What’s Jackson’s most memorable art image this year?
Jackson’s Fall Arts Festival is just around the corner; and so is Old Bill’s Fun Run. That means arts organizations are doing double-duty this month—-make that TRIPLE duty; we can’t forget the Jackson Hole Eclipse throngs getting ready to descend upon our town—-making ready their Fall Arts exhibitions and events and, if you’re a non-profit, pitching your case to the public for support through Old Bill’s.
The Art Association has made, it appears, some genuine headway this year under the leadership of Mark Nowlin and a refreshed social media and communications staff. Press releases are well-written, spell check is in use, and the number of emails has increased. It’s great when grown ups trained to perform specific tasks are hired to execute those tasks!
What’s Jackson’s most memorable art image this year?
A flamingo. That’s right, a flamingo.
(Pssst….that link has all the flamingo fun facts.)
How un-Jackson can you get? In lieu of signage, the Art Association opted to fill downtown Jackson with pink flamingos pointing the way to their July summer art fair. Each art fair booth costs participating artists $500. Entry to the Art Fair this year is $5; just a few years ago it was $2. Artists not only pay for their booth space, they incur travel expenses to get here, feed themselves, house themselves, pay for gas, and hope to make a profit. Surely some of that is deductible, but with hotel rates hovering around $300/night, that’s a potential $2,000 outlay for artists. Some attend shows around the country annually.
Another memorable moment will be when Bronwyn Minton steps into her new role as Director of Programs and Exhibitions at the Art Association.
“Minton’s process involves experimentation with ideas, method and media, leading to final works. In the past, this has included drawing, photography, sculpture, printmaking and interactive installations,” ~ J.H. Center for the Arts
Minton comes to the Art Association from the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s Education and Curatorial departments, where she has contributed great programming in partnership with Education’s Jane Lavino and Curatorial Director Adam Harris. Minton’s slightly dark, often humorous and always engaging story-telling artistic sensibility has lent a fun and accessible dimension to the museum, and we can expect to see creative and dynamic work from her as she curates exhibits and programming in her new leadership position at the Art Association. Good luck, and congratulations, Bronwyn!
“Minton’s process involves experimentation with ideas, method and media, leading to final works. In the past, this has included drawing, photography, sculpture, printmaking and interactive installations,” says the Center. “Her questions stem from unique perspectives, including classic children’s literature, ancient mythology, and rigorous scientific observation. She uses simple forms derived from nature as a starting point, often exploiting radically different scale, from the microscopic to the monumental.”
Back to Old Bill’s. Are you moved to give?
In “Voices of the Art Association,” Katie Confer, Board of Directors, writes:
“The Art Association’s after school programs and summer camps have been an amazing resource for my kids, ages 6 and 9. They always come home with fun stories, creative items and a happy heart. I wish the community knew that the Art Association relies on direct donations since all of the classes and workshops are greatly subsidized. I am the newest Board Member and I am learning that there is an authentic way to ask for donations that involves connecting the donor with our mission. Your donations help us bring art education to community members of all ages. I ask that you join me in donating through Old Bill’s today!”
And because they often work closely together, here’s Jackson Hole Public Art’s statement regarding your potential support of the JHPA mission:
“You are the “Public” in Public Art. As a friend of Public Art you recognize the power of innovators, artists, designers, and makers to inspire us every day. Your support through Old Bill’s Fun Run will drive public art programs like these: Community Outreach with the Mobile Design Studio; Education Led by Bland Hoke’s Building STEAM program; Creative Partnerships like the Wildlife Viewing Arch, a collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Artist-driven projects like the 2018 Pavilion for the Center for the Arts Park; Temporary Transformations like PARKing Day.”
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Old Bill’s Incentives: Contest 3: Old Bill’s Eclipse Award
Encourage your donors to give early and “eclipse” last year’s gifts. The nonprofit with the largest number of gifts by midnight on Eclipse Day, August 21st, will win a $200 grant.
OTHER VISUAL ARTS NON-PROFITS HOPING FOR YOUR SUPPORT VIA “OLD BILL’S” INCLUDE:
Center for the Arts, Center of Wonder, Cultural Council of Jackson Hole, GAIN (Global Arts & Innovation Network), Grand Teton Association, National Museum of Wildlife Art, pARTners, Teton Art Lab, Vista 360 and Wyoming Humanities Council. To see A COMPLETE LIST of the VERY WORTHY causes participating in Old Bill’s, click here.
Tammy Christel 
