Show Preview | Fall Arts Festival

Jackson, WY
Various locations, September 3-14

Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey, Forever Jackson, dye on silk, 68 x 52.

This story was featured in the September 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art September 2014 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

Outdoor enthusiasts know that  Jackson, WY, is a mecca for skiing, hiking, rafting, fishing, and kayaking. But the town of 10,000 people, nestled in the valley near Grand Teton National Park, also boasts a vibrant art scene. There are about 60 galleries lining the streets of this popular resort town. Every autumn, the community pays homage to its many artists and galleries when it presents the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

More than 50 separate events are held during the 11-day festival, including gallery walks, wine tastings, ranch tours, and art fairs. On Friday, September 5, the annual Palates & Palettes Gallery Walk takes place, with more than 30 arts venues opening their doors to the public. From 5 to 8 p.m. art lovers can enjoy viewing sculptures, paintings, photographs, and glass art while quaffing a glass of wine and sampling delectable treats created by Jackson Hole’s chefs. And on Saturday, September 13, one of the festival’s marquee events takes place: the Quick Draw Art Sale and Auction, which takes over the town square starting at 9 a.m. Artists create new works from start to finish in 90 minutes, which are then auctioned to the highest bidders.

Each year the Fall Arts Festival chooses a featured artist; this year, in honor of the milestone anniversary, two featured artists have been selected: sculptor Joshua Tobey and painter Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey. It’s the first time a sculptor has been chosen. Tobey’s featured bronze, JACKSON SYMPHONY, and Cawdrey’s featured painting, FOREVER JACKSON, are on view at The Wort Hotel through September 12. On Saturday, September 13, they are included in the auction on the town square.

Joshua Tobey, Jackson Symphony, bronze, 31 x 16 x 21.

For JACKSON SYMPHONY, Tobey depicts a family of three life-size coyotes as they thrust their heads backward and howl at the moon. The sculptor presented two other concepts to the selection committee, but the coyotes won the vote over an elk and a hawk. Tobey admits he favored the coyotes, too. “The idea for the sculpture came from growing up and living in rural areas where, every evening, coyotes sound off and all of nature is silent while every member of the pack joins in a chorus to announce the end of the day,” he says.

Cawdrey’s FOREVER JACKSON portrays a moose set against the backdrop of the stunning Grand Teton landscape. The expansiveness of the West is the idea that inspired the piece, according to the artist. “This is the story of the past, present, and future, and I wanted to express this feeling as an artist living in this great American West—big sky, big waters, big moose, and really big mountains,” Cawdrey says.

The artist’s colorful paintings are on view at West Lives On Gallery, where she signs posters from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 7. Tobey signs posters on Wednesday, September 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Astoria Fine Art, which has more than 50 of his pieces on view during the festival. —Bonnie Gangelhoff

contact information
307.733.3316
 www.jacksonholechamber.com

Featured in the September 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art September 2014 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!