Uncategorized | October 19, 2010
Former Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, International Environment & Scientific Affairs and third-generation Wyoming rancher John F. Turner will receive the National Museum of Wildlife Art
Turner, whose numerous accomplishments on behalf of the natural world include establishing 55 new National Wildlife Refuges, will be awarded the medal at the museum’s Cook Auditorium at 10:30 a.m.
“With his strong record of protecting wildlife, habitat and natural
resources on a national level as well as his personal deep connection to the
land, John F. Turner is a perfect candidate for our Rungius Medal, and we’re
honored to be presenting him with it,” said Jim McNutt, National Museum of
Wildlife Art president and CEO.
Prior to his Assistant Secretary appointment (2001-2005), Turner served as
CEO of The Conservation Fund, protecting more than 2.8 million acres of
parks, habitat, and open space with the national nonprofit. He also served
as the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1989-1993), where he
increased wetland protection and established the most National Wildlife
Refuges of any U.S. administration. Other past positions include 19 years in
the Wyoming State Legislature, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Bank of Jackson Hole, and Chairman of the Institute of Environment and
Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming.
The Rungius Medal
the museum’s highest honor, reflecting its ongoing role of furthering the
national conversation about humanity and nature. Symbolized by a gold
medallion named for artist Carl Rungius, America’s preeminent portrayer of
animals and their surroundings, the medal is awarded to “individuals who
have made lifetime and extraordinary contributions to the artistic
interpretation and preservation of the world’s natural heritage.” Past
recipients include Mardy Murie (1989), Roger Tory Peterson (1994) and Jane
Goodall (2001).
The Rungius Medal award ceremony for John F. Turner is open to the public
and will be followed by a reception with refreshments; those planning to
attend the reception should respond to Shawn Meisl at 303.732.5449 or by
email at smeisl@wildlifeart.org.
A member of the Museums West consortium and accredited by the American
Association of Museums, the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United
States provides an exciting calendar of exhibitions from its permanent
collection and changing exhibitions from around the globe. A complete
schedule of museum exhibitions and events is available online at
www.wildlifeart.org
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The Wyoming Arts Council believes that experiencing the arts should be accessible for all, including people with mental and/or physical disabilities, older adults, military/veterans, people living in institutions and those who lack access to the arts due to geographic isolation, cultural difference and economic hardship.
