I love you so much I could eat you right up! That’s what Paul Meyerheim’s 1915 oil painting “Lion and Lioness” says to me.
Ain’t love complicated? The National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) plans on having some Valentine’s Day fun exploring the complexities of love and romance. Tuesday, February 14th, NMWA’s evening happening, Mix’d Media, will host a “love/hate” museum scavenger hunt. “Love Is In the Air – Or Is It?” takes place at the Museum 6-9:00 pm.
I had not heard this, but NMWA’s Amy St. Pierre says its common practice for museums to conduct naked scavenger hunts on Valentine’s Day! (Where are those museums, and how do I find them?) “Our subjects are naked all the time,” says St. Pierre, assistant curator of education for the museum. “So we’ve decided to remove the anthropomorphism and send our guests in search of true animal instincts.” The Jason Fritts Trio will set the mood, and thematic refreshments will be served. There will be chocolate. Attendees also get a chance to create small, ‘lovely’ sketch/journaling books. And, you may be entered for a chance at romance-inspiring prizes including dinner for two at Trio Bistro and wine from The Liquor Store. Cover is $5. Become a Museum member and get your name entered in a raffle for $150 gift certificate to Adventure Rentals. XXOOO! www.wildlifeart.org
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Did you see “Hugo?” It’s up for a ton of awards. When the Diehl Gallery sent word that sculptor Ted Gall’s gear-like, interlocking, moveable works are to be highlighted at the gallery, I immediately thought of the film’s whirring, gleaming, clockwork magic. When I visit Diehl, I usually see some of Galls’ kinetic sculptures displayed at the front of the gallery, and it’s impossible not to stop and play with them. Over the years, Gall’s work evolved into an extensive selection of heads with a variety of human and animal masks. An opening reception for Gall’s new works happens Thursday, February 16, 5-8:00 pm.
“Inside each head an elaborate and unique scene is depicted,” notes the artist. “All heads are articulated, some opening once – most opening twice. Each has a theme. The idea is to open the hinged sections to get inside the head. Once inside, the viewer will discover that the theme is a continuation of all the detail on the outside.” Sale proceeds go in part to benefit the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum. www.diehlgallery.com
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And now for some disheartening news. Teton Art Lab’s Travis Walker has announced that after 16 months, his Factory Studios project will close. The Factory Studios have been
located on Gregory Lane, and its warren-like spaces have served as inexpensive, creative studio spaces for painters, sculptors, musicians, photographers, writers, glass blowers and even conservation non-profits. It wasn’t the Ritz, but for so many young Jackson artists, it was a godsend, and it worked. Now those artists are scattered to the winds, and need new spaces to work. On top of that, they’re having to move mid-winter, dealing with treacherous pain-in-the-neck ice and frigid temperatures. The Factory never slept; it seemed that weekly Walker was sending out notices about the next art happening there.
So what happened? “The landlords have decided not to bring [the building] up to code as directed by the building’s fire inspectors last week,” said Walker. “Because of this, we have decided to pursue other options rather than invest any more into their property. We sincerely regret that our incredible residents have to move at this time of the year, and we will do anything we can to help them find new space. Any assistance or leads would be much appreciated. If you have any thoughts contact me at 307-699-0836 or [email protected] Thanks for your support~~~Travis.”
The Factory is not the only arts-oriented building under scrutiny. Other groups have been told to upgrade or face fines or restrictions.
In case you missed the Facebook chatter, the Factory group and Teton Art Lab will hold “Art on the Rocks” at the Art Association’s ArtSpace Gallery tonight, Friday, 6-8:00 pm. Not at Gregory Lane, as originally planned.
The good news is, Walker always has a plan. He ended his announcement with the words “We hope to have some exciting announcements coming in the next few weeks!” Here’s hoping the Factory artists can find space closer to Town Square, near existing arts facilities. Let’s knit this town’s arts community together! www.tetonartlab.com
Tammy Christel 
