Ever since Amy Ringholz’s wild, fantastic, rich work “Dreamers Don’t Sleep” was chosen as the 2012 Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival poster image, and Ringholz the Featured Fall Arts Festival Artist, the masses are clamoring to get a piece of Ringholz action! The image of her winning work is EVERYWHERE, and during Fall Arts Festival the world will get a chance to meet Ringholz, see more of her work, and even get Festival posters signed by the artist. It all takes place at Altamira Fine Art, Ringholz’s “home” gallery here in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Dreamers Don’t Sleep is also the name of Ringholz’ new show, opening at Altamira on September 12th, 2012, with an artist’s reception 5:00-8:00 pm. Earlier that same day, from 3:00-5:00 pm, Ringholz will be signing posters for the public. The show is on exhibit NOW, and is different in a revelatory way from any you’ve seen in Jackson. I promise. How do I know? Here’s what Ringholz has done~~~
As Ringholz is celebrating her 34th birthday, and as this is her 34th solo show, AND as there are 34 paintings in this exhibition, Ringholz is “going rogue.” Rather than mount her show in the traditional manner—on gallery walls—Ringholz is
making this an installation “happening.” Paintings are hung from the ceiling, floating in air, enfolding gallery visitors in every possible way. Ringholz wants us to feel we’re surrounded, being charged, by vast numbers of indigenous North American wildlife; wildlife running at you, swooping over you, perhaps stalking you. The only creature you’ll encounter not to be found in an American wildlife reference book is the jackalope. Yet, this whimsical creature plays a big role in Ringholz’s show; you could say it hangs on the moon. Should I even call “Dreamers” a “show?” This is a quest, an initiation, and an immersion. WOW!
Works have been available for sale since mid August. Suffice to say these paintings—a mix of traditional Ringholz and her new style of “urban wildlife”—are selling, big time. Ringholz is blessed with a double-aptitude: she’s a textural/color person, and she’s developed a powerful spatial talent. Spatial planning and vision informed this show from its first pencil drawings. To test the effect she was going for Ringholz placed many works outdoors, arranging them as true wildlife might appear. But I don’t want to give the show away; you must visit this innovative, dynamic exhibit. Ringholz has your “journey” mapped out; you will meet and experience the power of animals, you will learn about their individual, sacred powers. Ringholz wants you entering this installation/exhibition with full curiosity. And it is, truly, a delight.
“My goal is multi-layered,” says Ringholz. “I hope you enter the space feeling the fear of the unknown, and wildness. After the revelation, I want you to think about being given a task, a mission or a calling; and how that should be pursued with passion. Use your gift and your heart to chase your dream. [I hope] you will relate to one of the characters in this ensemble and see a reflection of yourself.” This artist has always been ahead of her time.
See you there, my spirit friends. We’ll see how myth and reality meet.~~~~~~~~~www.altamiraart.com
Tammy Christel 
