October 6, 2006.

The Autry National Center of the American West is pleased to recognize Kirk Douglas for his impressive body of work in Western films and the National Park Service for its exemplary stewardship of unique public lands that personify the beauty and idealism of the American West. Click here to learn more.

10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., $175 / $120 for members
EVERY THURSDAY IN OCTOBER
Watercolors and Waterfalls
EVERY SATURDAY IN OCTOBER
Basket Weaving
Painting Nature With Acrylics

10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., $5
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27
Basket Weaving
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28
Animals of Yosemite

1-2:30 p.m., free with admission
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Landscape Printing
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Basket Making
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
Yosemite Postcards

1-3:30 p.m., $15
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Ansel Adams / Robert Adams:
Photographers of the American West

12:30-12:45 p.m., free with admission
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10
Thomas Hill¹s Yosemite Valley (From Below Sentinel Dome, as Seen from Artist¹s Point)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12
Ansel Adams¹s Clearing Winter Storm

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
6-9 p.m., reservations required
Benefactors¹ Opening Reception
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9
6-8 p.m., reservations required
Members¹ Preview Reception

1-2:30 p.m., free, reservations recommended
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22
Past, Present, and Future of the Western Environment: Grizzly Bears
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Past, Present, and Future of the Western Environment: The Endangered Species Act

1:30-2 p.m., free with admission
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
Letters Home From Yosemite by Lisa Halvorsen
A Day With Tupi: An Indian Boy of Yosemite by
Fran Hubbard
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
We Are Bears by Molly Grooms
Stella and Roy Go Camping by Ashley Wolff
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
Two Bear Cubs: A Miwok Legend From California¹s Yosemite Valley by Robert D. San Souci
Squirrel and John Muir by Emily Arnold McCully

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., $45 / $35 for members
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, AND SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Yosemite: Art of An American Icon

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
9-10 a.m.
Member Sneak-Peek Preview
Members are invited to attend an intimate and enlightening curator-led tour of Yosemite Part I. Only Autry members will see this exhibition just before it opens to the public. Members will then be invited to enjoy a complimentary treat in the Golden Spur Cafe. .

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Plein Air Demonstration and Lunch
Gold level members are invited to an annual Plein Air (painting produced out of doors in natural light) event where nearly 20 renowned artists paint on location in the scenic Abalone Cove on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. A delicious box lunch will be provided to all participants. RSVP to 323.667.2000, ext. 317.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
6-8 p.m.
Benefactors¹ Opening Reception
Open to Turquoise, Copper, Shell, Silver, and Gold Members - Free

Benefactor members are invited to an exclusive reception and viewing of Yosemite: Art of an American Icon. Explore Yosemite through the eyes of its artists, experience its changing image, and learn about its impact as a cultural phenomenon. This exhibition will consist of more than 140 artworks and 9,000 square feet of exhibition space. The event features Western musical performances, a curator presentation, a VIP recognition ceremony, complimentary cocktails, and Western ranch-style cuisine by Cheers Catering. The Museum Store will be open with special offerings, and Part I of Yosemite: Art of an Icon will also be open for viewing. RSVP is required.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9
6-8 p.m.
Members¹ Preview Reception
Open to all Members - Free

Join us for the preview of Yosemite: Art of an American Icon, Part II. Explore Yosemite through the eyes of its artists, experience its changing image, and learn about its impact as a cultural phenomenon. This preview features live music, and basket-weaving demonstrations. All members will receive a complimentary ticket for a serving of Western ranch­style cuisine by Cheers Catering. The Museum Store will be open with special offerings, and Part I of Yosemite: Art of an Icon will also be open for viewing. RSVP is required.

The name "Yosemite" was first applied in the 1850s by Dr. L.H. Bunnell, who suggested naming the place after its resident native population. Bunnell believed that the term derived from the Miwok name for grizzly bear, "O-hoo-ma-te." As recently as 1978, some historians have suggested the word comes from "Yehemite" which translates as "the killers" and was possibly a reference to the historic mistrust between Miwok and Mono Lake Paiute groups.

Early variations on the name include Yo-Sem-i-te and Yo-Ham-i-te, both of which are documented in early art and literature. James Hutchings, the leader of Yosemite¹s first tourist expedition in 1855 later wrote that

Descending toward the Yo-Semite Valley, we came upon . . . our first view of the singular and romantic valley; and as the scene opened in full view before us, we were almost speechless with wondering admiration.

With Hutching was an artist, Thomas Ayres, whose drawing The Yo-Semite Falls hangs in this exhibition. The name was condensed within the flood of writing and imagery that followed to its present form by 1864, when the Yosemite Grant was established.

Oakland Museum of California
Oakland, CA
Exhibition dates: May 19 - August 26, 2007

Nevada Museum of Art
Reno, NV
Exhibition dates: October 13, 2007 - January 13, 2008

Eitlejorg Museum of the American Indians and Western Art
Indianapolis, IN
Exhibition dates: March 22 ­ August 9, 2008