Glacier National Park recently acquired 21 historic, original paintings thanks to a donation from Glacier Park, Inc.
The paintings, which are all believed to have been created between 1909-1915, have been on display at Lake McDonald Lodge, Many Glacier Hotel, Rising Sun Motor Inn and the Two Medicine Campstore in the park.
The paintings were originally commissioned by the Great Northern Railway, and were intended to be displayed in the hotels, motels, and lodges in the park.
Created by well-known twentieth-century artists such as John Fery, Frank Stick, R.H. Palenske, Charles Defeo, and Richmond, the paintings are all oil-on-canvas, and depict many beautiful scenes and landmarks in and around Glacier National Park. The works range in size from 2.5 feet x 1.5 feet, to almost 6 feet x 12 feet.
In staying with the spirit of the people who originally commissioned these paintings, the donation was given on the agreement that the art will be displayed as it was originally intended – in the park’s lodging areas. Plaques will be placed alongside the works, to acknowledge the dedication.
Head up to the park and check out these paintings for a unique look into Glacier National Park’s past, and get a feel for how much it has changed since the early 1900s.
I am very interested to learn more about these paintings….are there more images of the 21 paintings online somewhere? Thank you!