One of Grand Teton National Park’s most powerful–yet, I suspect, often overlooked–destinations is the American Indian artists exhibition and demonstrations at the Colter Bay Visitor Center. It’s one of the few places in our immediate region where one can get a sense of the scope and breadth of American Indian artistry and heritage. Demonstrating artists represent tribes from around the country, and exhibit through the summer, Monday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. Crafted items are available for purchase. I’ve not been up yet this year; last year the David T. Vernon collection was taken down for safe keeping and restoration while its space at Colter Bay was upgraded; it was getting pretty damp and ragged in there. But that never lessened the power, the sacred history of this collection. It will give you goosebumps.
Why did we all want to dress up as Indians when we were kids? I did it all the time. Also dressed up as a cowgirl. But wanting to dress up like an Indian I think is some sort of need to feel primal, original energy. To convince yourself you’re not just a white person. I am just a white person, but that childhood desire to not be just a white person was real.
The Colter Bay Visitor Center interior has been refurbished, and “reflects the original intention of the visitor center when it first opened in the late 1950s.” New geology exhibits provide interpretation on the back deck and new pieces from the David T. Vernon Indian Arts collection are on display in a cozy museum room containing information that explains the significance and value of this priceless collection, says the Park. For information, contact the Public Affairs Office, 307.739.3431
June 18-24: Guillermo Martinez – Tarascan-Apache – Handmade Flutes & Drums
June 25-July 1: Maynard White Owl – Nez Perce-Cayuse – Beadwork
July 2-8: Ted Moran – S’Klallan – Northwest Coastal Carving
July 9-15: Andrea Two Bulls – Ogalala Sioux – Beadwork, Painting
July 16-22: Willie & Debbie LaMere – Shoshone – Beadwork, Flint Knapping
July 23-29: DG House – Cherokee – Oil Painting
July 30-August 5: Jola LeBeau – Eastern Shoshone – Beadwork
August 6-12: Paul Hacker – Choctaw – Flutes, Knives, Pottery
August 13-19: Kelly Looking Horse – Lakota Sioux – Beadwork, Rawhide & Buffalo
August 20-26: Gale Self – Choctaw – Silver Jewelry
August 27-Sept 2: Josie & Juan Bronco – Shoshone/Paiute – Beadwork
September 3-9: Clyde Hall & Nancy Nacki – Shoshone – Beadwork, Quill & Silver
September 10-16: TBA
September 17-23: DG House – Cherokee – Oil Painting
Sept. 24-30: Willie & Debbie LaMere – Shoshone – Beadwork, Flint Knapping – The LaMeres will be in residence during October, 2012.
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Solstice! Celebrate it! The morning sun is shining like a red rubber ball!
Celebrate it by watching/interacting with Jackson artist Valerie Seaberg, and friends, as they install ” a large willow artwork created to demonstrate the beauty and simplicity of natural art…” A J.H. Public Art project, the induction of this sculpture into the water includes Artemis Institute students building and displaying natural “Vessels.” Happens Wednesday, June 20th, 5-8:00 pm, at the Wilson Boat Launch.
And all of the above is part of the Land Trust’s giant picnic/party/fundraiser “Solstice at the Park,” taking place down by the water Wednesday night.
I feel a sudden urge to get re-baptized! And find the copy of one of my favorite childhood books, “A Big Ball of String.” Frolic, enjoy!
Tammy Christel 
