BBHC Resident Fellowship Program explores photography and geology links in the West

With a multitude of data, the Hayden Survey introduced the world to Yellowstone National Park. The expedition’s remarkable photographs are part of an illustrated presentation by Dr. Andrew E. Hershberger of Bowling Green State University, Ohio, (BGSU) on Thursday, July 14, 2 p.m. at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center’s Coe Auditorium. The program focuses on the past and present relationships between photography and geology in the American West, as well as the U.S. Geological Survey or USGS-era immediately following the Civil War—including those famous Hayden surveys of Yellowstone.

The program begins at 2 p.m. and is free to the public. This presentation is part of an ongoing series sponsored by the Center’s Resident Fellowship Program.

“When studying the history of photography, the photographs created in the territories of the American West following the Civil War stand out as a group for their interdisciplinary complexity and sheer beauty,” Hershberger says. “The fact that these images were most frequently (but not always) created for the use of USGS geologists and scientists makes their aesthetic appeal all the more interesting to discuss.”

According to Hershberger, for well over a century since they were created, these images have been the subject of some debate. “Numerous art, photographic, and scientific historians have disagreed with each other about how best to characterize the landscape photographs created by USGS-era photographers such as William Henry Jackson, Timothy H. O’Sullivan, William H. Bell, and John K. Hillers, among others,” Hershberger adds.

As Associate Professor of Contemporary Art History and Chair of Art History at BGSU, Hershberger has published multiple peer-reviewed articles on a broad spectrum of topics related to the history of photography. Included in those works were stories on photographers as diverse as Felice Beato, Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre, Jay Dusard, and Minor White, and on photographic theorists such as Rosalind Krauss and André Malraux.

Hershberger received his PhD from Princeton University in 2001, and he holds other degrees from Princeton, the University of Chicago, and the University of Arizona as well. He is nearing completion on a large anthology project entitled Photographic Theory, to be published in 2012. Hershberger’s lecture at the Historical Center is connected to his new anthology project, currently titled “Photography and Geology.”

For his fellowship, Hershberger has spent three weeks researching in the rich collections of the McCracken Research Library and the Whitney Gallery of Western Art at the Center. His goal has been to make comparisons between USGS-era texts with corresponding original photographs by the USGS-era photographers. Hershberger compares that material with newer published re-photographs and texts by contemporary photographers like Mark Klett, and alongside USGS-era paintings and prints by Thomas Moran who joined the Hayden survey of Yellowstone in 1871.

By selecting and juxtaposing numerous texts and images, Hershberger’s proposed anthology does two things. First, it highlights the changes in western landscapes and photographic interpretations of them since the 1870s. Secondly, it studies the variations in land use practices within “Old West” versus “New West” cultures.

As Hershberger put it, “Given the prominence of W.H. Jackson’s 1871 photographs of Yellowstone within the USGS-era, and given their famous impact on the creation of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, the Center’s location in Cody, Wyoming, and its rich USGS-era holdings, makes the Historical Center the logical—even ideal—base of operations for this new anthology project.”

Attendees should alert the Center’s admissions staff that they’re on hand to attend the lecture. For more information, e-mail Linda Clark atlindac@bbhc.org or call 307.578.4043.

Committed to connecting people with the Spirit of the American West, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center weaves the varied threads of the western experience—history and myth, art and Native culture, firearms technology and the nature of Yellowstone—into the rich panorama that is the American West. The Center, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is now operating its summer schedule, open daily, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. For general information, visit www.bbhc.org, or call 307.587.4771.

Photo: Crater of Castle Geyser. Photo by William Henry Jackson, 1872. NPS photo. k#64,211

Gov. Freudenthal signs Archaeology Awareness Month proclamation

From a SPCR press release:

Governor Dave Freudenthal, citing “Wyoming’s enduring bond between past and present in the fabric of human society, recently proclaimed September Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month during a brief ceremony in his office.

Gov. Freudenthal was joined during the proclamation signing by members of the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service and the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

During the ceremony, Gov. Freudenthal was presented with a framed copy of this year’s poster which features the Tolar Petroglyph Site in Southwestern Wyoming.

The site contains the well preserved image of a Comanche warrior on horseback, elaborately carved into sandstone bedrock and strikingly contrasted with the dark natural varnish of the cliff face. The panel design is likely more than two centuries old.

The site is valued by several Indian nations as a sacred and honored place. The glyph used on this year’s Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month poster was chosen with the concurrence of the Comanche, Eastern Shoshone, Ute, and Northern Arapaho tribes, a cross-cultural collaboration that benefits all of Wyoming.

“This is a wonderful site and a great opportunity for visitors to see an example of Wyoming culture and history,” Lance Porter of the BLM’s Rock Springs Field Office said. The Tolar Site is located just off I-80 on BLM land.

The WAAM celebration includes the 12th Annual George C. Frison Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology sponsored lecture by Ted Goebel, from the Center for the Study of the First Americans at Texas A&M University. The lecture will be held at the University of Wyoming on September 23.

The 2010 WAAM poster is available free of charge, and may be picked up at the State Historic Preservation Office, Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne, or in Laramie in the Anthropology Building located at 12th and Lewis, Room 312. The posters are also available via mail with a $10 charge to cover mailing costs. Limit one poster per person. Send your request along with a check or money order payable to “Wyoming Archaeology Month” and your name and mailing address to: Judy Wolf, State Historic Preservation Office, Wyoming Archaeology Month, Dept. 3431, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071.

The 2010 WAAM t-shirts and caps are available at the State Museum Store in Cheyenne, or via http://wyoshpo.state.wy.us/pdf/orderform.pdf  Short-sleeve shirts are available at a cost of $16. Shirts in sizes 2XL are available for an additional $1.50. Long-sleeved shirts are available for $23. Add $1.50 for size 2XL. Caps are available for $15 and chef’s aprons for $20. Proceeds benefit WAAM activities.

For more information about WAAM, please visit http://wyoshpo.state.wy.us/AAmonth/Index.aspx.

"Flakes, Jugs and Splitters" slide show and book signing June 2 at UW

From a UW press release:

"Flakes, Jugs & Splitters: The Geology of Rock Climbing," a free slide show and book signing by geologist, writer and climber Sarah Garlick, is scheduled Wednesday, June 2, at 7 p.m. in Room 133 of the University of Wyoming Classroom Building.

A UW alumna, Garlick brings the stories behind the boulders, cliffs and mountains of the world's top climbing destinations. She tells about granite, limestone and sandstone features gleaned from her adventures in Yosemite, Patagonia and Newfoundland.

"Offering an irresistible combination of plucky adventure stories and well-informed, clearly explained science, Sarah Garlick's presentation of the award winning ‘Flakes, Jugs and Splitter' was the surprise hit of the 2009 Banff Book Festival. Don't pass up an opportunity to hear Sarah speak," according to reviewer Freddie Wilkinson.

Cross Country Connection and the UW Outdoor Program sponsor the presentation. For more information visit: www.rockclimbinggeology.com or call (307) 721-2851.

Photo: Spectacular geology such as this is featured in Sarah Garlick's "Flakes, Jugs and Splitter." She will sign copies of the book and show slides Wednesday, June 2. (Jim Surette Photo)

Discover "East of Yellowstone" with geologist and author Bob Carson

Geologist and professor Robert J. Carson has just written a new guidebook for northwest Wyoming titled East of Yellowstone. Recently published, the book covers geology of the Clarks Fork Valley, the nearby Beartooth Mountains and Absaroka Mountains, and the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming and Montana-all areas outside the eastern border of Yellowstone National Park.

On May 26, 11 a.m., Carson shares his work in a slide show and talk at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center's Coe Auditorium. The presentation is free to the public, and afterward, Carson autographs copies of his book at the Center's Museum Store where his book is for sale.

Covering some 166 miles in the region, Carson's book has five separate road logs to guide area visitors through the Beartooth Mountains and along the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway and adjoining roads to vistas of rugged mountains and scenic valleys. Of particular interest are the enigmatic Heart Mountain detachment, the Absaroka volcanic activity, and area Pleistocene glaciation. The book has seven geologic maps and ten topographic maps with trails outlined as well as an extraordinary collection of photographs.

Carson is the Grace Farnsworth Phillips Professor of Geology and Environmental Studies at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. He earned a BA in geology from Cornell University at Ithaca, New York; an MS from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a doctorate from the University of Washington.

His interests lie in the earth and environmental sciences, and he teaches courses that deal with resources and pollution, human interaction with the biosphere, glaciers, volcanoes, water, landforms, and natural hazards. A whitewater guide and a member of the American Alpine Club, he has led field trips in Africa, Eurasia, South America, and throughout North America. His other books include Where the Great River Bends and Hiking Guide to Washington Geology.

The Historical Center's Draper Museum of Natural History Curator Dr. Charles R. Preston calls the Carson book, "A robust and highly engaging portrait of the geological history and features of one of the most fascinating natural theaters in the world. This book will absolutely enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Greater Yellowstone region."

For additional information, contact Jennifer McDonald at jenniferm@bbhc.org or 307-578-4121

For general information, visit http://www.bbhc.org/ or call 307-587-4771.

Teton County Library's "Geologists of Jackson Hole" series explores Iceland

Geologists of Jackson Hole: “How The Earth Was Made: Iceland.” On Tuesday, May 4, 6 p.m. Presented with the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, this film hunts for clues to the mystery of what powerful forces are ripping Iceland apart and lighting its fiery volcanoes. Here lava rips huge tears in the ground and new islands are born from the waves. Yet Iceland has a history of being covered in, and carved by ice. Locked in a titanic battle, fire and ice collide as glaciers explode and cataclysmic floods decimate the landscape. Iceland's volcanoes have had ramifications far beyond the shores of Iceland, causing climatic chaos and devastation across the planet; a fate which may one day happen again. Cost: Free. Location: Teton County Library's Ordway Auditorium. Contact: Adult Humanities Coordinator, Oona Doherty, 733-2164 ext. 135 or odoherty@tclib.org.

Attention ceramic artists: HANDBUILDING conference set for May 28-30 in Atlanta

Ceramic Arts Daily featured this:

The HANDBUILDING conference May 28-30 in Atlanta will bring together a diverse group of ceramic artists to demonstrate, share and answer any questions you have. Each presentation will involve all steps of the process, from the type of clay, to forming, finishing and firing.

This conference will help you build upon your existing skills and learn new techniques that will take your work to the next level.

Space is Limited.

Register today at https://www.pubservice.com/pr/PQConference/handbuilding.aspx?

Deadline to SAVE $75 ON REGISTRATION ends March 21, 2010.

Deadline to Reserve your Hotel for a discounted rate, ends Wednesday, April 28, 2010
　
What you will learn:
* Learn how to make colored clay patterns,and how to use it in several different ways.
* Develop these techniques to add to your resume: utilize thrown & altered elements, coils, slabs, incising, sgraffito, ‘poor man’s Mishima,’ slip-trailing & inlay, carving, press-molding, texturing, tearing, slumping and bumping.
* Participants will learn the innovative, straightforward
*Patz Process Ceramic Technique* which is a method of connecting clay forms to make creative animal sculptures or figures in clay. Attendees will also learn how this technique is used to attach clay appendages to traditional pottery such as; pinch pots, slab work, coil built pieces and wheel thrown pottery.
* Learn the broomstick technique that shows how colored clays and textures can be added to the form while the clay is taking shape.
* Learn how to hand build functional pots which have good form, function well, and have a sensitivity to the human touch as well as other senses.
* Understand how to apply texture to soft slabs using found objects, cut out inlaid shapes, clay stamps and bisque molds of textured surfaces which the clay is rolled on, producing a full
slab of texture.
* Learn how to make various pottery forms starting from a basic cylinder of clay, which is altered by cutting darts or pinching, and pushing out the clay to round out the form. Alternate ways of treating the bottom of a pot with regard to added feet or foot rings will be included, as well as various types of handles made from slabs and coils.
　
Host is Spruill Center for the Arts, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30338
Phone: (770) 394-3447
Website: http://www.spruillarts.org/

FOR WYOMING CERAMIC ARTISTS: The Wyoming Arts Council provides Individual Artist Professional Development grants to help defray costs of conference registration, travel and lodging. For more information, go to http://www.wyomingartscouncil.org/ and find IAPD category under the "Grants" link on the left sidebar.

"Please don't tease the rattlesnakes"

Samuel Western, winner of a Wyoming Arts Council creative writing fellowship in 2000, wrote an article for WyoFile about the Vore Buffalo Jump near Sundance. It starts off with a bang (or maybe we should say "bite"):

...A sign warns: Please do not tease the rattlesnakes.

Not your normal tourist welcome message perhaps. But for all its lack of charm, the Vore Buffalo Jump is an utterly remarkable place. For anyone traveling in the Black Hills or visiting Devils Tower in northeast Wyoming, in fact, this amazing and little-known phenomenon is worth a short detour...

Read full article...

Where in the world is Wyoming?

Kenneth Foote will present the keynote address for Geography Awareness Week Thursday, Nov. 19, at 3:30 p.m. in Room 133 of the University of Wyoming Classroom Building in Laramie.

Foote, professor of geography at the University of Colorado, Boulder, will discuss "European Memory: Conflicts and Commemorations Across and Beyond Borders." Foote has written seven books and dozens of other publications, and received the J.B. Jackson Prize from the Association of American Geographers.

Other events for Geography Awareness Week include a Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center (WyGISC) open house Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. on the third floor of the College of Agriculture building and a student geography bowl Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Gardens.

C.J. Box writes intro for Yellowstone mapguide

The new "Yellowstone and Beyond" mapguide from National Geographic features an introduction by Cheyenne author C.J. Box, nominated this year for an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America. The intro mixes a bit of first-person narrative with history and local color.

Read the intro --and download (or order) a copy of the mapguide -- at http://www.yellowstonegeotourism.org/. The site also features an interactive map of the region.

National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations has published an entire series of these publications devoted to Geotourism: "The kind of travel that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents."