential fall task in the dark. Finish off the night with cider and s’mores by the fire. 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $14–$16  

Rock the Block Fairfax City 

September 22, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Bring the lawn chairs and blankets for this family-friendly event that takes over Old Town Fairfax every fourth Friday of the month, through October. Rock out to your favorite hits from the ’90s and ’00s with live music from Uncle Jesse. And don’t forget your appetite. The event will feature gourmet food and a beer garden. Old Town Square: 10415 North St., Fairfax, free admission, food and beer extra 

Lovettsville Oktoberfest 

September 22–23

Celebrate Erntedank, or “Harvest Thanks,” at Lovettsville’s signature event. Traditional German flavor and fresh traditions shine through at the two-day festival, which boasts activities like wiener dog races, stein hoisting competitions, and a parade through town. 6 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Lovettsville, price varies by activity 

The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans 

September 22 through January 15, 2024 

The National Gallery of Art unveils its new exhibition, The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans, curated by prolific visual artist and member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. The exhibition will feature the work of nearly 50 Native artists from across the U.S., emphasizing the experiences of Indigenous peoples, and their right to self-expression. The National Gallery of Art: East Building, 4th Street at Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, free 

Old Town Warrenton Fall Festival  

September 23, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 

More than 100 vendors will sell jewelry, toys, photography, and fine art at this annual festival. Food will include barbecue, crab cakes, and ice cream. Historic Main St., Warrenton, free admission, food extra 

Washington Capitals Charity Garage Sale 

September 23, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. 

The Washington Capitals will host the team’s inaugural charity garage sale, benefiting the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. Fans had better check their pocketbooks before heading to this event. Only credit cards will be accepted. The Capitals will sell bobbleheads, T-shirts, and posters. And after you get done shopping, stick around to see the team practice for the home opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 13 at Capital One Arena. Medstar Capitals Iceplex: 627 N. Glebe Rd., Ste. 800, Arlington, free 

Mosaic Fall Fest 

September 23–24, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. 

At Mosaic, you’ll be able to explore vintage goods and artisanal curios from more than 90 vendors or pick up fresh produce to complement your autumnal feast. You can even get cocktails to go from participating locations, so you can sip while you stroll. Plus, the kids will love the games corner, bounce house, and the paint-a-pumpkin station. Live music includes the Vienna Singing Princesses and School of Rock House Band. 2910 District Ave., Fairfax, free admission, complimentary shuttle from Dunn Loring Metro Station, food and beer tickets extra 

Oktoberfest at The Boro 

September 23, 2–5 p.m. 

The Boro’s annual Oktoberfest returns with German food, a polka band, and of course a biergarten serving pumpkin and other traditional beers. The first 150 people receive a branded beer mug. 8350 Broad St., Tysons, free 

The Jonas Brothers 

September 23, 7 p.m.

The Disney Channel–born pop rock sensation made up of brothers Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas will showcase five albums in one night. Cross your fingers for crowd favorites like “Year 3000” and “Sucker” to appear on the setlist. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $89.95 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical 

Through September 24 

Become a Parisian for the night at this one-of-a-kind musical while you still have the chance. Based on Baz Luhrmann’s film of the same name, Moulin Rouge! The Musical will take its final curtain call this weekend at the Kennedy Center, before traveling to the next leg of its U.S. tour in Pittsburgh. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St., NW, Washington, DC, starting at $45, recommended for ages 12 and up 

Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO 

Through October 22 

Step into an awe-inspiring world of wonder at Cirque du Soleil’s newest touring production: ECHO. Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between humans and animals, this show of death-defying feats follows the fictional character Future, as she discovers the bonds that tie humanity to our planet. Under the Big Top: 8025 Galleria Dr., Tysons, starting at $49 

David Amoroso: Belleza Brutal 

Through November 4 

Floral motifs meet fierce masculinity in David Amoroso’s latest exhibition. Amoroso’s pop art challenges the stereotypes and binaries associated with masculinity, aiming to alter the viewer’s perception of the subjects of his art. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, free 

Feature image of Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO by Jean-François Savaria

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Here’s What’s Going On in Indian Country, September 21 —September 28

By in Native

Here’s What’s Going On in Indian Country, September 21 —September 28
Details
By Native News Online Staff

September 21, 2023

Here is Native News Online’s weekly round-up of arts, culture and entertainment offerings around Indian Country.

AAK’W Rock Music Festival
Juneau, AK
September 21-23, 2023

The three day music festival celebrating Indigenous Music and culture will feature 25 major Indigenous musical acts and popular artists representing 35 Indigenous cultures from across the globe. This festival is Alaska’s only global Indigenous music festival and the only one of its kind in the United States. 

4KINSHIP
San Juan, NM
September 23, 2023 

Diné woman owned brand 4KINSHIP is excited to announce the first-ever all-womens skate jam at the Two Grey Hills Skate Park on Navajo Nation. Contestants will be judged on style and performance. Vendor village will host Enchantment Skate Shop, Woodburn Skateboards, and Skate in Beauty. Food and drinks will be provided. 

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

National Endowment for the Arts
Washington, D.C.
September 29, 2023

Indigenous artists will be recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as 2023 National Heritage Fellows, the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts at 5:30 pm at the Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building. The event is open to the public. 

Powwow for Hope
St. Paul, MN
September 23, 2023 

The 12th Annual Powwow for Hope invites the community to return in person at the Base Camp Facility. This powwow is the nation’s only known cancer awareness powwow, which honors loved ones who have battled cancer or are fighting cancer and provides an opportunity to learn more about cancer prevention and resources in Indian Country. Doors open at 12pm with Grand Entry to follow at 1pm. 

American Indian Day
Miami, FL
September 23-24, 2023

Celebrate American Indian Day with the whole family at the Miccosukee Tribe’s annual festival at the Miccosukee Casino and Resort. At the festival, you’ll get a chance to immerse yourself in the Miccosukee culture with live music and dance performances, authentic food and crafts, alligator demonstrations, airboat rides, fashion shows, and more.  

American Indian Heritage Weekend
Avella, PA
September 23-24, 2023

Learn more about the American Indian cultures that were in the area by talking with visiting members of the region’s historic tribes, who will demonstrate some daily life skills of their ancestors in the 18th century and prehistoric Western Pennsylvania. 

Denver American Indian Festival
Lakewood, CO
September 23, 2023

The Denver American Indian Festival has brought a celebration of American Indian culture, arts, and history to all Denver Metro communities. The event will be hosted at the Lakewood United Methodist Church. 

Woodland Indian Celebration
Grand Rapids, OH
September 23, 2023

Come enjoy two wonderful days of the Native American culture in arts, crafts, dance, food, games, history, music, friendship, and more. Be a part of the Harvest Festival of the Eastern Woodland American Indians of the North East and Great Lakes. 

56th Annual California Native American Day
Sacramento, CA
September 22, 2023

This year’s theme will be “Protecting Our People Through Sovereignty: Past, Present, and Future.” the event celebrates the culture and contributions of California Native Americans. The event will feature a cultural heritage pavilion where attendees will learn more about traditional practices, 80 state and organization exhibitor booths, 25 arts and crafts vendors, and cultural sharing that includes traditional drums, bird songs, and dancing. 

Story Time: Native American Day
St. Collierville, TN
September 22, 2023

Come celebrate Native American culture with readings about the people who cared for this land before Europeans settlers arrived. Enjoy stories, songs, art activities, and creative play that connect with history at the Morton Museum. 

Native American Heritage Day
Westland, MI
September 23, 2023

Come join in and experience the culture of Michigan’s First People with drumming circles and dancers in their beautiful regalia. Native crafts and food will be sold as well, and a reminder to bring your own lawn chairs as seating is limited. 

MMIW Intertribal Powwow
Rehoboth, MA
September 23, 2023

All are welcome to this powwow to bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) within the Native American community. The event will include nonprofit educational booths, arts and crafts, food, dancing, and more. 

Indigenous People’s Day Celebration 
Livermore, CA
September 23, 2023

Experience the power of storytelling, the beauty of traditional song and dance and the enchanting melodies from a flute performance. Engage in a community drum circle, participate in a land acknowledgment ceremony and be inspired by the altar exhibit honoring ancestral traditions. 

More Stories Like This

The Land That Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans Exhibition Begins Sept. 22 at National Gallery of Art
Gifted Native American Flutist Robert Tree Cody Walks On
The Future is Now at Newly Opened Center for Native Futures in Chicago
Here’s What’s Going On In Indian Country, September 14 —September 21

Native News is free to read.

We hope you enjoyed the story you’ve just read. For the past dozen years, we’ve covered the most important news stories that are usually overlooked by other media. From the protests at Standing Rock and the rise of the American Indian Movement (AIM), to the ongoing epidemic of Murdered and Missing Indigenous People (MMIP) and the past-due reckoning related to assimilation, cultural genocide and Indian Boarding Schools.

Our news is free for everyone to read, but it is not free to produce. That’s why we’re asking you to make a donation to help support our efforts. Any contribution — big or small — helps.  Most readers donate between $10 and $25 to help us cover the costs of salaries, travel and maintaining our digital platforms. If you’re in a position to do so, we ask you to consider making a recurring donation of $12 per month to join the Founder’s Circle. All donations help us remain a force for change in Indian Country and tell the stories that are so often ignored, erased or overlooked.

Donate to Native News Online today and support independent Indigenous journalism. Thank you. 

About The Author
Native News Online StaffNative News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].


Here’s What’s Going On in Indian Country, September 21 —September 28

By in Native

Here’s What’s Going On in Indian Country, September 21 —September 28
Details
By Native News Online Staff

September 21, 2023

Here is Native News Online’s weekly round-up of arts, culture and entertainment offerings around Indian Country.

AAK’W Rock Music Festival
Juneau, AK
September 21-23, 2023

The three day music festival celebrating Indigenous Music and culture will feature 25 major Indigenous musical acts and popular artists representing 35 Indigenous cultures from across the globe. This festival is Alaska’s only global Indigenous music festival and the only one of its kind in the United States. 

4KINSHIP
San Juan, NM
September 23, 2023 

Diné woman owned brand 4KINSHIP is excited to announce the first-ever all-womens skate jam at the Two Grey Hills Skate Park on Navajo Nation. Contestants will be judged on style and performance. Vendor village will host Enchantment Skate Shop, Woodburn Skateboards, and Skate in Beauty. Food and drinks will be provided. 

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

National Endowment for the Arts
Washington, D.C.
September 29, 2023

Indigenous artists will be recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as 2023 National Heritage Fellows, the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts at 5:30 pm at the Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building. The event is open to the public. 

Powwow for Hope
St. Paul, MN
September 23, 2023 

The 12th Annual Powwow for Hope invites the community to return in person at the Base Camp Facility. This powwow is the nation’s only known cancer awareness powwow, which honors loved ones who have battled cancer or are fighting cancer and provides an opportunity to learn more about cancer prevention and resources in Indian Country. Doors open at 12pm with Grand Entry to follow at 1pm. 

American Indian Day
Miami, FL
September 23-24, 2023

Celebrate American Indian Day with the whole family at the Miccosukee Tribe’s annual festival at the Miccosukee Casino and Resort. At the festival, you’ll get a chance to immerse yourself in the Miccosukee culture with live music and dance performances, authentic food and crafts, alligator demonstrations, airboat rides, fashion shows, and more.  

American Indian Heritage Weekend
Avella, PA
September 23-24, 2023

Learn more about the American Indian cultures that were in the area by talking with visiting members of the region’s historic tribes, who will demonstrate some daily life skills of their ancestors in the 18th century and prehistoric Western Pennsylvania. 

Denver American Indian Festival
Lakewood, CO
September 23, 2023

The Denver American Indian Festival has brought a celebration of American Indian culture, arts, and history to all Denver Metro communities. The event will be hosted at the Lakewood United Methodist Church. 

Woodland Indian Celebration
Grand Rapids, OH
September 23, 2023

Come enjoy two wonderful days of the Native American culture in arts, crafts, dance, food, games, history, music, friendship, and more. Be a part of the Harvest Festival of the Eastern Woodland American Indians of the North East and Great Lakes. 

56th Annual California Native American Day
Sacramento, CA
September 22, 2023

This year’s theme will be “Protecting Our People Through Sovereignty: Past, Present, and Future.” the event celebrates the culture and contributions of California Native Americans. The event will feature a cultural heritage pavilion where attendees will learn more about traditional practices, 80 state and organization exhibitor booths, 25 arts and crafts vendors, and cultural sharing that includes traditional drums, bird songs, and dancing. 

Story Time: Native American Day
St. Collierville, TN
September 22, 2023

Come celebrate Native American culture with readings about the people who cared for this land before Europeans settlers arrived. Enjoy stories, songs, art activities, and creative play that connect with history at the Morton Museum. 

Native American Heritage Day
Westland, MI
September 23, 2023

Come join in and experience the culture of Michigan’s First People with drumming circles and dancers in their beautiful regalia. Native crafts and food will be sold as well, and a reminder to bring your own lawn chairs as seating is limited. 

MMIW Intertribal Powwow
Rehoboth, MA
September 23, 2023

All are welcome to this powwow to bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) within the Native American community. The event will include nonprofit educational booths, arts and crafts, food, dancing, and more. 

Indigenous People’s Day Celebration 
Livermore, CA
September 23, 2023

Experience the power of storytelling, the beauty of traditional song and dance and the enchanting melodies from a flute performance. Engage in a community drum circle, participate in a land acknowledgment ceremony and be inspired by the altar exhibit honoring ancestral traditions. 

More Stories Like This

The Land That Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans Exhibition Begins Sept. 22 at National Gallery of Art
Gifted Native American Flutist Robert Tree Cody Walks On
The Future is Now at Newly Opened Center for Native Futures in Chicago
Here’s What’s Going On In Indian Country, September 14 —September 21

Native News is free to read.

We hope you enjoyed the story you’ve just read. For the past dozen years, we’ve covered the most important news stories that are usually overlooked by other media. From the protests at Standing Rock and the rise of the American Indian Movement (AIM), to the ongoing epidemic of Murdered and Missing Indigenous People (MMIP) and the past-due reckoning related to assimilation, cultural genocide and Indian Boarding Schools.

Our news is free for everyone to read, but it is not free to produce. That’s why we’re asking you to make a donation to help support our efforts. Any contribution — big or small — helps.  Most readers donate between $10 and $25 to help us cover the costs of salaries, travel and maintaining our digital platforms. If you’re in a position to do so, we ask you to consider making a recurring donation of $12 per month to join the Founder’s Circle. All donations help us remain a force for change in Indian Country and tell the stories that are so often ignored, erased or overlooked.

Donate to Native News Online today and support independent Indigenous journalism. Thank you. 

About The Author
Native News Online StaffNative News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].


High Desert Museum to open new traveling exhibition ‘Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan’

By in Photography

High Desert Museum to open new traveling exhibition ‘Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan’

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Imagine taking an intimate look into the lesser-known lives of wild wolves through the lens of a decorated National Geographic photographer. Set to debut at the High Desert Museum on Saturday, October 21, the traveling exhibition Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan offers Museum visitors that remarkable opportunity. 

The stunning exhibition, created by the National Geographic Society and the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming, will feature Donovan’s images and videos of wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and on Ellesmere Island in the high Canadian Artic. Since 2014, the National Geographic Explorer and photographer has examined the relationship between wild wolves and humans to better understand the animals, our shared history and what drives the persistent human-wolf conflict.

“This exhibition is timely as the wolf population increases in the High Desert ecosystem,” says High Desert Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “After a decades-long absence, wolves are once again our neighbors. The work by Ronan Donovan gives us insight into how we might all coexist together.”

Wolves is the kickoff to a series of exhibitions and programs over the next year at the Museum that will explore the Endangered Species Act, which was signed into law 50 years ago.

Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan will introduce visitors to the daily lives of wolves in the Arctic with unparalleled intimacy — how they hunt, play, travel and rest in one of the harshest environments on Earth. By contrast, the wolves of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are fearful of humans, making it more difficult to document their daily lives. One of the distinctions made clear in the exhibit’s images is Donovan’s ability to get closer to wolf pups in the Arctic, which allowed the photographer to document behaviors he had never seen in Yellowstone. Donovan attributes these differences to the fact that Arctic wolves rarely experience negative encounters with humans or view them as a threat. 

“Wolves are such a fascinating animal to me because of how complex their relationship is with humans,” Donovan says in a statement from National Geographic. “Wolves were the first animals humans domesticated some 30,000 years ago and they have lived alongside us ever since as guardians, workers and companions. Yet as humans moved to more sedentary lives, raising what amounts to easy prey in the form of livestock, wolves have found themselves in conflict with humans.”

Donovan, a field biologist turned conservation photographer and filmmaker, hopes that his photos will provide people with a better understanding of these often-misunderstood animals.

“The way that a culture views wolves can reveal a lot about how a society interacts with their environment—is there a belief of power over animals, or is there a collective shared landscape?” Donovan says. “As a visual storyteller, my goal is to portray my subjects in their most authentic way by showing the challenges they face as well as the tender moments between family members in order to evoke a shared emotion that the viewer can connect with.” 

Through these emotional shared connections, Donovan hopes exhibition visitors will see wolves as they are: powerful, intelligent, social mammals that have evolved to live in family structures similar to humans.

“Our goal in exhibiting Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan at the High Desert Museum is to familiarize visitors with the past, present and future of gray wolves in the region,” says Museum Donald M. Kerr Curator of Natural History Hayley Brazier, Ph.D. “The recent expansion of wolf packs into their historic ranges can be a divisive issue, but it’s a timely topic that the Museum is equipped to facilitate a conversation about. We hope our visitors leave with a more nuanced understanding of wolves and their growing presence in the High Desert.”

In addition to the exhibition, the Museum will host three programs to further explore the topic of wolves. The first event, “An Evening with Ronan Donovan,” will be a talk by Donovan on Thursday, October 26 at the Museum. During this discussion, participants will spend the evening hearing the remarkable stories behind Donovan’s images and research. As a result, attendees can expect to participate in invigorating discussions surrounding this incredible species and their centuries-old relationship to humans. It begins at 7:00 pm and tickets are available at highdesertmuseum.org/ronan-donovan.

The next event, happening at OSU-Cascades on Friday, October 27, will focus on the lives of wolves in Oregon. This thought-provoking discussion titled “Face to Face with Oregon’s’ Wolves: Expert Perspectives” will be moderated by Donovan and feature a panel of local experts: Cameron Krebs (rancher), Emily Weidner (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist), Aaron Bott (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife wolf biologist) and Austin Smith Jr. (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs natural resources manager). As the evening unfolds, the panelists will unravel the complex relationships between wolves and humans in Oregon, encouraging further discussion surrounding the species’ future as a part of the High Desert ecosystem. It starts at 7:00 pm and tickets are available at highdesertmuseum.org/wolves-panel.

The final event, happening on Saturday, October 28 at the Museum, is one the whole family can enjoy. Together with Ronan Donovan, kids will learn about wolf pack dynamics and how to howl like a wolf. This interactive event, titled “Howling Around,” will act as the fun and family-friendly conclusion to the High Desert Museum’s weekend of wolves. It will take place from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and is free with Museum admission.

The visuals presented throughout Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan were captured from Donovan’s National Geographic Society-funded work and featured in National Geographic magazine’s 2016 issue on Yellowstone and in the September 2019 issue, as well as the National Geographic WILD series Kingdom of the White Wolf in 2019, which is available on Disney+.

Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan is open through February 11, 2024. It’s made possible by the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund with support from the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and Tonkin Corp. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/wolves.

ABOUT RONAN DONOVAN

A field biologist turned conservation photographer and filmmaker, Ronan Donovan has explored the human relationship to nature and wildlife on all seven continents. Donovan’s passion for conserving wild animals and wild places was ignited as a child growing up in Vermont and later during his years as a wildlife field biologist researching spotted owls and chimpanzees. He transitioned to visual storytelling as a way to amplify the wildlife researchers and conservationists that Donovan collaborated with. In addition to his National Geographic work on wolves, Donovan has documented human-chimpanzee conflicts in Uganda, and the legacy work of primatologist Dian Fossey 

focused on mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Donovan strives to reconnect viewers to the natural world through the lives of our fellow social mammals to highlight our shared past and interwoven future. 

ABOUT THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM

The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert region. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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