Free Visitors’ Voice Interactive Tours Focus on Votes from Decision 2008

Fort Worth, TX, June 18, 2008—The polls are closed for the Amon Carter Museum’s Decision 2008 “special election,” and the votes have been tallied.

And the winner is ... A Dash for the Timber (1889) by Frederic Remington (1861–1909).

Launched by the museum in March, Decision 2008 was an opportunity for visitors of all ages to vote for their favorite work of art from the museum’s permanent collection of American paintings and sculpture. Best of all—and unlike a political election—voters could explain on the ballot why they chose that particular “candidate.”

The museum is now presenting four free interactive Visitors’ Voice tours, the first of which is on Thursday, June 19 at 6 p.m. Each tour in the series features a new theme influenced by voters’ selections and insights on the works of art.

Regarding Remington’s Dash, one voter said, “The painting has action, drama, motion, and an amazing sense of urgency. Sometimes I think I see it as a metaphor that we’re all being chased by something, so we’d better pray for fast horses and accurate friends!”

A Dash for the Timber, regarded by many art historians as the crowning achievement of Remington’s career, is indeed noted for its “cinematic effect,” said Senior Curator of Western Art Rick Stewart. “Its action-packed portrayal of the struggle for life on the frontier anticipates the genre of the western film, which was to follow a generation later.”

Coming in at a close second and third respectively were Grant Wood’s Parson Weems’ Fable (1939) and Thomas Cole’s The Hunter’s Return (1845).

“It’s interesting to note that these three paintings have a clear 'American-ness' to them,” said Nora Christie Puckett, the Carter’s student, family, and adult programs manager. “So during the first Visitors’ Voice program on June 19, we’ll talk about these works, the responses they inspired, and their connection to our shared American identity. Subsequent Visitors’ Voice tours will explore the election’s 'one-hit wonders,' take on an end-of-the-year awards ceremony theme, and focus on the enduring appeal that the museum’s collection has with visitors young and old.”

Visitors’ Voice Schedule:
Thursday, June 19, 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 28, 3 p.m.
Thursday, July 10, 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 26, 3 p.m.

Admission is free; no reservations are required.

Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays and major holidays.