A Western Art Museum
The Booth Western Art Museum is by far one of the most incredible art-history museums in Georgia for a slew of different reasons, just one of which is the museum's diverse collection of art. What makes this Smithsonian Affiliate so important to me, is its presentation of an authentic American Story, through the combination of art and historical fact. In their own words, "The Booth’s permanent collection of Western art, Presidential portraits and letters, and Civil War art allows visitors to “See America’s Story” – the land, people, struggles, dreams, and legends – in paintings, sculpture, photography and artifacts."
Like many other museums and media portrayals of the Western frontier, the Booth Museum shows the American West, with Cowboys and Indians as a common trope, however, unlike many other media portrayals of the West, the Booth Museum honors the Native Americans who lived in those Western lands. Through sculpture, portraits, and name cards of many many chiefs along the halls of the sprawling museum, visitors are reminded of what each chief contributed to their tribe, and how their story was essential to Americans headed onto the Western frontier. With medals of peace from the Lewis and Clarke expedition adorning some sculptures, others are seen wearing animal pelts and true-to-life clothing, as many of these sculptures are bronze renditions of portraits done when these chiefs were truly alive. Taking the time and careful attention to detail to give us the full story of the figures we're seeing and the historical significance they held, in my opinion, makes the Booth Museum an art-history museum, and not just a Western art museum.
Paraphrasing from the informational video they play in the theatre at the Booth Museum, art is a tool for influencing public interest, mixing fact, emotion, and idealism to inspire, educate, and inform others visually. With these goals in mind, it's clear why the Booth Museum shares the history of its period pieces, in which visuals of Native Americans were stoicized and, through the medium of art, shed light on their struggles for independence in the West, their connection to nature in daily life, and their conflict with settlers. This art had the power to change minds, and truly sway public interest, the same as photographs, journalism, and art do to this day. With things like Manifest Destiny so prominent in the minds of Americans, it's interesting to see that there existed art trying to educate them that they were entering inhabited land alongside many of the pieces that romanticized their entry into what was thought of as untamed wilderness. By displaying that same Western frontier through two different perspectives, visitors are able to see the talent of many diverse artists and experience their own emotional response to each piece.
Like many other museums and media portrayals of the Western frontier, the Booth Museum shows the American West, with Cowboys and Indians as a common trope, however, unlike many other media portrayals of the West, the Booth Museum honors the Native Americans who lived in those Western lands. Through sculpture, portraits, and name cards of many many chiefs along the halls of the sprawling museum, visitors are reminded of what each chief contributed to their tribe, and how their story was essential to Americans headed onto the Western frontier. With medals of peace from the Lewis and Clarke expedition adorning some sculptures, others are seen wearing animal pelts and true-to-life clothing, as many of these sculptures are bronze renditions of portraits done when these chiefs were truly alive. Taking the time and careful attention to detail to give us the full story of the figures we're seeing and the historical significance they held, in my opinion, makes the Booth Museum an art-history museum, and not just a Western art museum.
Paraphrasing from the informational video they play in the theatre at the Booth Museum, art is a tool for influencing public interest, mixing fact, emotion, and idealism to inspire, educate, and inform others visually. With these goals in mind, it's clear why the Booth Museum shares the history of its period pieces, in which visuals of Native Americans were stoicized and, through the medium of art, shed light on their struggles for independence in the West, their connection to nature in daily life, and their conflict with settlers. This art had the power to change minds, and truly sway public interest, the same as photographs, journalism, and art do to this day. With things like Manifest Destiny so prominent in the minds of Americans, it's interesting to see that there existed art trying to educate them that they were entering inhabited land alongside many of the pieces that romanticized their entry into what was thought of as untamed wilderness. By displaying that same Western frontier through two different perspectives, visitors are able to see the talent of many diverse artists and experience their own emotional response to each piece.
Closing Thoughts
Since opening its doors in 2003, the Booth Museum has shared its incredible collection of art, sculptures, and information with over 750,000 visitors. Winning many accolades from the Southeast Tourism Society, Southern Living, and many online magazines, it's clear the Booth Museum is doing something right. With its doors only being open for a mere eighteen years, the museum features an incredible collection of Western art, presidential memorabilia, and even three letters addressed to the site from presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. There's something to enjoy for everyone at the Booth Museum, with an incredible kid-centric and hands-on exhibit, the Sagebrush Gallery, as well as period, modern, and surrealist art around the entire museum. Coming from someone who is not a fan of most museums, I spent hours at the Booth and found it incredibly easy to lose track of time inside this fascinating place. I hope you can make it out to the Booth Museum yourself, and see first-hand a cornerstone chapter in our national character.
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