DG House artwork at Missoula Art Museum

Missoula Art Museum (MAM) presents 20 new paintings by Bozeman-based DG House (Cherokee) in an exhibition opening Friday, January 13. DG House artwork presents a historical and environmental account of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where she has documented the wildlife, local environment, and local histories as a freelance photographer, and later painter, since 1981. House has been an artist-in-residence in Yellowstone National Park for the past 17 years, and part of the Guest American Indian Artist Program for Grand Teton National Park for 27 years.

DG House artwork celebrates personal experiences with the creatures who roam the Yellowstone/Teton landscapes. She says, “I’ve never run out of ideas. Each piece I create is based on a real-life encounter with perhaps a grizzly walking on a trail, a wolf hunting in a valley, or a moose feeding in the river. Whatever the interaction, each painting is a story.”

House’s process involves applying multiple layers of oil and acrylic paints, pastels, and colored pencils. Her work is characterized by a vivid palette and approachable subject matter and the perimeter of each painting features her trademark geometric patterns, drawn from beadwork and quillwork.

“As an Indigenous creative, I’ve made it my job to produce art that represents the wildlife and people who don’t often have a voice in our society,” House said. “I spend a large part of my time with wildlife in the wildlands. Inspiration is everywhere in my world. . . I believe I have my personal ancestors and all people who came before in my workspace with me. My heart beats a little faster every time I walk through the door of my studio.”

This DG House artwork exhibition is organized by Support Local Artists and Musicians, Bozeman, and travels through the Montana Art Gallery Directors Association. The artwork in the exhibition was created with American Rescue Plan funds, generously provided by the Montana Arts Council.

About the Missoula Art Museum

Founded in 1975 and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1987, MAM is emerging as the leading contemporary art museum in the Intermountain West. MAM is a fully accessible, free public museum boasting eight exhibition spaces, a library, and an education center in the heart of Missoula’s historic downtown.

MAM is situated on the traditional, ancestral territories of the Séliš (Salish or “Flathead”) and Ql̓ispé (upper Kalispel or Pend d ’Oreille) peoples in Missoula, Montana, USA. MAM is committed to respecting the indigenous stewards of the land it occupies. Their rich cultures are fundamental to artistic life in Montana and to the work of MAM.