Glen Canyon Exposed: Now + Then is a landmark photographic and film exhibit by celebrated artists Dawn Kish and Tad Nichols.

Glen Canyon Exposed is a unique showcase presenting two perspectives of Glen Canyon: Nichols’ iconic 1950s images, captured before the construction of Glen Canyon Dam, and Kish’s contemporary photographs and documentary film, chronicling the canyon’s stunning reemergence as water levels recede.

After running from April 2025 to September 2026 at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum, Glen Canyon Exposed will be moving on from Green River, UT.

The exhibit is next heading to the Gilbert Historic Museum from October 2026 – February 2027. 

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GCI and Glen Canyon Exposed

“For most people, the story of Glen Canyon and its loss are known only through the works of artists who journeyed to the place before it became entombed by the reservoir known as Lake Powell. Writers like Wallace Stegner, John McPhee, and Katie Lee penned books memorializing “America’s Lost National Park.” Photographers like Philip Hyde, Elliot Porter, and Tad Nichols captured glimpses of the Glen’s soul, sharing these with the world as it disappeared. This canon of Glen Canyon artwork captured the imagination of the American public, and helped spark an environmental movement that would put an end to big dams on the Colorado River. In the modern era, where falling reservoir levels have revealed gems of the canyon not seen since the 1960s, Dawn Kish has channeled the spirit of that generation to tell a new story of hope for Glen Canyon.

Using Tad Nichols’ original camera, Kish documented the Glen’s rebirth through multiple expeditions with today’s storytellers and advocates. What began as a simple project evolved into a years-long journey of “Tad talks,” a documentary film, and the creation of the exhibit Glen Canyon Exposed: Now + Then at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum. The landmark exhibit pairs the timeless catalog of Nichols’ photography, and Kish’s new imagery — bringing the story of Glen Canyon to life for a new audience. Just as the artwork of previous generations galvanized protection of the Colorado River, Kish’s exhibit plays a pivotal role in today’s growing movement to restore Glen Canyon.

Founded in 1996, the mission of Glen Canyon Institute (GCI) is to restore Glen Canyon and a free-flowing Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The Institute has shepherded the legacy of the Glen’s early advocates, carrying their vision into the 21st century. In the three decades since our founding, we’ve learned that the most effective way of advocating for Glen Canyon’s protection is to let the canyon speak for itself — sharing its inimitable beauty with the world through film and photography. When we first started to collaborate with Dawn on this project, it became clear that she shared our passion for the canyon, and had the vision to create something no one had ever seen before. Bridging the iconic photography of Nichols with her contemporary work, Kish has reconnected today’s fight for Glen Canyon with the storied advocacy of our forebearers.”

-Eric Balken, Director of GCI

Glen Canyon Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

EIN: 84-1375975