Month: August 2011

The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival is widely recognized as one of the premier cultural events in the Rocky Mountain West. Thousands of art enthusiasts are drawn each year to experience the diverse artwork and breathtaking natural surroundings that make Jackson Hole a leading cultural center. The 2011 Festival will take place September 8-18,2011. Experience the world-class installments of contemporary, culinary, landscape, Native American, wildlife, and Western, arts. Visitors will appreciate the works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists along with an exceptional array of music, cowboy poetry and cuisine. More than fifty events round out our eleven-day festival.

2011 Event Highlights

Thursday, September 8

Western Design Conference Lecture
Yellowstone to Yukon, a Journey of Art in Nature following in the footsteps of Carl Rungius.  Fall Arts Festival 2011 artist Dwayne Harty discusses his artwork and travels through the mountain corridor from Pinedale, Wyoming, to the Arctic Circle, Yukon Territory.
Center for the Arts, 2pm
Tickets at the door, $15 includes exhibit sale pass or www.WesternDesignConference.com.

Western Design Conference Gala Event: Fashion Jewelry Show
One big night! An up-close-and-personal, live-model jewelry show and champagne celebration, followed by a runway fashion show presenting western-genre couture collections from both up-and-coming and established fashion designers. Including a formal recognition awarding over $22,000 in cash prizes to the exhibitors whose work best exemplifies the traditions and evolution of western design. New this year, Winners Circle Art Auction! Past award winners will donate new works of art to be auctioned by Wyoming State Senator Leland Christensen and Mary Schmitt of Cayuse Western Americana Gallery. All proceeds benefit the annual WDC artist awards fund. Gala reception with catering by Dining In to follow.
Center for the Arts / doors open at 6pm. Fashion Show at 7:15pm
Tickets $125 box seats, $100 main floor, $35 balcony
Reserved seating, Center Box Office for tickets 307-733-4900 or jhcenterforthearts.org

Trio Fine Art – Kathryn Mapes Turner Solo Exhibition
Opening Reception. Come view the latest work of this distinguished local artist. All are welcome! Exhibition runs through September 24th.
Trio Fine Art, 545 N. Cache, (307) 734-4444, www.triofineart.com

Galleries West Fine Art, Sculptor R. Scott Nickell
Scott will be at Galleries West Fine Art sculpting all day Sept. 8 through Sept. 18. Stop by and meet the artist and watch as he sculpts his latest masterpiece.
Galleries West Fine Art, 70 S. Glenwood, 5-9pm, (307) 733-4412,www.gallerieswestjacksonhole.com

Friday, September 9

19th Annual Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale 
The world’s preeminent exhibition of western furniture, home accessories and fashion, hosted by Teton Home and Living magazine. Brings together artists, scholars, collectors, interior designers, architects and fashion designers with an interest in the West. Artisans display handcrafted functional art in leather, metal, accents, woodworking, jewelry and fashion during the exhibit sale.
The Pavilion at Snow King Resort, 10am – 5pm
Tickets at the door, $15
www.westerndesignconference.com

Studio Tours
Experience the artist’s world. Watch as painters create on canvas, molten glass is transformed into beautiful vessels, metal is forged, and clay pots formed. Follow the map on the Chamber website and feel free to call for directions.
10am – 5pm
Contact Laurie Thal at (307) 733-5096 or www.thalglass.com

Trio Fine Art Gallery Demonstrations
The Trio Artists will be demonstrating drawing and painting techniques in the gallery. All are welcome to stop in! Free admission.
Trio Fine Art Gallery, 545 N. Cache, (307) 734-4444, www.triofineart.com

Diehl Gallery’s Sheila Norgate Beaks & Muzzles II Opening
Diehl Gallery welcomes Canadian painter Sheila Norgate for her third solo exhibition of new works featuring her beloved ‘cast’ of dogs and birds. This exhibition will support the Jackson Hole Land Trust. The opening of this exhibition coincides with Palates and Palettes, the kickoff event for the 2011 Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival. Diehl Gallery is pleased to again partner with Ignight and extends thanks to Joe Rice and his staff for their continued generosity. The show runs from September 9th thru the 30th.
Diehl Gallery, 155 West Broadway, 5-9pm, (307) 733-0905, www.diehlgallery.com

Heather James Fine Art
With a global view of wildlife art, our group show highlights artworks from indigenous eyes through modern and contemporary visions. Featuring works by Picasso, Giacometti, Warhol and more, we will explore a unique view of wildlife in art. Contemporary artist Penelope Gottlieb’s Invasive Species series reminds us of the brutalities in nature, and captures the power of imagination and hope for renewal. Earl Cunningham’s vibrant style gave him the reputation of being an American Primitive Fauve. Since his death in 1977, he has been recognized as a major Twentieth Century American Folk artist, whose work combines his life experiences with whim and fantasy.
Heather James Fine Art, 172 Center Street, 5-8pm, (307) 200-6090, www.heatherjames.com

Tayloe Piggott Gallery
Experience an installation of works by various internationally known artists incorporated into vignettes depicting art and the communication of space.
Tayloe Piggot Gallery, 62 S. Glenwood St, 5-8pm, (307) 733-0555,www.tayloepiggottgallery.com

Palates & Palettes Gallery Walk
More than 30 art galleries open their doors to showcase magnificent art with food, wine and music!
Various locations, see gallery map, 5 – 8pm
Open to the public

Saturday, September 10

19th Annual Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale
The world’s preeminent exhibition of western furniture, home accessories and fashion, hosted by Teton Home and Living magazine.  Brings together artists, scholars, collectors, interior designers, architects and fashion designers with an interest in the West. Artisans display handcrafted functional art in leather, metal, home accents, woodworking, jewelry and fashion during the exhibit sale.
The Pavilion at Snow King Resort, 10am – 5pm
Tickets at the door, $15
www.westerndesignconference.com

19th Annual Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale Presents Q&A with The Rhinestone Rembrandt, Manuel
Join us as Manuel, Nashville costumer and artist to stars from Johnny Cash, Elvis, and Bob Dylan, spends an hour chatting with writer and WY PBS host Dina Mishev during the exhibit sale, 1pm.
Tickets at the door, $15
www.westerndesignconference.com

Studio Tours
Experience the artist’s world. Watch as painters create on canvas, molten glass is transformed into beautiful vessels, metal is forged, and clay pots formed. Follow the map on the Chamber website and feel free to call for directions.
10am – 5pm
Contact Laurie Thal at (307) 733-5096 or www.thalglass.com

Historic Ranch Tours
Visit historic valley ranches, where Jackson Hole’s cowboy heritage still thrives. Start out at the Walton Ranch and then head to the Snake River Ranch. The tour is complete with cowboys, Western entertainment, and a good ol’ fashion barbeque. Hosted by Mountain Living magazine.
Busses leave Jackson’s Home Ranch parking lot at 3 p.m., $50
307.733.3316 or 307.699.3868

Images of Nature Gallery
The annual fall reception at MANGELSEN – Image of Nature gallery will be held on Saturday, September 10th, 2011. World-renowned wildlife and nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen will share his latest images at the event. At the artist’s reception Tom will visit with collectors, tell stories about his photographic journeys and sign books and limited edition prints.
Images of Nature Gallery, 170 N. Cache, (307) 733-9752, www.mangelsen.com

Mountain Trails Gallery – Two Man Show
Two Man Show “A Family Legacy” Featuring father and son sculptors, Vic Payne and Dustin Payne. September 12th thru September 18th.
Mountain Trails Gallery, 155 Center Street, (307) 734-8150, www.mtntrails.net

Sunday, September 11

19th Annual Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale 
The world’s preeminent exhibition of western furniture, home accessories and fashion, hosted by Teton Home and Living magazine.  Brings together artists, scholars, collectors, interior designers, architects and fashion designers with an interest in the West. Artisans display handcrafted functional art in leather, metal, accents, woodworking, jewelry and fashion during the exhibit sale.
The Pavilion at Snow King Resort, 10am – 5pm
Tickets at the door, $15
www.westerndesignconference.com

12th Annual Takin’ It to the Streets
An open-air, juried art fair featuring 40 local artists, including some of Jackson’s finest, selling an array of fine artwork. Presented by the Jackson Hole Art Association.
Jackson Town Square, 10am – 4pm
Contact Amy Fradley at 307.733.8792 or artistinfo@jhartfair.org

Taste of the Tetons
Valley chefs, restaurants and caterers put their best culinary work on display for sampling. Also enjoy a wine tasting, silent auction, and the Howdy Pardners “Pickin’ in the Park” – musical entertainment by The Jackson Hole Cowboy Jubilee. Each taste ticket is $1.
Jackson Town Square, 11am-4pm

Wednesday, September 14

Jewelry and Artisan Luncheon
Enjoy an elegant luncheon at an exclusive destination. Premiere artisans (jewelry, fiber and leather) preview and sell their stunning handmade goods. This ladies-only event is kicks-off the Jewelry and Artisan portion of the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s Western Visions® activities. Register by September 7, 2011 by calling 307-732-5412.
Location Hotel Terra, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
$100 per person or $500 per person for a package including Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday plus other exclusive events

Poster Signing with Dwayne Harty at Mountain Trails Gallery 
Meet artist, Dwayne Harty and receive a personally signed poster of his featured painting, “Strength & Vulernability.” Learn about his journey in the last few years as he was involved in the “Yellowstone to Yukon, a Journey of Wildlife and Art”.
Mountain Trails Gallery, 3-5pm
Open to the public

Altamira Fine Art 
Reception for R. Tom Gilleon, Jared Sanders, and Billy Schenck. This reception will feature a short talk by each artist about Western Contemporary in modern art, starting at 6pm.
Altamira Fine Art, 172 Center Street, 5-8pm, (307) 739-4700, www.altamiraart.com

Art Walk
Join more than 30 Jackson art galleries for the Third Thursdays Art Walk (moved to Wednesday evening for the week of the Fall Arts Festival). Enjoy fine art and experience the vibrant Jackson art scene. Look for the Art Walk banners!
Various locations – see gallery map, 5 – 8 pm
Open to the public

Thursday, September 15

Wild West Artist Party
As part of the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s 24th Annual Western Visions: Miniatures and More Show & Sale, artists and patrons have an opportunity to view the art, place their ballots, and mingle before the big sale. The Jewelry and Artisan Show & Sale, the Original Prints Show & Sale, and the Sketch Show & Sale are open to the public during this event and the artisans are in residence. The evening includes delicious fare, a full bar and entertainment. Register by September 7, 2011 by calling 307-732-5412.
National Museum of Wildlife Art, 6:30 – 10:30 pm.
$200 per person or $500 per person for a package including Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday plus other exclusive events

Galleries West Fine Art, Artist D. Lee
D. Lee will be sharing her painting skills Sept. 15th from 10-5pm at Galleries West Fine Art. Stop by to meet the artist and watch as she produces her fine works live. You can see her again at the 16th Annual Jackson Hole Quick Draw on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 9am.
Galleries West Fine Art, 70 S. Glenwood, 10am-5pm, (307) 733-4412, www.gallerieswestjacksonhole.com

Astoria Fine Art Gallery Reception
Gallery Reception with featured works by Dean Mitchell & Ewoud de Groot
Astoria Fine Art, 35 E. Deloney (on the Town Square), 4-6pm, (307) 733-4016,www.astoriafineart.com

Friday, September 16

24th Annual Western Visions®: Miniatures and More Show and Sale
This is the final opportunity to place your bid prior to the drawing that determines who is going home with a beautiful new work of art. The evening features refreshments and beverage, and most importantly, the names of the winning bidders are drawn. The Jewelry and Artisan Show & Sale, the Original Prints Show & Sale, and the Sketch Show & Sale will be on display and guests are invited to make purchases.
Register by September 7, 2011: this event sells out quickly! Call 307-732-5412.
National Museum of Wildlife Art, 3:30 – 7:30 pm.
$75 per person or $500 per person for a package including Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday Please view www.westernvisions.org for a full listing of events.

Legacy Gallery, Wildlife and Sporting Art Group Show
Show will feature new works from Ken Carlson, Michael Coleman, Luke Frazier, Chad Poppleton, Brian Grimm, Krystii Melaine, Dan Metz, Brett Smith, Ken Bunn, Tim Shinabarger, Walter Matia and Eugene Morelli.
Legacy Gallery, 75 N. Cache, 1-4pm, (307) 733-2353, www.legacygallery.com

Astoria Fine Art Gallery Reception
Gallery Reception featuring the 4th Annual Greg Beecham showcase and sale and hosting the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s 2011 Western Visions featured sculptor Bart Walter.
Astoria Fine Art, 35 E. Deloney (on the Town Square), 3-5pm, (307) 733-4016,www.astoriafineart.com

Saturday, September 17

16th Annual Jackson Hole QuickDraw Art Sale and Auction
Nationally, regionally, and locally recognized artists paint and sculpt as spectators look on. The one-of a-kind artwork will be auctioned off following the hour-long creative process, along with the sale of the featured artwork of the 2011 Fall Arts Festival by Dwayne Harty.
Jackson Town Square, 9:30 am (Please note earlier time)
Open to the public

Astoria Fine Art Gallery Reception
Best of Astoria Gallery Reception featuring new works by gallery artists and over 30 artists in attendance. Artist spotlight: Joshua Tobey.
Astoria Fine Art, 35 E. Deloney (on the Town Square), 10am-1pm, (307) 733-4016,www.astoriafineart.com

Jackson Hole Art Auction
Presented by Trailside Galleries of Jackson and Scottsdale, and the Gerald Peters Gallery of Santa Fe, this annual live auction is one of the premier western art events in the country, defined by the high standards of works offered by contemporary western artists and deceased masters.
Center for the Arts, 1pm, 866-549-9278, www.jacksonholeartauction.com
Please register to attend.

Wilcox Gallery and Wilcox Gallery II
Wilcox Gallery will many artists demonstrating from 2 – 6 p.m. The studio at Wilcox Gallery North will be open for visitors to visit Jim Wilcox’s studio, where he will be demonstrating. Then at 6:00 p.m – 8 we will be serving a taco bar at Wilcox Gallery II and an Ice cream bar (with Moos Ice cream) at the North of Town location.
Wilcox Gallery, 1975 N. Hwy 89, 2-6pm, (307) 733-6450, www.wilcoxgallery.com

Wilcox Gallery II, 110 Center Street, 6-8pm
Trailside Galleries annual “Fall Gold” Show
Trailside Galleries’ annual “Fall Gold” show features a marvelous selection of wildlife, landscape, figural and western art in an array of genres and mediums. On display from September 12 – 24, the show features work by all gallery artists, including Kyle Sims, Veryl Goodnight, Tucker Smith, Bill Anton, Mian Situ, Z.S. Liang, amd Morgan Weistling, among many others. Our artists’ reception is scheduled for Saturday, September 17, from 3pm – 6pm, where collectors will have the opportunity to meet many of their favorite artists. Trailside Galleries is home to the Jackson Hole Art Auction, one of the showcase events of the Fall Arts Festival.
Trailside Galleries, 130 East Broadway, 3-6pm, (307) 733-3186, www.trailsidegalleries.com

Galleries West Fine Art, 9th Annual Fall Round Up
This annual Fall Arts Festival group show features new works by the entire roster of Galleries West artists. Meet the artists at the Artist’s Reception from 5-9pm on Saturday Sept. 17th.
Galleries West Fine Art, 70 S. Glenwood, 5-9pm, (307) 733-4412,www.gallerieswestjacksonhole.com

Mountain Trails Gallery – Two Man Show Reception
Two Man Show “ A Family Legacy” Featuring father and son sculptors, Vic Payne and Dustin Payne. September 12th thru September 18th. Reception on September 17th from 2-5pm.
Mountain Trails Gallery, 155 Center Street, 1-5pm, (307) 734-8150, www.mtntrails.net

Sunday, September 18

Art Brunch Gallery Walk
Join Jackson’s 30 plus art galleries for brunch and festive beverages at this closing-day celebration of yet another superb Fall Arts Festival! Brunch, Bloody Marys and spectacular art…what an ending! Various locations, see gallery map, 11am – 3pm
Open to the public

A recent “Real-Time Advice” post on Smart Money.com’s website discusses why real estate purchases make sense in a volatile stock market and the Wall Street Journal recently featured Jackson Hole as an exceptional destination. Combine that with the incredibly smart tax advantages offered to Wyoming residents and you will find a very compelling story.  Excerpts below:

Forget the Market. Buy a House.

By Jilian Mincer, Real-Time Advice on Smart Money.com

August 18th, 2011. With the Dow Jones Industrial Average down more than 400 points today, and many market experts predicting more volatility ahead, some advisers are recommending their clients put some of their cash to another use: To buy that house or summer home at the shore. Potential homebuyers certainly have plenty of incentives: Home prices are still way down in many parts of the country, and mortgage rates are nearing their all-time lows. Consider: The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 1 basis point this week, to 4.45 percent — just a few basis points above the record low hit in October 2010, according to the Bankrate.com national survey of large lenders.

Another reason to act now, say experts: While the recent passage of the debt deal is likely to keep mortgage rates low for now, homebuyers could soon find themselves with fewer incentives once the details of the debt deal are ironed out. Lawmakers have been debating a simpler tax system with lower tax rates and fewer tax breaks that could include reducing the generous mortgage tax deduction as part of the long-term spending cuts that must be agreed on this fall.

If “you’re financially prepared to do so, it’s a great time to buy a house,” says Greg McBride, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com. “Affordability is tremendous, and if you’re in a position where you have the financial security that others are lacking, you’re in a great position to grab a good deal.” Rebecca Hall, a financial planner in Reston, Va., said several of her clients have decided to buy second homes instead of putting more money in the market. “People don’t view real estate as volatile as the market,” says Hall. “Housing prices go down, but people aren’t on-line looking at it every day,” she says. “You view housing as a much longer term investment so it’s a little easier to handle [the volatility].”

Off Duty – The Wall Street Journal – August 13-14, 2011

By Benjamin Percy – WSJ

PLACES LIKE JACKSON HOLE, Wyo., are the reason people play Powerball: the jagged snarl of the Teton mountains, the silver coil of the Snake River. The elk bugling from hillsides, the rainbow trout flashing through streams. The cowboy culture. And at the heart of it all, the town of Jackson, with its splintery boardwalks and elkhorn sculptures, hilltop spas and gourmet cuisine.

Head to Grand Teton National Park where you’ll drop $12 on a pass good for seven days and then continue another seven miles to Jenny Lake. Marvel at the view, a collision of tectonic plates that has created a craggy up thrust of granite and gneiss that will remind you of an immense jawline.

At Jenny Lake, throw down $10 for the round-trip shuttle that motors you across the water to the Cascade Canyon trailhead. The first few miles of the trail are full of kids and flip-flop-wearing tourists, but once you push past Hidden Falls and inspiration Point, which offers a stunning view of Jackson Hole valley, you follow a quiet path between the shoulders of the mountains, past landslides, glacier-fed rivers, huckleberry thickets and piney forests.

If a 15-mile trek isn’t your style, head back to the park entrance and spend an hour exploring the impressive visitor center, or drive to the nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Village and ride the tram 4,139 vertical feet to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain.

Pause often to snap photos and peer through your binoculars for wildlife. You might well round a bend and come upon a big bull moose wading through a stream, his antlers basket big enough to carry a man. Take a long pull from your water bottle, then turn and go your own way. As you pound along the trail that winds upward, you may find yourself easily winded. For once you can blame it on altitude. That’s why you’ve loaded your backpack full of water and chocolate bars to keep you going, all the way to Lake Solitude and back. #

Above, Mayor of Jackson Hole Mark Barron poses with the cast

The sounds of Hollywood have replaced peace and quiet on Jackson Hole’s Lost Creek Ranch.”And action,” yelled a director. The change of scenery is also a change of pace for the actors of ABC’s “Modern Family.””Rico, we’re not in California anymore,” said Nolan Gould to his TV-cousin.

The Emmy-award winning cast and crew are enjoying a break from Los Angeles to shoot their season three première. A sneak peek of the set on Thursday revealed the new talk of the town, “Lily,” getting a touch up before a scene with middle Dunphy child, “Alex.”As well as some fun at the pool for all the kids, on screen and off.

“Alex … not Alex,” joked actress Ariel Winters, putting on and taking off her “prop” glasses. Despite the cameras and cargo, Lost Creek is still a ranch, and booked solid.

But guests don’t seem to mind the chaos too much.” We’ve seen a lot of characters and got autographs,” said 9-year-old Kate, vacationing from New York.” They’re all really nice,” said 12-year-old Eloise, from San Fransisco. Many tourists got their 15 minutes of fame as extras, along with some very excited staff.”I got to sit at the fence at the team penning scene,” said Karen Johnson, a temporary staff member for the week and huge fan of the show.

More than 25 scenes are being shot on the ranch, which means long and very hot days. But the young stars said when they’re not on the clock, it’s all about exploring the old West.

“So much to do and I want to do it all,” said Rodriguez, a.k.a. “Manny.”Gould and Rodriguez said the Alpine slide has been the biggest hit, but only with some family style competition.”We had a race,” said Rodriguez. “I won the tournament.””That made me really angry,” said Gould. But at the end of the day, they’re still family, and a very modern one on TV.

The ‘Modern Family” season premiere airs Sept. 21 on ABC.