The Art of Ezra Tucker at The Nicolaysen Art Museum
The Art of Ezra Tucker, a traveling museum exhibition, has arrived at The Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper, Wyoming, from April 11 to June 15, 2025. The exhibition features forty paintings produced by the artist from 1985 through 2023.

Exhibition Highlights

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• Group I. Classic mega fauna (principally North American mammals, but also a few from Africa and elsewhere), and Audubonesque birds
• Group II. Untold Stories (of Black experience in the history of the American West)
• Group III. Allegory, Fantasy, Illustration, and Narrative

The Art of Ezra Tucker is an exhibition that showcases the artist’s diverse body of work, which includes paintings of animals, historic scenes, and allegorical themes. The exhibition is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

The Artist’s Background

Ezra Tucker is a fifth-generation artist, born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in a family of ministers. His early life was marked by a strong interest in art, encouraged by his aunt, a librarian. He spent hours drawing and creating, inspired by magazines, television programs, and the world around him. Tucker’s art career began in the 1960s, with illustrations for Hallmark Cards and commercial art contract work.

A Turning Point

In 1967, Tucker received a book titled “Animal Drawing: Anatomy and Action for Artists” by Charles Knight, which challenged him to draw animals from the inside out. This book sparked his ambition and led him to pursue a career in the graphic arts.

A Teacher’s Guidance

Tucker’s teacher, Jack Lew, at the Memphis Academy of Arts, provided valuable guidance and mentorship. Lew allowed Tucker to practice drawing at the Memphis Zoological Gardens, which became a regular sketching spot for the young artist.

Exhibition Tour Itinerary

The Art of Ezra Tucker exhibition will travel to several museums across the United States, including:

The Artist’s Vision

Ezra Tucker’s vision is to present the beauty and majesty of the natural world through his art, inspiring people to undertake conservation efforts to protect the endangered animal kingdom. His art is characterized by its dynamic composition, unexpected color, lighting, and scale, which gives a sense of dignity and presence to each creature.

Exhibition Reception

The opening reception for The Art of Ezra Tucker will be held on Friday, April 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at The Nicolaysen Art Museum. Guests are invited to view the exhibition, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts.

Support the Museum

Please consider donating to support the Nicolaysen Art Museum, which continues its mission and vision to provide art and culture to the community. Visit thenic.org/donate to learn more.

Additional Information

For updates on the exhibition, visit ezratucker.com/content.aspx. Contact David J. Wagner, L.L.C., the tour office, at davidjwagnerllc.com. The exhibition is produced by David J. Wagner, Ph.D., and serves as President of David J. Wagner, L.L.C., a Wisconsin-based company that produces and manages traveling museum exhibitions.

Preservation of Wildlife and Diversity

Ezra Tucker’s artwork is a testament to the importance of preserving wildlife and diversity. His statement, “A successful work of fine art should be educational, inspirational, and entertaining and evoke an emotional response from the viewer,” reflects his commitment to using his art for conservation purposes.

Conserve Wildlife and Diversity

We invite you to join us in conserving wildlife and diversity through art. Visit thenic.org/donate to learn more about the museum’s mission and how you can support it.

The Legacy of Ezra Tucker

The legacy of Ezra Tucker is one of creativity, passion, and dedication to his craft. His art continues to inspire and educate, and his commitment to conservation and preservation will have a lasting impact on our world.

The Future of Wildlife and Diversity

As we look to the future, we recognize the importance of preserving wildlife and diversity. We invite you to join us in this effort, and we look forward to continuing our mission to provide art and culture to the community.

Exhibition Schedule

Please check the exhibition schedule for specific dates and locations. The exhibition will travel to several museums across the United States, and we invite you to join us on this journey.

Support the Museum

Support the Nicolaysen Art Museum by visiting thenic.org/donate. Your contribution will help us continue to provide art and culture to the community.

Visit the Website

Visit thenic.org for more information about the museum, its programs, and its exhibitions. Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events.