ArtPlantae

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) presents A Walk in the Wild: Continuing John Muir’s Journey, on view August 6, 2011, through January 22, 2012, in the Museum’s Great Hall. In this provocative new exhibition, OMCA celebrates the legendary naturalist’s life, work, and legacy in California and beyond. Told through OMCA’s collections of art, history, and natural science, as well as interactive digital technology and extensive loans―Muir’s journals, manuscripts, original drawings and plant collections―the exhibition pays tribute to the “Father of the National Parks,” whose legacy continues to inspire environmental stewardship in California today.

Through interactive, multisensory displays, A Walk in the Wild invites visitors to explore the vast natural environment of California and experience the sights, sounds, and smells that Muir encountered during his explorations. Through video and interactive technology, visitors will be able to meet “Modern Day Muirs” and learn about their work and motivations. The featured Modern Day Muirs include: Shelton Johnson, Yosemite National Park ranger; John Wehausen, wildlife biologist; Dune Lankard, Alaskan environmental activist/fisherman; Rick Deutsch, Half Dome hiker/author; Jean Krejca, cave explorer; Greg Stock, Yosemite National Park geologist; Steve Sillett, redwood canopy researcher; Tori Seher, Yosemite National Park bear biologist and Alcatraz bird biologist; and Kemba Shakur, tree planter for Oakland Relief.

“This exhibition is filled with wonder and discovery,” says guest curator Dorris Welch. “We all have many things to learn from John Muir’s legacy. To be able to honor and bring John Muir’s legacy into a modern-day light is an extremely important thing,” Welch says of the OMCA-exclusive show.

A Walk in the Wild: Continuing John Muir’s Journey is made possible by generous support from the Oakland Museum Women’s Board, The Bernard Osher Foundation, the J.M. Long Foundation and the University of the Pacific Library, John Muir Papers, Holt Atherton Collections/Muir-Hanna Trust.

The museum is located one block from the Lake Merritt BART station on the corner of 10th Street and Oak Street. The accessibility ramp is located at the new 1000 Oak Street main entrance. Daily hours and admission information are available online at the OMCA website.