On the Edge of the Plains

“Another day I went to the Canyon – supper on the edge of the plains – the long drop right off the edge – the tremendous stretch between us and the other side…it was the most wonderful view I have seen of it…”
-Georgia O’Keeffe

While living in Canyon, Texas, and teaching at Texas State Normal College, Georgia O’Keeffe was fascinated by Palo Duro Canyon. She took long, rambling walks into the “merciless” walls of rock, filling her with a tremendous sense of wonder. It was during this time that she was inspired to paint Red Landscape, capturing the rugged life and landscape of this place, which continued to inform the remainder of her long career.

O’Keeffe was not alone. For over one hundred years, artists have drawn, painted, and photographed Palo Duro Canyon. This exhibition is a look into the ways in which artists from the PPHM Permanent Collection have expressed the unique wonder and beauty of the most spectacular landscape of our region.This exhibition is our unique way to celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks.