Jackson, WY
Various locations, September 7-18
Edward Aldrich, Greeting the Dawn, oil, 64 x 52.
This story was featured in the September 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art September 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
For 32 years Jackson Hole has been an epicenter of fine-art activity in mid-September, offering more than 50 events during its annual Fall Arts Festival. The 12-day celebration kicks off on Wednesday, September 7, with activities scheduled every single day. Collectors won’t want to miss the Western Design Conference, the Palates & Palettes gallery walk, and the Saturday morning Quick Draw on closing weekend.
The 24th annual Western Design Conference opens with a preview party and runway fashion show at the Snow King Center on Thursday, September 8. This western functional-art and fashion exhibition, with over 130 national artists, runs through Sunday, September 11, and features a Designer Show House of six professionally designed rooms. Maureen Murphy, director of special events for the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, says this is a must-see exhibition. “The furniture artisans are so amazing to me with the designs they come up with,” she says.
On Friday, September 9, the Palates & Palettes gallery walk begins at 5 p.m. with more than 30 galleries partnering with local restaurants and caterers for an evening of artist meet-and-greets and
local fare. Sample the offerings and peruse art openings all over town.
Festivities continue through the week with an art fair featuring local artists, the Taste of the Tetons culinary fair, and the Jackson Hole Showcase of Homes, a self-guided tour of some of Jackson’s most spectacular residences.
The pinnacle event, the Quick Draw in Jackson’s Town Square, begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, with 35 to 40 painters and sculptors creating artwork in 90 minutes. “We have artists sculpting and painting, there’s watercolor, oil, wildlife, landscapes, small pieces, large pieces,” Murphy says. “It’s really interesting to see what people come up with.” This year’s participating artists include Josh Clare, Chad Poppleton, Gary Lynn Roberts, Jared Sanders, and Kathryn Mapes Turner. The works are sold immediately following the event in a live auction. Also on the block is this year’s festival poster painting. Every year local galleries nominate artists for this honor, and this year Colorado wildlife painter Edward Aldrich was chosen. His 64-by-52-inch oil entitled GREETING THE DAWN features a bison bull with the Tetons behind him, highlighted by early sunrise color.
A final gallery walk on Sunday brings the festival to a close. “I think that our festival showcases everything Jackson has to offer,” Murphy says. “Fine art, music, culinary art, all of the culture, ranch tours, and the showcase of home tours. Book early; our town gets full!” —Laura Rintala
contact information
307.733.3316
www.jacksonholechamber.com
This story was featured in the September 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art September 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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