JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Curators at the National Museum of Wildlife Art are not kidding around about their latest exhibit space dedicated to the photography works of local celeb shooter Thomas Mangelsen. Or maybe they are.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) now has an online exhibit space dedicated to community artwork. The inaugural online exhibit features paintings made by students from local Teton County schools. These students worked with museum educators to explore our current wildlife photography exhibition, Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life in the Wild. Each student chose a photograph in the exhibit to inspire their own unique acrylic painting on canvas board.
Some students had simple reasons for selecting a particular painting, like, “I like this photograph because I really like the lighting.” Others reflected longer, coming up with profound statements such as, “The reason why I was drawn to this photograph is because it’s what I really would want to wake up to every morning, and it’s what my dream place is. I also think that all people should be able to experience a place like this picture.”
Photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen was touched.
“To say that I think they are wonderful would simply be an understatement. They are incredible in many ways. It amazes me as to how these young people captured the essence of my photographs,” Mangelsen said. “And it’s interesting to see what caught their attention and how their creative, young minds interpreted it. Both teachers and students should be very proud of what they have done and I’m sure they are.”
Tonia Ralston, Art Instructor and Program Coordinator for C-V Ranch School and Teton Valley Community School, called the experience meaningful and engaging.
“For the students to experience this subject matter in the museum gallery environment inspired a focus that was extremely meaningful and engaging. The response to them viewing their paintings and statements online has been one of self-pride, and an affirmation of a successful pursuit,” Ralston said. “One student’s self-reflection on art engagement in general is, ‘Art helps me express what I’m feeling. It’s easier than using words.’”
