First, a huge thanks to Teton Art Lab, Culture Front and now “STARTERS,” for their contributions to Jackson’s young contemporary art scene. These groups go it on their own, meaning they begin at a grass roots level, don’t ask us for crazy amounts of money (although generosity is welcome, of course!), and keep their products fun and accessible. A friend in the art world recently remarked that it’s not necessarily social status that makes someone an influential arts agent—often it’s those other enterprising folks, lifting up at least half the sky.
There is no greater joy than a job well done—and that’s Moose medicine power wisdom!
Teton Artlab & Culture Front have joined forces. Their new project, “STARTERS” takes the form of a recurring dinner party to help fund local arts projects. STARTERS kicks off Tuesday, September 10th (making it a Fall Arts Festival player, if not an “official” member) at 6:00 pm. A $20 minimum donation gets you in, a greater donation is appreciated, and the first dinner location is TBA, once enough dinner tickets are purchased. The first event is limited in size—test run!
Dinners will be provided by Teton Artlab volunteers, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis; no more than two reservations per person, please. To find out about tix, email Meg Daly at [email protected]
At dinner, say STARTERS organizers, patrons will receive a ballot. Five pre-selected creative projects will be presented, and diners spend the evening conversing with project artists. At the end of dinner, patrons vote for the project they would like to see funded. The artist receiving the most votes is awarded a portion of funds collected at the door—ideally $500 or more. The other four receive $50 for creating and offering their proposals.
Creative genres of all kinds are accepted. The only criteria are that the project be based in Teton County, that the applicant be 21 years of age or older, and that the winner report on how their project is progressing at the next STARTERS event.
If selected as one of the five presenters, an artist will be notified on August 26th, and have two weeks to prepare a 3-5 minute presentation. Applicants will have access to a digital projector and Mac laptop to aid their presentations; those taking advantage of the equipment must submit their presentations in digital form ahead of time.
To apply, submit a one-page proposal by August 23 to [email protected] Include the following: Name, address and phone, email contact, website and photos of any past work (no huge files, please), a 100 word artist bio, a 150 word project description and a 50 word statement about why this project is important not only to you, but to all who will view it or use it.
Cheers! www.tetonartlab.com www.jhculturefront.org
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Greg McHuron’s people are looking to carry on a tradition. As one of his friends and colleagues wrote, every year, save last year when Greg passed, a group of artists have been meeting at the old Rimrock dude ranch near Cody for a week of painting and friendship.
The tradition is 11 years old, and it re-starts this fall. The Rimrock get-away takes place Sunday, September 1st through Sunday, September 8th. Rimrock, say the artists, provides cabins and all meals for a week, at a reasonable price of $850. Artists paint on their own, no instruction or guidance is formally provided; but this year Bill Sawczuk is offering free instruction to any who wish it. It’s an opportunity to take a deep cleansing breath, surrounded by the Shoshone River Valley’s fantastic scenery, prior to tackling Jackson’s frenetic Fall Arts Festival.
As Charlie Craighead said, coming back in the next life as a plein air painter (or any artist who thrives working out of doors) seems a good idea.
Though the group would like more participants, it’s a limited group—20 artists and their spouses may attend. And are welcomed. To register, contact Dede Fales at Rimrock Ranch. 307.587.3970. email: [email protected]
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“Warm” off the presses, from the Cultural Council of Jackson Hole:
“The Cultural Council of Jackson Hole is pleased to announce that Jade and David Walsh are the recipients of the 2013 Creative Legacy Award. This award is presented to an individual who has shown a life-long dedication to the arts in our community, one whose impact has resonated repeatedly through the years. The Cultural Council is also excited to honor Bronwyn Minton as the recipient of the Creative Pulse Award. This award is given to an inspirational and invigorating trendsetter in the valley, one who is introducing fresh programs and project.”
Great awardees! Congratulations!
Tammy Christel 
