Senate Subcommittee Considers ‘National' Designation of Jackson Museum

Press Release

The National Wildlife Art Museum in Jackson deserves that title, according to Dr. James C. McNutt, President and CEO of the institution.

McNutt submitted testimony to the Senate Energy Subcommittee on National Parks. The panel held a hearing today to consider Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, which has been introduced by U.S. Senator Mike Enzi and cosponsored by U.S. Senator Craig Thomas, both R-Wyo. The measure would officially designate the Jackson gallery as a "national" museum.

A national designation for the museum is not an attempt to acquire federal funding, according to McNutt, but rather an attempt to secure a national reputation and awareness of the museum.

"Then the Museum can proceed to explore humanity's relationship with nature through art, and provide access to that wealth for a diverse spectrum of Americans," McNutt said in his prepared remarks. "A national designation for our museum represents a Congressional endorsement for uniting the highest accomplishments in the arts and sciences with an acknowledgement of the importance of our natural resources and the environment, particularly wildlife and the habitats that sustain them… Trustees and Board members of the Museum represent states across the country."

"As it should, a national designation signifies something unique that belongs to all of the people of our nation. Wildlife museums are not unusual in the United States . Art museums are not unusual in the United States . This museum, however, sets itself apart from all the others as it focuses on wildlife art," Enzi said in remarks submitted to the committee. "The national designation would acknowledge that a major museum in Wyoming is the most important museum of its kind in the nation."

Thomas is a member of the Senate Energy Committee and the ranking member of the National Parks Subcommittee.

"Designating the Jackson gallery as a national museum underscores the importance of nature and wildlife in Wyoming culture. I believe the national recognition will further our appreciation of wildlife in art," Thomas said.

The senators are hopeful the museum legislation, now that a hearing has been held, will be added to the full committee's business calendar so it can be voted on and passed to the Senate floor for further consideration. Representative Barbara Cubin, R-Wyo., has introduced companion legislation in the House.

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