First Gallery
Bison Puzzle
This exhibit allows visitors to delve into bison biology and physiology through physical interaction with life-sized reproductions of bison bones and organs, while an accompanying video from the Canadian Museum of Nature traces the path of a bison’s digestive system.
I AM BISON
I AM BISON is a debut art installation by Virginia-based artist Patty Swygert. The show opened at the National Buffalo Museum on Friday, November 27th, 2021 with a virtual opening reception and artist talk on December 4th.
Swygert is a conceptual and visual sculptor and fiber artist. Her installation uses paint, ink, earth pigments, soil, dyes, thread and yarn on paper, fabric, and found objects, to offer glimpses of the iconic National Mammal, from prehistory through present day. The installation features over 20 two-and three-dimensional works created by Swygert specifically for the National Buffalo Museum’s space.
Asked what inspired her about this project, Swygert said, “I love stories, especially those which feature an underdog and involve numbers. The story of the bison has both of those characteristics. From the first animals which crossed into North America from Asia, bison flourished until millions roamed the continent for perhaps millions of years before being reduced to fewer than 1,000 animals in just a few decades and then brought back from the brink of extinction.”I AM BISON is on view from November 27, 2020, to November 6, 2021.
National Buffalo Foundation’s Buffalo Hall of Fame
Since the latter half of the 19th century, conservationists, preservationists, politicians, private ranchers, Native American tribes, and other advocates have contributed to the restoration of the bison from near extinction.
The Buffalo Hall of Fame was established by the National Buffalo Foundation (then called the National Buffalo Association) in 1980 to honor those who have made significant contributions to help restore the American bison. It honors both historic and contemporary individuals who have helped to advance bison restoration in North America.
The National Buffalo Foundation continues to administer the Hall of Fame, which is one of the National Buffalo Museum’s foundational exhibits.
North Dakota Pottery
This exhibit highlights representative examples of bison themed pottery originating in North Dakota. Various North Dakota pottery producers have been inspired to represent bison in their work. This exhibit spans mid-20th century styles to more contemporary examples of North Dakota pottery, from both large producers and individual ceramic artists.
This exhibit was made possible in large part by members of the North Dakota Pottery Collectors Society (NDPCS).
