Grandin is a world-renowned American scientist, professor of animal science, inventor, and autism self-advocate, famous for revolutionizing livestock handling systems

FORT COLLINS, CO – Temple Grandin, a world-renowned University Distinguished Professor in CSU’s Department of Animal Sciences, is the subject of a newly revealed painting that will hang in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. Its National Portrait Gallery highlights Americans of remarkable character and achievement, who remind visitors of who we are as a nation and what we can aspire to be.

Included in the gallery will be Brocken Spectre and Glory: Portrait of Temple Grandin, an oil painting by artist David Lenz. The National Portrait Gallery acquired the piece as part of its Portrait of a Nation program, which honors individuals who have made transformative contributions to the United States. 

Grandin, a Colorado State University educator, author and speaker, is globally known for designing humane handling equipment and auditing systems to improve the welfare of cattle and other food animals. Suppliers of some of the world’s largest food purveyors use Grandin’s innovations.

She has ascribed many of her insights to her autism and, as her professional success has mounted, Grandin has grown into a leading advocate for children with autism and their families. She is revered for demonstrating that people who think differently can contribute uniquely and substantially to society.

Grandin is the subject of a documentary film, An Open Door, and an HBO feature film, Temple Grandin.

The portrait of Grandin joins three others in the Portrait of a Nation program this year. The others depict Joy Harjo, the 23rd U.S. poet laureate and the first Native American to hold the role; Steven Spielberg, the Oscar-winning filmmaker; and Jamie Dimon, chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase.

The Grandin portrait features an atmospheric phenomenon known as a “brocken spectre and glory,” or colored rings around a shadow. According to the Smithsonian, “the viewer’s projected shadow in the center symbolizes Grandin’s belief that every person is important and can contribute to society in unique ways.”

The portraits will be on view on the National Portrait Gallery’s first floor Nov. 14, 2025, to Oct. 25, 2026, then will become part of the museum’s permanent collections.