It’s exhilarating to be home.

Recently the JH Art Blog was down. Hardly an ideal re-entry scenario, but we’re up and running again, and working to catch up with Jackson’s arts scene. It only takes a brief reacquainting visit to galleries to realize that Jackson’s regional arts scene, for a town of its size, is truly exceptional.   It’s alive with eclectic work and great talent represented in every venue. We’re not New York or Paris or Chicago….or Miami.   But the quality of art here, the quantity of talent?  We should be proud.  Our subject matter reflects the region, yes. National and international influences are finding their way in, and when good management and vision are in play everybody wins.

Regarding the situation involving the Art Association and Aaron Wallis:  I’ve had my conversation with Wallis, so we’re done as far as that is concerned. However, the current situation between him and the arts community is very unfortunate.   No winners there.   Hope it can be resolved.

The good news:

The weather is here, wish you were beautiful and Artists in the Park (officially Artists in the Environment) features Wilson, Wyoming artist Jocelyn Slack this Saturday, August 14th, at Oxbow Bend Turnout in Grand Teton National Park. Slack, an illustrator, works primarily in watercolors, pen and ink.   She’s a regular contributor to Crane Creek Graphics and her work was included in the recent Center for the Arts exhibition of images of dancers.

Artists in the Park is sponsored by the Grand Teton Association and is free to the public.   Look for Slack’s easel and the event’s Artist Demonstration banner.   Artists in this series begin painting at 9:00 a.m. and end at noon.   Bring a chair, snacks, and paints if the spirit moves.

Phone:  307-739-3606.

Item #2:

“I am fascinated with painting white objects because, in watercolor, white subjects are what appears in the place where there is no paint. By painting the shadows on the form and the negative space around the form, the form itself appears.” – September Vhay

Essence.

What Jackson painter September Vhay does best, some might argue, is capture the essence—the nut—of the animals she paints.  Her new show goes up Saturday, August 18, at Trio Fine Art and features Vhay’s trademark graceful renditions of horses, wildlife, ranch animals, magpies and orchids.

The orchids are white, and Vhay says painting that particular flower connects her to her watercolor background.   Structurally, the flower may appeal to the painter’s other identity; she’s a trained and practiced architect.  In fact, orchid petals remind Vhay of draft horse haunches.

And the flowers hold still.

Trio’s artists are all trying new subjects.   Vhay also will exhibit paintings of longhorns.  For her, the bulls intrigue “…on many levels, from the shape of their horns to their symbolism of the West. Longhorns were the first cattle introduced to the U.S. in the late 1400′s due to their ability to handle harsh conditions and to breed easily. Their disposition is innately gentle, yet they appear intimidating due to the size of their horns, which can span up to 80 inches.”

“In one painting, this gentleness is expressed in the bulls eye,” Vhay said, “Yet his horns let you know that in an instant he would have no problem protecting himself.”

For info, log onto www.vhay.com, visit www.triofineart.com, or phone 307.734.4444.

Item #3:

Art Association Happenings!

The Jackson Hole Art Association’s Local Landscapes with Local Artists series features artist Tammy Callens on Saturday, August 14, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.   The half day of creative fun and learning takes place at the Snake River Ranch.

This workshop costs $75;  Art Association members may attend for $50.   Billed as “Interpreting the Traditional Landscape,” (I take that to mean attendees will explore ways to interpret landscape in various ways) the morning includes:

· A one hour painting demonstration and talk by Tammy

· Two hours to create using the medium of your choice

· A critique and one-on-one direction from Tammy

· A simple picnic lunch will be included

Space is limited.   To sign up, or for more info, call 307.733.6379.

Talk Like an Egyptian?

August 12 – 15, 2010 | 5 Lectures | Attend one or attend them all!

Beginning August 12th, the Art Association will present a series of lectures by Hisham El Meniawy. A native of Cairo, Mr. Meniawy is a history and archeology specialist of ancient Egypt. He studied at the university in Cairo and has lectured for 20 years in Europe and at conferences and archeology sites throughout Egypt.

Egypt’s ancient arts are a keystone of the world’s art history.   Please contact the Art Association for more information on this series.

Coming up:  The second  Summer 2010 Jackson Hole Art Fair takes place August 20-22 at Miller Park, in Jackson.  www.artassociation.org