The Hidden Works of Jay N. “Ding” Darling Exhibit

Treasures from the “America’s Darling” Path of Discovery

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Produced in partnership with the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, the Hidden Works exhibit features recently discovered Jay N. “Ding” Darling artworks and artifacts. This traveling exhibit provides the opportunity for people across the nation to learn about a great American cartoonist, politician, and conservationist. Exhibit Schedule

Recently, The Hidden Works of Jay N. “Ding” Darling Exhibit was on display at The Wildlife Society 2018 Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. How excited Darling would have been to see how generations are enjoying his treasures!

If you are interested in hosting the exhibit at your venue, please contact Sam Koltinsky at [email protected].

The Hidden Works of Jay N. “Ding” Darling was on exhibit at the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts in Madisonville, Kentucky. The Works of Kentucky Artist, Ray Harm, were are also included as a part of this exhibit.

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Darling at The Wildlife Society Conference 2016

The Hidden Works of Jay N. “Ding” Darling—pioneering conservationist, creator of the Duck Stamp and two-time Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist—was on display at the 2016 Wildlife Society Conference. This rare and insightful look into some of Darling’s most personal works was curated by documentary filmmaker and nationally recognized Darling expert, Sam Koltinsky. The exhibit is supported in part by “Kip” and Andrea Koss, Russell Cowles, Carolyn Hunter, Gloria Payne, The Wildlife Society, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, and the Des Moines Register.

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Photos by Corey Shaw

The exhibit contains a multitude of Darling’s works as well as some of his personal artifacts. It was a huge success at The Wildlife Society Conference.

Jay N. “Ding” Darling prolifically produced images of caricatures, landscapes, and people containing incredible detail, both in black and white and bold colors. It is no wonder the Sioux City Reporter promoted Darling from a cub reporter to daily cartoonist upon discovering his incredible talent. But that is only part of his story. Darling’s story is an impressive one–of a talented artist and pioneering conservationist–and The Hidden Works of Jay N. “Ding” Darling exhibit is an opportunity to enjoy a palpable journey through his extraordinary life and career.

“I truly believe that Darling’s work represents Americans at our best–when we collaborate and cooperate–and we need to learn to do this again.” –Sam Koltinsky

This exhibit imparts the magnitude of the effects Darling’s work had on his audience. His works contain social and political images that are just as pertinent today as they were when he created them. Jay N. “Ding” Darling was a visionary and a renaissance man, and his artwork and activism continue to have a positive impact on the world. This exhibit serves to educate visitors and re-ignite the principles that Darling believed in: conservation, collaboration, and so many others.

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Black and white caricature drawings exhibit Darling’s love of nature AND his playful spirit.
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Darling also created captivating landscape and character drawings containing eye-catching colors and great detail.
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Another colorful piece included in the exhibit.
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A perfectly pristine piece from Darling. Observe his attention to detail.

7_go-into-posessions-on-collection-watermarkVisitors got to step back in history and view some of Darling’s personal artifacts.

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Darling’s famous drawing of Theodore Roosevelt, The Long, Long Trail, is also included in the exhibit.
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Exhibit Curator, Sam Koltinsky, with Darling’s top hat
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The exhibit includes the first Wildlife Society Jay N. “Ding” Darling Award given to Iowa-based wildlife artist, Maynard Reece.
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Exhibit visitors discovering Darling

 

Visitors at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg, Pennsylvania, had the opportunity to enjoy The Hidden Works of Jay N. “Ding” Darling while it was on exhibit in the Olewine Gallery.

The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, Maryland, hosted The Hidden Works of Jay N. “Ding” Darling exhibit.

Thank you for your Comments on the Hidden Works of Jay N. “Ding” Darling Exhibit.

 “A fascinating exhibit about a fascinating man. So delightful to see travel sketches and hand carvings, etc. Thank You!!”

-Becky Drissell, Sioux Center, Iowa

“The watercolors are absolutely amazing. They’re my favorite.”

-Tiahna Verschoor, Ewa Beach, Hawaii

“So cool to see all these artifacts and objects of Ding’s. I really enjoyed it! Thanks!”

-Bella Drissell, Sioux Center, Iowa

“Fascinating, what a great man!”

-Jay Rosenburg, Sioux City, Iowa

“Fabulous, especially since he started at the Sioux City Journal.”

-Jack Holmes, Ida Grove, Iowa

“Wonderful, interesting exhibit – To see Ding’s tools and art supplies brought him to life.”

-Munger, Sioux City, Iowa

“So fortunate to be able to view his work. He was a hero to environmentalists and a lover of social justice. Thanks!”

-Jenne Bockrott, Sioux City, Iowa