Michael Kassel
Associate Director/Curator of Collections
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
Cheyenne, WY
(307) 778-1410
www.oldwestmuseum.org
What event (gallery show, museum exhibit, etc.) in the next few months are you looking forward to, and why?
Recently, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum completed the rejuvenation of its main exhibitions exploring the history of our celebration and the main events from 100, 75, 50 and 25 years ago. We also recently hosted the Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show and Sale featuring many significant and cutting-edge Western artists from across the nation. In the future, the museum will host its New Frontiers Art Show. The New Frontiers Art Show will be a show that pushes the definition of Western art and is accessible to all types of buyers, from those who are just starting to collect art, to collectors looking for something different. This show will be proof that everyone plays a role in our Western heritage, and demonstrate to museum visitors, art show patrons, guests and our community that the West we honor is alive and evolving.
What are you reading?
Rough Ride by Paulla Hunter. A story about a reporter returning to her hometown to report on the local Western celebration. While filming footage, her team captures the moment when a girl’s body drops from the top of a Ferris wheel. The reporter knew the victim and is now determined to find out the circumstances that led to her death.
Interesting exhibit, gallery opening or work of art you’ve seen recently.
I have recently toured the western Mediterranean and visited the Fesch Museum in Ajaccio, Corsica, where I saw many fine pieces of Renaissance art as well as statuary and memorabilia commemorating the reign of Napoleon.
What are you researching at the moment?
I am currently researching many of the prominent citizens of our community buried in Cheyenne’s Lakeview cemetery. Many of our states greatest historical and political figures are interred there including our first governor; General John J. Pershing’s wife and family; our nation’s first woman governor, Nellie Tayloe Ross; and many other persons of interest.
What is your dream exhibit to curate? Or see someone else curate?
I am deeply interested in the aviation history of the American West. I would like to see an exhibition detailing the development of the first Transcontinental Air Mail Route through the Rocky Mountain Region, the growth of our first national airlines, the significant contribution of our communities on the effort to win the second World War and the major inroads being made in contemporary aviation by people and corporations in the West. —
Powered by Froala Editor
