June 2006
Photographs of National Forests on Exhibit at Gallery/Museum
Thursday, June 1 2006
"Splendid was the Trail: Photographs of the National Forests by K.D. Swan" is currently on exhibit at The University of Montana Western Art Gallery/Museum. The exhibit celebrates the work of Kenneth D. Swan, a Forest Service employee and photographer from the first half of the twentieth century.
Kirby Lambert, the Curator of Art for the Montana Historical Society, will give a special presentation about his experiences working with the photographs on Thursday, June 8 at 7 p.m. in the Small Auditorium on the Montana Western campus.
Lambert's photo-lecture, entitled "Pictures Needed in the Telling," explores both the artistic and communicative qualities of Swan's photographs. Swan begin his career as a forester and later became a public information specialist and photographer for the regional forest service, The purpose of Swan's work, was to demonstrate the importance of conserving public lands and the joy of living in the midst of wild places.
Following Lambert's presentation, a reception for the exhibit will be held in the Art Gallery and both events are free. The Small Auditorium can be found on the third floor of Main Hall. The Art Gallery can be found at the south end of the first floor of Main Hall.
Concurrent with the Swan exhibit is the two part "Inspirations from the Forest" exhibit at the Camp Fortunate Interpretive Center in Dillon. Part one is an exhibit of artwork inspired by our National Forests by local artists running from June 6-25. Part two is a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution that will be on display at the center from June 6-12. This exhibit includes images from last summer's Forest Service centennial commemoration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
"Splendid was the Trail" will continue at the Montana Western Art Gallery/Museum through June 29. The Art Gallery/Museum also includes the Seidensticker Wildlife Collection of trophy mounts and a permanent art collection. Regularly scheduled gallery hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and the gallery is always free. To arrange for special times or visits call the director at 683-7232.
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