Artist and Rodeo Hall-of-Famer Walter Piehl, Jr. Featured in Three Galleries

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art showcases Piehl's paintings, drawings, prints, and collages.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:00pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a weathered, textured rodeo rope, capturing the gritty, high-energy essence of the sport through dramatic lighting and abstract composition.Piehl's paintings pulse with the motion and drama of the rodeo, transforming the explosive action into gestural abstraction.Great Falls Today

The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is hosting a major exhibition titled 'Wild Forms, Enduring Spirit— The Art & Legacy of Walter Piehl, Jr.' featuring the work of the acclaimed artist and rodeo hall-of-famer. The exhibition, on view through August 29, 2026, brings together Piehl's paintings, drawings, prints, and collages across three galleries, offering a rare opportunity to experience the breadth of his artistic practice.

Why it matters

Piehl's layered, gestural paintings capture the rhythm and drama of the rodeo, reflecting the depth of regional history and the imaginative possibilities of the Northern Plains. As the nation reflects on its past and future, Piehl's work reminds viewers that the story of America is not singular but regional, evolving, and deeply connected to the people and landscapes that shape it.

The details

The exhibition is co-curated by Nicole Maria Evans, Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs at Paris Gibson Square, and Gregory Vettel, Director of the Northwest Arts Center at Minot State University. It draws from the Minot State University collection, Northern Plains Heritage Foundation collection, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, and private and artist holdings. Piehl's studio, filled with rodeo memorabilia and other inspirations, functions as both a workspace and a laboratory where his ideas are continually tested, revised, and reimagined.

  • The exhibition will be on view through August 29, 2026.
  • A reception and artist talk will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

The players

Walter Piehl, Jr.

A renowned artist and rodeo hall-of-famer whose layered, gestural paintings capture the rhythm and drama of the rodeo, reflecting the depth of regional history and the imaginative possibilities of the Northern Plains.

Nicole Maria Evans

The Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, who co-curated the exhibition.

Gregory Vettel

The Director of the Northwest Arts Center at Minot State University, who co-curated the exhibition.

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art

The museum hosting the exhibition, which is presented in partnership with the Northwest Arts Center at Minot State University.

Minot State University

The university whose art collection is featured in the exhibition.

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What they’re saying

“Together, studio, history, teaching, and rodeo arena form the foundation of Piehl's art. His layered, gestural paintings capture the rhythm of the rodeo, the depth of regional history, and the imaginative possibilities of the Northern Plains.”

— Nicole Maria Evans, Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art

What’s next

The public is invited to attend the reception and artist talk on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to meet Walter Piehl, Jr. and celebrate the exhibition.

The takeaway

Piehl's work serves as a powerful reminder that the story of America is not a singular narrative, but rather a tapestry of regional histories, evolving perspectives, and deep connections to the land and people that shape it. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the breadth and depth of Piehl's artistic practice.