The Hockaday Museum of Art’s next exhibition, “A Journey Through History: Art and Artifacts from the Collection of Dr. Van Kirke & Helen Nelson,” features an exhibition of significant works from notable artists. 

The display opens May 29 and runs through July 26. The opening reception will be Thursday, May 29, from 5 to 7 p.m., with an informal conversation with the Nelsons at 5:30 p.m. Admission to the reception is free. 

The Hockaday’s exhibition, curated by Hockaday executive director Elizabeth Moss, offers a fascinating journey through time with art by Charles Marion Russell, O.C. Seltzer, Edgar S. Paxson, Charles Fritz, Fred Fellows, John Fery, Joseph Henry Sharp, Carl Rungius, Edward Borein and many others. Items on display will include unique items, such as illustrated hand-written letters and sketches by the artists who introduced the American West to the world. Artifacts from the indigenous peoples of the West and Southwest will also be on display.

“The size and breadth of this exhibition rivals or perhaps even exceeds the grandeur of the Hockaday’s own permanent collection,” Moss said. “This display is a must-see event for every local and visiting person who enjoys the art of the West, Glacier National Park, Montana and the native peoples of this land.”

The Nelsnons are recognized throughout the nation as major collectors and have donated significant paintings, artifacts, and books to numerous museums, historical societies, and public schools throughout the country.  They have been ardent supporters of the Hockaday Museum of Art for many years, and presented the museum with a generous gift of a C.M. Russell original of “Young Boy,” now on permanent display at the museum.

The Hockaday is located at 302 Second Ave. E. in Kalispell. For more information, www.HockadayMuseum.org or call 755-5268.