What began as a story for Arizona Highways Magazine has evolved into a film (Tad’s Emerging World), an exhibit ( Glen Canyon Exposed : Now and Then ) , and now a traveling exhibit. This journey aims to narrate the story of Glen Canyon’s emergence through art advocacy, serving as a platform to educate the public about our wild places and the importance of their preservation.

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

The exhibit blends art and advocacy, bringing together the work of two artists separated by decades but united by their shared love for Glen Canyon. Visitors will journey through time, witnessing the power of photography and film to preserve, protect, and inspire action for this iconic landscape.books, films and photos. I'll be shooting with an old Crown Graphic 4x5 camera. This camera documented Glen Canyon pre-dam from an incredible photographer, Tad Nichols, from 1950 to 1963. He was hanging with Katie Lee and trying to save this beautiful place with his photographs. What is emerging? What will be learned? What is preserved? What will develop? Glen Canyon’s destiny is still unknown.

Kish wants to expose Glen Canyon and inspire younger generations not to repeat this tragedy. It's time to learn more about saving our public lands through art, adventure and advocacy.

The funds from this GoFundMe will go toward making this a traveling exhibit, storage, marketing and educational programming.

More about the exhibit here and also have a look at the film trailer .

Thank you for your support!

LISTEN TO US ON NPR:

https://www.kuer.org/arts-culture-entertainment/2026-08-18/dawn-kish-tad-nichols-glen-canyon-lake-powell-photography

photo by Laura Franke