At The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, a powerful new exhibition is inviting visitors to reconsider everything they thought they knew about one of the most misunderstood animals in the wild. “Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan” is a traveling photography exhibit curated by The National Museum of Wildlife Art and the National Geographic Society.
The exhibit centers on the work of Ronan Donovan, a renowned wildlife photographer known for his work with National Geographic. This exhibition will present stunning photography and videos of wild wolves living in two very different environments: the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in the American West and Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic. These locations were chosen to highlight the contrast in behaviors between wolves that live in proximity to humans and those that don’t.
The images are meant to show that there’s more to wolves than a reputation of being dangerous wild dogs. They’re powerful, intelligent, social mammals that have evolved to live in family structures similar to humans. Exhibit visitors are encouraged to think beyond a fear-based narrative in exchange for a more nuanced understanding of wolves.
Young museum guests can also imagine life as a wolf through a special interactive activity. Explorers will use their gamebook to hunt for different pieces of art and make the same decisions a wolf would. It’s also a great way to connect with and learn about wolves.
Programming that enhances your visit
The museum also offers visitors the opportunity to deep dive the exhibit through a series of accompanying informative programs. Family Day: Wild About Wolves on May 16 allow families to drop in for a puppet show, scavenger hunts, and the opportunity to create your own paw-inspired print to take home.
There will also be the fourth annual Menagerie at the Museum on August 15. Visitors can encounter live animals up close and indoors with some of Pinellas County’s most loved animal rescue and wildlife conservation organizations. Then, they can head up to explore the Wolves exhibit, and experience the intersection between art and wildlife education…