The Yellowstone Art Museum recently opened an exhibition featuring the work of fifth-generation Big Timber rancher Barbara Van Cleve. Through Her Lens: The Photographs of Barbara Van Cleve is a selection of 50 stunning black and white photographs of ranch life, often taken from horseback by the internationally celebrated artist.
Van Cleve’s lifelong commitment to photography ignited at age 11 when her parents gifted her a “Brownie” camera. Growing up on the Lazy K Bar Ranch in the eastern shadows of the Crazy Mountains (Awaxaawippíia), she turned her lens toward what she knew best: cattle ranching, horses, and the surrounding landscape. Ever since, Van Cleve’s discerning eye has captured sweeping landscapes and intimate moments from an authentic, well-lived working ranch life that is both cherished and vanishing.
Van Cleve has long been a champion of women in ranching, and Northern Plains is proud to sponsor a free panel discussion on the topic of Women in Ranching on Thursday, May 4:
5 PM: Reception; 6 PM: Panel discussion
PANELISTS:
Barbara Van Cleve is an American photographer and rancher best known for her depictions of contemporary western ranch life. Her family has raised fine cattle and horses, running the Lazy K Bar in Big Timber since its founding the 1880s.
Karen Heyneman is a Northern Plains member, pilot, and Harvard Presidential Scholar. Karen and her husband, Tom, run summer stocker cattle on Bench Ranch near Fishtail practicing holistic management and low-stress livestock handling practices.
Monica McDowell grew up on a ranch outside of Roy, near Lewistown. She and her husband have been running the Link Bar Ranch in Bridger for fifty years where they raise Black Angus cattle.
Caroline Nelson is a first-generation shepherd and rancher in Broadwater County. She and her husband practice regenerative agriculture at Little Creek Lamb & Beef. Caroline also hosts a podcast, Chews Wisely, and run’s women’s retreats to share her passion for ranch work with others.
NOTE: The YAM offers free admission every Thursday from 5 – 8 pm. Attendees of this panel discussion can also view all current YAM exhibitions, including Through Her Lens.
Questions? Contact Dustin at (406) 248-1154 or dustin@northernplains.org.
IMAGE CREDITS:
Above/Banner – Friends at Night Ⓒ2011, Barbara Van Cleve
Right – Double Duty Ⓒ1987, Barbara Van Cleve
