Exhibition Opening - Bison Legacy: The Artistic Vision of Dwayne Harty and Capturing the Wild: Works by Carl Rungius

You are invited to the official exhibition opening of Bison Legacy: The Artistic Vision of Dwayne Harty and Capturing the Wild: Works by Carl Rungius on October 26th at the Whyte Museum. Included in the opening will be live performances from Kali Armstrong and Jim Averitt

The Whyte Museum is proud to present these exhibitions which will run from October 26th, 2024 to January 19th, 2025.

Bison Legacy: The Artistic Vision of Dwayne Harty
This exhibition explores the profound connection between humans and one of North America's most iconic wildlife species. Through the expressive works of Dwayne Harty, Bison Legacy chronicles the extraordinary journey of the bison from near extinction to cultural and ecological revival. This exhibition not only celebrates the bison's remarkable comeback but also honors the collaborative efforts in conservation and the vital role of Indigenous cultural restoration.
Harty envisions these exhibitions, along with Indigenous cultural celebrations and symposiums, as opportunities for communities to come together to reflect on the bison’s unique importance to the spirit of wilderness and to our collective imagination. The bison’s story is a reminder of our capacity to revitalize what was almost lost—a rebirth that touches us deeply and makes us more fully human.

Capturing the Wild: Works by Carl Rungius
Explore Capturing the Wild, an exhibition celebrating the remarkable work of Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius (1869–1959). Born in Germany and trained at the Berlin Kunstschule and Kunstakademie, Rungius developed his artistic skills through intensive studies of animal anatomy and his passion for the outdoors. His early experience sketching live animals and carcasses led to a realistic painting style that earned him recognition as North America's most important big-game naturalist painter.
His artistic journey brought him to Banff in 1910, where he was invited by local guide and outfitter Jimmy Simpson. This trip marked the beginning of Rungius’s lifelong connection to the Rockies, where he spent nearly five decades capturing the rugged beauty of the region.
Capturing the Wild showcases a selection of Rungius’s paintings and sketches from our collection, offering a glimpse into the evolution of his work. From dynamic depictions of wildlife to majestic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, Rungius’s art reflects his deep understanding of nature. His innovative approach of situating animals in their natural environments set a new standard in wildlife art. Join us as we celebrate Rungius’s legacy and his enduring influence on the art of the Canadian Rockies.

This event is free to attend. No tickets required.