BAM showcases ‘American West’ in new exhibit

BELLEFONTE — Paintings, photography and artifacts will capture the spirit of the American West in a new exhibit, Sunday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Bellefonte Art Museum, 133 N. Allegheny St.

‘Saddle Up: Art and Artifacts of the Old West’ is the story of western expansion primarily during the second half of the 19th century. It’s the history of the pioneers moving across Native American lands, opening new frontiers and causing devastating changes to native life. It also is the stories cowboys — of true grit vs. the romantic myth of the American cowboy.

Landscape paintings and photographs document the beauty of native lands, including dramatic scenes of majestic mountains and stark deserts. Artifacts serve to give a glimpse of trail life with saddles, blankets and spurs. There are even scenes from classic western movies such ‘The Magnificent Seven’ and ‘Tombstone.’

The historic West became the home to people with a variety of customs, beliefs and ways of living. Even though exploring new lands and setting trails for future travelers is a thing of the past, the westward expansion has given way to a timeless legacy of adventure and exploration.

Programming to accompany the exhibition includes music, storytelling and poetry. Richard Sleigh will play guitar and sing Sunday, Aug. 6, and Rowen Casey, of Nashville, will play the fiddle Sunday, Sept. 10.