The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is offering a rare opportunity for both art lovers and history enthusiasts. They’re giving visitors the chance to experience one of the most influential photographic bodies of work in American history. From now through March 29, 2026, you can explore Edward S. Curtis: Photographer of His Time, where visitors can delve into Curtis’ decades-long career and his enduring impact on American art.
This limited-time exhibition is included with museum admission, so get your tickets before it’s gone. The museum is located at 150 Central Avenue.
Edward S. Curtis (1858–1952) is best known for The North American Indian. This ambitious early 20th-century publication documented Native American cultures across the American West. His photos feature a striking collection of sepia-toned photographic portraits. His early work reflects the emotive qualities of Romanticism and Pictorialism. His later works echo the bold experimentation of Modernism and the grounded realism of Regionalism. The 80+ works featured in the exhibition follow this artistic evolution. It illustrates Curtis as a modern creative who adapted to the cultural and aesthetic trends of his time.
Portraits that tell a story
The heart of the exhibition features the Portrait Gallery Installation. This is a unique display of the individuals who shaped Curtis’ vision. It features 84 Native American portraits, roughly one from each tribe Curtis visited as part of The North American Indian. The installation reminds visitors that these were not just subjects, but active participants in his work. The museum’s research team has worked to uncover the stories and identities of sitters whose names were never recorded. This initiative revives each portrait’s context. It’s also a rare chance to see these faces together and appreciate the people behind the images, not just the art itself…