Show Preview | Western Visions - Southwest Art Magazine

National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY
September 10-October 3

Dan Metz, Sounds of Hounds, oil, 16 x 20.

The Western Visions Art Show & Sale returns to the National Museum of Wildlife Art this fall with several of its traditions in place, as well as a few fresh approaches. The 34th annual exhibition of wildlife-focused paintings and sculptures offers both in-person and virtual options for viewing and purchasing. With approximately 140 invited artists, the show’s roster has increased by about 40 percent. And buyers can expect a streamlined new process for purchasing during the fixed-price sale, which takes place on Thursday, September 16, beginning at 5 p.m., with many of the participating artists in attendance.

: Amy Lay, Mustang Song, oil, 14 x 11.

: Jerry Markham, Regal Raptor, oil, 18 x 12.

: Britt Freda, Karmer Butterflies (Endangered Species), acrylic/graphite, 20 x 16.

According to Michelle Dickson, the museum’s new director of programs and events, this year’s event promises greater creative diversity. “The artists are exhibiting works in a smaller format this year, which allows us to accommodate a lot more pieces,” Dickson says. “We have a wider demographic representation among the invited painters and sculptors, as well as a broader range of price points and styles. Although the show is wildlife-focused, it’s not limited to western wildlife, so attendees will see various creative interpretations.” Artists participating this year include Tucker Smith, Sandy Scott, Penelope Gottlieb, John Potter, Kathryn Mapes Turner, and Terrance Guardipee. Paintings are limited in size to 16 by 20 inches, while sculptures are limited to 18 inches in any dimension.

: Sherry Salari-Sander, On the Jump, bronze, 15 x 16 x 12.

: Peregrine O’Gormley, New Eyes, bronze, 10 x 10 x 5.

: Dustin Van Wechel, The Survivalist, oil, 16 x 12.

The Western Visions show opens for previews on September 10, and the sale returns to an intent-to-purchase format this year, but with a modern upgrade. Rather than using the ballot-box system and asking attendees to fill out slips of paper, the museum is introducing a custom platform that allows both in-person and online buyers to submit their names. Each in-person buyer is given a paddle with a personalized QR code, which they then bring to a concierge station to be scanned; online buyers use a customized app. Buyers’ names are selected in a randomized “drawing” and announced at the end of the evening. Artworks still available after that night may be purchased at the museum and online from September 17 through October 3.

Western Visions takes place during the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, which runs September 8-19 and includes the Jackson Hole Art Auction, the Western Design Conference, gallery walks, pop-up art fairs, a popular Quick Draw & Auction, and many more events. It’s an exciting—and beautiful—time to visit northwestern Wyoming, and Western Visions is one of the star attractions. –Allison Malafronte