JACKSON, Wyo. — The National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) is throwing a party this evening in honor of a special valley resident: the bison.

“Bison-tennial: From Colonization to Rematriation,” is an exhibition at the museum that explores the influence bison have had on the history, cultures and landscapes of the West. According to NMWA, the free exhibition opening will take place today from 5 to 7 p.m.

The free community event will be held inside the museum, and will offer barbecue bites from Palate, beer or root beer from Grand Teton Brewing, and a scavenger hunt game for the whole family. There will also be a presentation in the Cook Auditorium at 5:30 p.m. with a short question-and-answer portion with Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative Executive Director Jason Baldes.

The gallery exhibit traces the presence of bison through pre-colonial times, westward expansion and near-elimination, to arrive at today’s efforts of restoration and rematriation. Check out some of the many ways bison have been depicted in art at NMWA here.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.