Contemporary Makers

Monday, November 4, 2024

David Wright at THE BOOTH WESTERN ART MUSEUM - NOVEMBER 16, 2024

I've had quite a few folks ask about information about my Retrospective show reception opening at the Booth Western Art Museum on November 16.

First of all, allow me to say that for a great Western Art Museum to honor me with such a event - is more than I can adequately share my feelings. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art held such an exhibit for me in 2019. These come rarely in one's life, so I am indeed honored.

The show opens on November 16th and remains open til April. The opening reception is Saturday, November 16th and everyone is invited. The information about how to sign up is below. If you plan to spend a night, the hotel of choice is the Marriott Courtyard in Cartersville. Ask for the Booth Museum discount rate and maybe save a few dollars.

The charge to attend for the day is $35 per person, but if you wish to support the museum you purchase a $125 membership which allows you to visit anytime - and more. It is well worth it in my opinion. Jane and I have been members since they opened.

My thanks to all the folks who have relinquished their paintings and art for my exhibition. In addition to the artist's paintings hanging on the walls, which is normally what is shown, this time the museum has added additional items that I have included in my works. -- The kepi that General Cleburne is wearing in my painting "Cleburne" is the one he wore the day he was killed at the Battle of Franklin. The Tennessee State Museum is loaning the painting and the kepi. Also, noted Hawken rifles and other outstanding firearms shown in the three paintings I did for Jim Stokes will be included in the exhibit - and the noted Moses Walcutt powder horn in Jim & Carolyn Dresslar's painting; collector Tom Grinslade has agreed to loan. And more. All these generous donations make the show even better than just the paintings, and I can't thank enough all those who have given up their works to share with us.

FROM THE BOOTH WESTERN ART MUSEUM - NOVEMBER 16, 2024

Join us for the opening of this landmark retrospective exhibition featuring 30 of David’s greatest works from his 62-year career. Opening events include:

• A symposium on the life and times of the Mountain Men, featuring some of the top historians and fur trade reenactors in the country.

• An opening reception and talk by David Wright summarizing the highlights of his storied career.

• The opportunity to be among the first to view this amazing exhibit.

Booth Members – Free

Not-yet-members - $35 for all opening day activities (1:30 to 6:30 p.m.) must be purchased in advance before November 10. boothmuseum.org/event/member-opening-david-wright

David Wright has spent the last 62 years painting the subjects he is most passionate about, episodes in history, especially between the late 1700s and the mid-1800s. Please make your travel plans now to be with us on this historic occasion.

Seth says I will have to speak, but there are two panels speaking in the afternoon and they will be more interesting than me. They are very knowledgeable friends who know and will be speaking about the Fur Trade. Being involved with the history of the fur trade for many years, all these folks know their stuff. You'll enjoy them sharing their knowledge and stories. Here they are:

Clint Gilchrist is the Executive Director of the Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale, Wyoming. Starting as a volunteer in 1997, he has been involved with the organization for 27 years including serving on the Board of Trustees for eight years, President for two years, and Executive Director since 2017, facilitating projects to share the history of the mountain man and rendezvous era. Clint helped found and has served on the editorial board of the annual Rocky Mountain Fur Trade Journal since its establishment in 2007.

Jim Hardee has served as the director of the Fur Trade Research Center since 1998, and has researched, written and presented extensively on the Rocky Mountain fur trade. He edited The Rocky Mountain Fur Trade Journal from 2009 to 2018, and again in 2023 and 2024. Jim’s two-volume The Western Expeditions of Nathaniel J. Wyeth was completed with the publication of Hope Maintains Her Throne. He is also the author of Pierre's Hole! The History of a Fur Trade Landmark.

Dr. Jay Buckley is an Associate Professor of History at Brigham Young University. He is the author of William Clark: Indian Diplomat and co-author of By His Own Hand?: The Mysterious Death of Meriwether Lewis; Zebulon Pike, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West; Great Plains Forts, and six other books. He is a regular speaker at the Museum of the Mountain Man and author in the Rocky Mountain Fur Trade Journal.

Dr. Scott “Doc Ivory” Olsen is a retired dentist and has authored or co authored the UMO Handbook, the Cayuse Handbook, the Ledgers and Gear of the Fur trade , and other magazine articles on the fur trade. He has been featured in National Geographic Hard Riders reality series and magazine, TV series on INSP “Into the Wild Frontier”, and “Tall Tales of Jim Bridger” , and internationally for the series “Montana Wild” currently featured on Netflix and Amazon Prime. Documentaries such as the Life of Robert Campbell and many modeling sessions for over 30 western artists. Has ridden over 3500 miles over 38 years in the saddle

Richard Ashburn is a seasoned backcountry horse guide with more than 35 years of experience in the stunning Yellowstone ecosystem. Richard transports clients into the heart of nature, often dressed in authentic 1840s attire, creating unforgettable experiences. He has ridden thousands of miles across the West, embracing the lifestyle of the American Mountain Men. Featured in National Geographic and involved in various film projects, Richard now educates thousands at the Museum of the Mountain Men about this captivating history.

Dr. Richard (Dick) Patton has had a professional career as an animal nutrition consultant. Formal training was Penn State, Purdue and Virginia Tech. Dr. Patton has worked in 28 countries transferring technical insight for the benefit of animals and their owners. Fascinated with mountain men and antique firearms from early childhood, his first of over 30 rides in the Rocky Mountains recreating the endeavors and challenges of the mountain men was in 1977. A published author, he has authored magazine articles about the American fur trade.