"World of the Wild" Exhibition at Merrill-Cazier Library
The Merrill-Cazier Library at Utah State University presents World of the Wild, an exhibition of artwork curated from Utah’s Hogle Zoo’s annual art show. Running from June 4 to July 9 in the atrium of the library, World of the Wild depicts the wild plants and animals housed at the zoo and that live in nature around us.
The depiction of animals is an ancient practice that dates back to prehistoric times, when migration and hunting patterns were recorded on the walls of caves. Paintings such as these exist worldwide, such as in the caves of Lascaux, France or Altamira, Spain. Animal depictions also hold religious or spiritual ties. The ancient Egyptians drew and modeled animals with great care based upon the observation of nature. In the western United States, the Fremont and Anasazi Indians drew animal images as a form of spiritual empowerment, and the lamb plays a significant role in the Christian diaspora. Today, animals are recorded in art for many of these same reasons, and more –- as representations of power or influence, records from scientific exploration and as a form of historical preservation when highlighting contemporary issues of species loss. Wildlife artists such as James Audubon have been instrumental in raising public awareness of endangered species.
By highlighting animals and plants in the wild, this exhibition strives to educate viewers on the challenges faced by artists and techniques used when depicting animals. Additionally, this exhibition strives to draw public awareness to and increase appreciation for the animals and fragile ecosystems depicted.
The exhibition may be viewed during regular library hours. Accompanying educational materials are available. The library has also created a small companion exhibit in the Hatch Room highlighting selected animal-themed materials from its Special Collections. For more information on viewing the exhibition, please call 435-797-0668 or go to https://library.usu.edu/.
About Utah Arts & Museums and the Traveling Exhibit Program
Utah Arts & Museums’ Traveling Exhibit Program is a statewide outreach program that provides schools, museums, libraries and community galleries with the opportunity to bring curated exhibitions to their community. This program is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information on participating in the program, please contact Fletcher Booth at fbooth@utah.gov or call 801.824.9177. For media inquiries, please contact Alyssa Hickman Grove, at ag rove@utah.gov or call 801.236.7548.
Utah Arts & Museums is a division of the Utah Department of Heritage and Arts (DHA). To enrich the quality of life for the people of Utah, DHA creates, preserves and promotes heritage and arts. The division provides funding, education and technical services to individuals and organizations statewide so that all Utahns, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or economic status, can access, understand and receive the benefits of arts and culture. Additional information on the programs and services can be found at artsandmuseums.utah.gov or by calling 801.236.7555.
Contact: Gaby LeBeau, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, 435-797-0668
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