National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY
September 7-29
This year marks the 37th anniversary of the Western Visions Art Show + Sale, held at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming. Situated in one of the most stunning locations in the Lower 48, this event is significant for collectors of wildlife art who enjoy selecting from diverse works. Artists from across the United States, and some from abroad, submit compositions that must have an element of wildlife included.
William Haskell, Spirit of Place, acrylic on panel, 14 x 11.
The museum’s Director of Program and Events Michelle Dickson explains that this invitational has further parameters. “We now take compositions that are no more than 320 square inches without a frame. For sculptures, the piece cannot have any dimension that is greater than 18 inches. This direction in taking smaller works has opened a lot of doors for us, the artists and the collectors.” Only one piece per artist is permitted, providing a broad price point range that is approachable for emerging collectors. And for those established collectors of art, there are masterpieces to be had.
Tim Cherry, Dreams of Salmon, bronze, ed of 18, 13 x 8 x 3.
While over 140 artists will be committed to the smaller format entry, this year’s show will feature over 30 artists who have been selected by lottery to create larger scale works. These items will be displayed in the museum’s King Gallery. Although it is not typical for the museum to establish a theme, the larger pieces this year are being presented in alignment with the museum’s mission. “The theme is ‘connections,’” Dickson explains. “I love this choice, as it is so open to artistic interpretation.”
John Potter, From the Beginning, oil on linen, 28 x 47.
Western Visions is one of the largest fundraisers for the museum, which acts as a nonprofit organization. The event is an integral piece of the annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, which will see its 40th anniversary this year. Though the signature event for NMWA happens September 12, the exhibit opens prior to that on September 7. Intent to purchase will close on the evening of the event and the open sale to the public will commence on September 13. There is an online sale component to this as well. An interested patron can put their name in a digital hat to be drawn for any piece that might catch their eye, keeping in mind that intent to purchase means they will be fully committed to buying the item or items. The show remains on view through September 29.
Scott Fraser, Hello, oil on panel, 12 x 16.
For those who are fortunate enough to attend this celebration of wildlife art in person, it is often the museum itself that is lauded for its architecture, outdoor sculpture walk and the view of the Jackson’s National Elk Refuge.
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- Lindsay Scott, Ever Wary, oil on linen, 26 x 40.
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- Rick Pas, Au Sable Eagle, acrylic on panel, 16 x 16.
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- Nancy Howe, Poetica, oil on Belgian linen panel, 16 x 12.
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- Mike Barlow, Jackson Elk, bronze, ed. 30 of 35, 9 x 7 x 4.
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- Amber Downs Blazina, Oracle, oil and acrylic on linen, 26 x 12.
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- Julie T. Chapman, Spirit (Study), mixed media, 16 x 16.
Santa Fe artist William Haskell, whose contemporary works are critically acclaimed, has been invited to participate for the first time. “It is such an honor,” he says, “to be invited to contribute a painting to this important event. I was thrilled to receive it! I am really excited to have my work featured in such a beautiful venue.” —Jenn Rein
contact information
wildlifeartevents.org
This story appeared in the August/September 2024 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Subscribe today to read every issue in its entirety.