Mary Roberson’s epic collection, Nature is Life in the Dream, opened at Altamira Fine Art on August 6, and you should not miss seeing this remarkable collection of new paintings.
Says Roberson, “When I struggle, I watch the critters who teach me the greatest value of all – simplicity and joy.”
This new grouping of large scale paintings is mythic in scope, abstract, muted and…dream-like. Roberson uses earth tones mixed with low-impact greens and amber, and feels she is capturing climate, ground, atmosphere, and animal by avoiding an over use of color. Her bison appear to have floated down from the sky, settled on desert amidst sandy clouds of dust, and are slowly materializing.
Altamira’s artist bio page says that Roberson is a “….firm believer in the concept that the creative process should be fun, selfless, and that it is natural and distinct to every individual…. Wildlife and nature are her sources of both inspiration and reaffirmation.”
Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Update: R. Tom Gilleon, 2009’s Fall Arts Festival Poster Artist, is now represented by Altamira Fine Art. This year’s poster signing event will take place at Altamira. See J.H. Fall Arts Festival Calendar —click on the page link, right hand side of the Jackson Hole Art Blog’s home page.
Altamira: 307.739.4700. www.altamiraart.com.
Item #2
The Legacy Gallery presents its summer Visions of the West: Multi-Artist Show and Sale, opening Friday, August 14. With a focus on sculpture and paintings of Native Americans and Cowboys (I’ll capitalize both!) the show, says the gallery, “represents the true spirit of the West.”
A spirit more and more elusive, some might argue. Let’s keep the legends, romance and history alive in Western art. Many Legacy Gallery artists are participating in the show and will be on hand for the August 14 opening.
A list of participating artists includes: James Ayers, Roy Andersen, Russell 
Houston, Robert Shufelt, Chad Poppleton, C. Michael Dudash, Jason Rich, John Fawcett, David Wright, Gary Lynn Roberts, John Gawne, Teal Blake, Joni Falk, George D. Smith, and a few paintings to be sold on a draw basis by G. Harvey. Also showing will be bronze sculptors Tim Shinabarger, Richard Greeves, G. Harvey, John Coleman, T.D. Kelsey, and Mehl Lawson.
This special show is accompanied by a color catalogue, a fine addition and collectible item in itself. For additional information or color photos, contact Legacy Gallery at 307-733-2353 or email [email protected]
Item #3: Art Association/Art Lab
The Jackson Hole Art Association’s August Art Fair Jackson Hole takes place 
August 14-16, at Miller Park in Jackson. Additionally, The 10th Annual (Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival) Takin’ It to the Streets art fair takes place Sunday, September 13, 2009. Says the Art Association, ” An intimate ‘local’s only’ show, this fair has become a popular favorite with locals and visitors alike! If you create your own art and want to apply to this juried show, we’d love to have you! Contact Amy Fradley, Art Fair Director at 307-733-8792, or email at [email protected]
Visiting the Art Association? Don’t stop there; head upstairs to the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts third floor and check out Teton Art Lab. Travis Walker’s brainchild, the Art Lab provides artist residencies and a shared artistic and studio experience. It’s a great place for artists new to Jackson to find their way and establish credibility.
This Friday, check out artwork by local and regional artists works in It Came from the Supervolcano, a collection of charged, energetic art by up-and-coming creatives and, just maybe, inspired by Yellowstone’s volcanic power. The show adds to the ever-growing list of venues for new artists “exploding” around town. Alexandra Kornblum’s graphic, bold oil paintings headline the show. Ben Carlson and others get in the groove, too. The show pops its cork with an opening Friday night, 6-9 pm, at the Art Lab. www.tetonartlab.com.
In the fall, the Art Lab can set qualifying artists up with housing, studio access, and other kinds of support. Email: [email protected]
Tammy Christel 
