 |
 |
|
|
 |
EXHIBITION INFORMATIONAgriCultureMay 15– August 12, 2007
“You see, the fact of the matter is all culture comes out of agriculture,” artist Dale Nichols once stated. See if you agree husbandry has never been depicted as artfully as in AgriCulture.
MONA's AudubonsMay 22– October 28, 2007 The Museum of Nebraska Art is fortunate to own an outstanding collection of handcolored Audubon lithographs. On view in the Cope Gallery, MONA’s Audubon’s pairs stunning double elephant-sized prints from The Birds of America with their smaller octavo counterparts. In addition, Audubon’s mammals from his other impressive tome Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, in imperial and octavo sizes, are also included. Completing the theme, Audubon’s American Bison or Buffalo is joined by other depictions of bison by artists Roger Broer, William Darton, Martha Pettigrew, as well as an unknown artist. Together they honor the beauty and wildness of animals native to the Plains.
Solomon Butcher PhotographsJune 5 – August 10, 2007
Image: Solomon Butcher, The Shores family near Westerville, Custer County, Nebraska, 1887, black and white photograph, c. 1982-1984 (from glass plate negative in the Nebraska State Historical Society Collection), Gift of John Carter, Museum of Nebraska Art Collection. In the late 1800s, thousands came to Nebraska with dreams of a new and prosperous life under the Homestead Act, which allowed anybody the chance to become a landowner if the person settled and worked the untamed land for a period of five years. One of those migrating to this area with that intention was Solomon Butcher. Although he quickly became disenchanted with the notion of becoming a homesteader, he developed an admiration for those around him who toiled to survive and prosper on the harsh prairie. Inspired by the significance of their efforts, this seemingly unremarkable man had a most remarkable vision to capture the settlement of the plains in a photographic history.In 1886, with the help of his father, Butcher obtained a camera and equipment, converted a wagon into a traveling darkroom, and headed out to area homesteads to document the lives of these hardworking pioneers. For five years, Butcher traveled throughout Custer County, Nebraska taking over 1,500 photographs, all the while supporting himself with subscriptions and donations, and many times accepting food and lodging in exchange for a photographic print. His persistence paid off despite a few setbacks including a fire that destroyed the narrative accounts he created about the lives of those he photographed. In 1901 he produced Pioneer History of Custer County, Nebraska which was highly successful and inspired Butcher to continue his efforts in surrounding locales, almost doubling the size of his collection. Sod Houses or the Development of the Great American Plains: A Pictorial History of the Men and Means that have Conquered this Wonderful Country was published in 1904. Over time, the size of Butcher’s collection grew but the funding for his work didn’t and with the sheer volume of his work, his travels on the road became a very cumbersome task. In 1912, Butcher negotiated with Addison Sheldon, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Historical Society, to purchase his entire collection of over 3,500 glass plate negatives. Perhaps best known for his photographs of the distinctive sod house, Butcher’s work is regarded as the most important record of homesteading in America. With these photographs created in a relatively short period of time in Custer County, researchers are able to draw significant conclusions about the process of settlement. The enormity of this visual record is that nearly half of the population of Custer County, before the turn of the century, is depicted in these photographs. As you look into the faces of the young settlers posed proudly in front of their humble dwellings, you certainly have a sense of their range of emotions. From loneliness, frustration, and despair to determination, pride, and victory, one can’t help but realize that the accomplishments of the early homesteaders were born out of a sincere desire for something more. Although he died thinking himself to be a failure, Solomon Butcher’s insightful vision to photograph this moment in time proved to be a truly remarkable account of this important period of settlement in Nebraska. Solomon Butcher Photographs is a rotating selection of images in
conjunction with Journey Through Time: Art Tells the History
of Nebraska, Part
II, as MONA continues to pay tribute to Nebraska’s rich history. PROGRAMMING INFORMATIONArt Day CampsMedia techniques are adapted for the various age levels. All materials and snacks included.
M & M ClassesBack by popular demand, “Mayhem to Marvels” is a unique program for young children ages 4-6 that allows them to experience the Museum by viewing and creating their own masterpieces. Children may attend one, two, or three workshops. Choose from a morning or afternoon class time.
Art Camp: Clay PortraitsYour friends will be dazzled when they see your one-of-a-kind portrait made of clay and masonite board. Your head-and-shoulders relief portrait comes alive with bold colors and a variety of artistic media. You spend the week discovering new ways to paint, add texture, and embellish your portrait. Family and friends are encouraged to view our “Groupie” art show on Friday.
Nuno Felting Workshop for adultsThis tactile workshop involves a variety of textural fibers, colorful yarns, and a special way of layering. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands wet in this fun "hands-on" workshop using the Nuno felting technique to mingle wool fibers!
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Back to Top | Archives | Home | Contact | UNK | Copyright |
|
Comments Welcome - monet@unk.edu | |
Image: John James Audubon