Photographer Blake Little’s exhibit showcasing images of cowboys on the gay rodeo circuit will be on display at the University of Idaho Library until April 30, starting Monday.
The second-floor collection consists of 41 black and white photographs between 1988 and 1992, which tell the stories of individuals specifically involved with the International Gay Rodeo Association.
Ashlyn Velte
Ashlyn Velte, who works with UI Library Special Collections and Archives, was contacted by Dulce Kersting, the Latah County Historical Society director, to co-host the exhibit.
Velte said she was excited for the opportunity because it related to different events going on at the library.
Currently, UI assistant professor Rebecca Scofield is doing research on topics related to Little’s work. She will present her findings April 30, with a screening of “Queens and Cowboys: A Straight Year on the Gay Rodeo” to follow.
Velte said officials within UI Special Collections and Archives are always looking to highlight collections from diverse communities.
“This exhibit is a great way to spark a conversation with community members and students on campus about what it means to be from the American West. This is a great opportunity for us to bring different people to the library who don’t normally think of us as an exhibit space,” she said.
Velte said this exhibit is unique for two reasons — it’s a traveling exhibit and such a distinct topic. Velte, who has been with the library for two and half years, said they’ve never had a traveling exhibit before.
Rebecca Scofield
“With it being something that travels around the county, we are situating yourself in a larger conversation about the American West and the Gay Rodeo. It is also a great way to highlight communities that don’t always get talked about as being a part of the American West,” she said.
A two-hour gallery talk on the exhibit’s creation is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday in the library.
Nicole Hindberg can be reached at [email protected]