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In 1842, the geologist and land surveyor John C. Fremont led a prestigious expedition to explore the Rocky Mountain territory. In his travel log Fremont records an unlikely high‐altitude encounter with a bumblebee where he imagines each of them to be the first of their species ever to brave such geological extremes.

This unlikely encounter is suggestive of America's unique brand of landscape nationalism that has historically attempted to reconcile both expansionist and conservationist thought. Romantic descriptions of Fremont's adventures were published in the Emigrant's Guide to California and effectively united the interests of science and nature within the cultural framework of national inheritance. After all, “landscapes are culture before they are nature; constructs of the imagination projected onto wood and water and rock.”

“The Mountain and the Bumble Bee” brings together selected works by contemporary artists and poets who confront broadly defined notions of landscape as both cultural icon and raw material. Working in a variety of media, including photography, sculpture, painting, digital, and poetic verse, featured artists maneuver the complex web of references contributing to our understanding of landscape. Scenes from Hollywood westerns abut survey photographs and miniature paintings to highlight America's often‐contradictory role as both steward and exploiter of the land.

Participating visual artists and poets:

Rick Barot, Patrick Bizarro, Robin Clarke, Mathew Conboy, Todd Davis, Wesley Dunning, Heather Green, B.A. Harrington, Chele Isaac, Chris McGinnis, Erika Osborne, Josh Reiman, Gwyneth Scally, and Meg Shevenock

There will be a reception and Artist Talk with Heather Green on October 30, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 118A, Sprowls Hall.

Some additional events include:

• Curator (Chris McGinnis) Q&A on November 12 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Room 118A, Sprowls Hall. Light refreshments will be provided.
• Poetry Reading featuring Patrick Bizarro and Wesley Dunning on November 20 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Kipp Gallery, Sprowls Hall. Light refreshments will be provided.

Gallery Hours

Monday through Friday: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Closed weekends and university holidays
Reminder: Kipp Gallery will be closed November 24-30 for Thanksgiving.