Photographs by Kurt Markus capture rugged glory of the West
The Hockaday Museum of Art is pleased to announce the opening of "Buckaroo - The Photographs of Kurt Markus" on Thursday. The exhibit, on display through May 14, is generously sponsored by Glacier Bank.
This exhibit is the debut of Markus' work in Montana and the only other exhibition of this work in the United States since its initial showing at the Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Markus was born in Roundup in 1947 and now lives in Kalispell.
His timeless photographs explore the rugged yet romantic spirit of the cowboy. Through this significant body of work, Markus reveals an era that is all but forgotten today.
In his photography, Markus documents a life style of solitude and difficulty, yet to the viewers, a sense of romance; a hard life of plain food, plain surroundings, horses, and exposure to the elements, and yet a simple life free of inherent stress.
His photographic style is reminiscent of the same poetic manner that Montana cowboy artist Charles M. Russell rendered in paint and bronze at the turn of the century. Markus, a truly amazing photographer of the fashion and travel industry, is today an internationally renowned photographer.
On the evening of Thursday, two ticketed opening receptions for the exhibit will be held at the Hockaday Museum of Art from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and from 7 to 8:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for nonmembers and free for Museum at Central School or Hockaday Museum of Art members. Space is limited and tickets may not be available at the door. To reserve tickets, call 755-5268.
Also on Thursday at 1 p.m., Kurt Markus will give a photography workshop and slide show at The Museum at Central School. Space is limited; call 756-8381 to purchase tickets. After this workshop and slide show, Markus will sign books upon request. The cost is $40 for Hockaday and Central School members, $50 for non-members, and $55 at the door, if space is available.
The 20-minute director's highlight tours of the "Buckaroo" exhibit will be held March 23 at 1 p.m. and April 1, at 3 p.m. Tours are free to members and free with regular museum admission for non-members.
On April 15-16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the public is invited to visit the Hockaday Museum of Art free of charge, courtesy of Glacier Bank.
In conjunction with this exhibition, signed copies of Kurt Markus' latest book "Cowpunchers" will be available for purchase at the Hockaday Museum of Art and The Museum at Central School.
The Hockaday Museum features the art and culture of Montana and the artists of Glacier National Park. It is located at 302 Second Ave. East in downtown Kalispell. Daily admission to the museum is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students, and $1 for youth, with free admission for members. The museum's hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 755-5268 or visit www.hockadaymuseum.org.
The Museum at Central School is located at 124 Second Ave. E. in downtown Kalispell, and can be reached at 756-8381 or www.yourmuseum.org