What happens when some of the world’s finest artists turn their attention to the creatures we share the planet? The answer comes alive this fall in Idaho Falls, where Art & the Animal will transform the galleries of The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho into a celebration of fur, feather, scale, and spirit.
Opening Oct. 11 and running through Jan. 3, the exhibition comes from the Society of Animal Artists (SAA)—a group that has been setting the standard for wildlife and animal art since 1960. Each year, their juried show draws submissions from around the globe, and only the best of the best are selected. The result is a breathtaking collection that ranges from hyper-realistic portraits of animals in their natural environments to bold, expressive works that capture the pulse of life itself.
Wander through the show and you might lock eyes with a lion whose gaze seems to follow you across the room, pause in front of a sculpture that conveys the delicate tension of wings mid-flight, or smile at the quiet familiarity of a dog at rest. The works are diverse, but together they speak to the deep and timeless connection between humans and the animal world.
Opening day promises to be as dynamic as the art itself. On Saturday, Oct. 11, visitors can watch live artist demonstrations from 1–2p.m., followed by an artist Q&A from 3-4 p.m.
The museum has also taken care to make the exhibition engaging for younger audiences. With sponsorship from the Green Kids Club, the audio tour will be narrated by local children Andy (13) and Arianna (9), whose youthful voices invite families to experience the art through fresh eyes. The Idaho Museum of Natural History and Idaho Fish and Game have added another dimension by loaning animal artifacts that visitors can touch and explore—bridging the gap between art and the world it represents.
Whether you’re an art devotee, an animal enthusiast, or simply someone curious about the beauty of nature, Art & the Animal offers something rare: the chance to experience an international exhibition of this caliber right here in Idaho Falls.
