University Museums opened an exhibit that features the works of two great Iowans and their passion for wildlife conservation. 

Last Thursday evening a reception was held at the Brunnier Art Museum to celebrate the opening of “In Pursuit of Wildlife Conservation: The Art of Jay N. Darling and Maynard Reece.” The reception included presentations by President Steven Leath; Lynette Polhman, director and chief curator of University Museums; and Maynard Reece, artist featured in the exhibit. 

Each shared their excitement for this exhibit as well as their gratitude toward Reece and his family who gave a painting for University Museums to add to its permanent collection.  

“Maynard Reece is my favorite artist,” said Leath, who has a couple of paintings that usually hang in his office but will be part of the exhibition until December. “It’s important that, as a science and agriculture school, we have an opportunity to have these painting and sketches. They can be used to teach us. … We really want a balanced education, and it’s important to take advantage of this. Students need to know a little about where they came from as agriculture and science students.” 

“In Pursuit of Wildlife Conservation” is a collection of 75 etchings by Jay N. Darling, including Darling’s 1934 original “Duck Stamp” and etching. The exhibition also includes 30 paintings by Maynard Reece, including five paintings for the Federal Duck Stamps and a newly commissioned painting to commemorate Reece and Darlings relationship with wildlife. This is the largest collection of Darling’s art in one place at the same time. 

Darling developed and created the Federal Duck Stamp Program in 1934 which is directed towards wetland refuges for wildlife. Millions of acres have been rescued, restored and preserved. Darling was a political cartoonist, Pulitzer Prize winner and won a Duck Stamp Award. Reece was mentored and befriended by Darling, who has won five Duck Stamp Awards and holds the record for most won. 

When asked how he feels about so many of his and Darling’s paintings all being in one place at the same time, Reece said: “It’s a lot of hard work.” 

The exhibition runs from Aug. 29 to Dec. 20 in the Brunnier Art Museum in the Scheman Building. There is a gallery guide for purchase that goes along with the exhibit and features an essay by award-winning wildlife conservation author Tim Davis. 

For information regarding the exhibition or museum hours, contact University Museums.