Splendor of the Elements: The Hidden Beauty of American Indian Dance
Color photography by Wyoming artist Paula Wilcox
BIG HORN, Wyo (June 26, 2017) The Brinton Museum presents the exhibit, Splendor of the Elements: The Hidden Beauty of American Indian Dance, featuring vibrant, colorful photographs on high-gloss metal by Wyoming artist Paula A. Wilcox. Self-taught as a photographer, Paula’s fascination with Indian costume and culture began years ago in New Mexico when a friend who lives in Taos Pueblo, his wife, and children, invited Wilcox to one of the Taos Pueblo Community Dances. Since that time, Paula has visited numerous Pueblos in New Mexico where Indian dance is performed. She more recently attended Indian Pow Wows in Sheridan and Buffalo, as well as Crow Fair in Garryowen, Montana. Captivated by the splendid regalia of beaded leggings and exquisite belts, magnificent feathers and marvelous fabrics of all colors which lend themselves beautifully to the celebration of American Indian dance, Paula’s color photographs echo the spirit of American Indian culture. It is the amazing mix of color and motion that Wilcox so adeptly captures in her work. Images in The Brinton’s show are from a series of photographs taken at Crow Fair in 2016, representing both Crow and Northern Cheyenne clothing and art.
Splendor of the Elements: The Hidden Beauty of American Indian Dance opens with a reception to meet the artist on Saturday, July 8, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. This exhibit continues in the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Building’s first floor Northern Trust Gallery through August 6th.
“I have no formal training, aside from being self-guided,” says Wilcox. “The excitement with each dance and all the colors are a feast for my eyes. I hope to share this with others to bring color and movement to the eyes of the on-looker to lighten their spirit, make them smile with all the magic of the dance!” Paula Wilcox has been taking photos since she was 7 or 8 years old, “always just for fun”. She has indeed found her calling in photographing the hidden beauty of American Indian Dance.
About The Brinton Museum
Founded in 1960, The Brinton Museum is a fine arts institution devoted to preserving the art and history of the West. Located on the historic Quarter Circle A Ranch in the foothills of the majestic Bighorn Mountains, it features 19th, 20th and 21st century American and Indian Art in a historic Western setting. In 2016, the museum realized record attendance of more than 24,000 guests from all 50 states and 30 different countries. Regular admission to The Brinton Museum is $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and free for American Indians with tribal ID; active military, veterans and their families with military ID; and children 12 and under. The Brinton Museum offers individual, family and corporate memberships, featuring a number of benefits, including free reciprocal admission to hundreds of museums throughout the U.S.
Hours: Open Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Brinton Museum is located at 239 Brinton Rd., in Big Horn, WY.