Unless you live under a sculpture trail rock, you know the National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. A quarter century of bringing the best of the wildlife art genre to the public is excellent reason to celebrate, and this year NMWA is extending its annual Western Visions celebrations. Traditionally beginning WV events in September, this year everyone is envited to take part in activities scheduled to launch August 18th, 2012. From that date through September, visitors may attend lectures, take hands-on workshops, view and purchase fine Western contemporary art, and attend some dandy artsy parties. Oh, and you’ll meet some of the genre’s most renowned artists.
Western Visions’ featured artists— sculptor Richard Loffler and painter Tucker Smith—will lead special events. On September 13th, ride horseback with Smith for a special arts workshop. A
passionate wildlife observer, Smith will join guests for lunch and provide a chance to see the world through his painter’s eyes on a horseback ride at Spring Creek Ranch; the adventure begins at the museum in front of Tucker’s special painting donation for this year’s auction, “Through the Aspens.”
That same day, attend the unveiling of Loffler’s 64-foot-long sculpture “Buffalo Trail,” the final major installation on the museum’s new Walter Hood designed Sculpture Trail. Loffler will discuss the four-year plus, often grueling process, of creating his mighty bronze. Loffler is offering a small-version replica of a portion of the sculpture, “Making a Stand,” as his donation for this year’s show and sale.
NMWA’s scheduled WV events include the Sketch Show & Sale and Original Prints Show & Sale, August 18 – September 23; the Jewelry and Artisan Luncheon, September 12; the 25th Annual Wild West Artist Party, September 13; and the 25th Annual Miniatures and More Show & Sale, September 14. A coffee-in-the-gallery Art A’ Brewin’ event September 26 allows a final in-person chance to browse works still available for sale. Museum events are part of Jackson’s annual Fall Arts Festival extravaganza, taking place this year September 6-16th.
For a complete calendar of events, visit www.wildlifeart.org or contact Jennifer Lee at 307.732.5412.
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It’s A Dog’s Life!
That’s the theme of Trailside Galleries’ new show~~all the gallery’s participating artists will create works with a dog theme in mind. And that could add up to a lot of doggies, as all Trailside artists have been invited to submit work. A portion of the show’s proceeds will benefit Jackson’s Animal Shelter. “It’s a Dog’s Life” is on exhibition August 13-26, 2012, with an artists reception on Thursday, August 16, 5-8:00 pm.
The exhibition is “joined” by a special Joseph Sulkowski showcase; Sulkowski will be in attendance on opening night. Trailside also has one of the best collections of Western inspired furniture, and new pieces by craftsmen John Gallis, Mike Roths, Ron Shanor and (sigh, I LOVE his work!!) Brad Greenwood. Greenwood, of the “Yellowstone Desk with hidden compartments” fame–Greenwood won “Best in Show” a couple at the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival’s Western Design Conference. www.trailsidegalleries.com
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Pop Up Gallery! Camille Obering opens an exhibition of works by famed artists Kiki Smith (very feminst!) and Lee Ufan, with a cocktail reception Tuesday, August 14th, 5-8pm. The pop-up is housed on the corner of King Street & Pearl, in the former “Paper & Grace” space. Hope to get more up about this show later—-it runs through September 30th! Hours are 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Saturday. Come on in if the sign in the “Open” sign is up. www.camilleobering.com
Tammy Christel 
