Posts from ‘Native American’
Historical Native America: Portraits from the 19th Century, a One Man Show of works by painter James Ayers, opens with an artist’s reception at the Legacy Gallery on August 5, 6-8:00 p.m.
Inspired by great historical artists and portraitists such as Karl Bodmer, George Catlin and Edward Curtis, these paintings “…reference the historical drawings and photographs but from a modern day artist’s perspective.” Expect to view contemporary takes on such prominent figures as Black Buffalo and Mano-Tope Four Bears. A likeness of the former is particularly creative because no actual photographs of Black Buffalo exist, according to the gallery. Ayers’s take on what this Native American leader must have looked like spring from descriptions found in the descriptions of Lewis and Clark, written during their 1804 expedition.
For more information about the show please visit www.legacygallery.com, or email janell@legacygallery.com.
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Over at Trailside Galleries, another showcase takes place this month: Huihan Liu’s new works are on display at that gallery through August 31. An artist’s reception takes place Thursday, August 19, 5-7:00 p.m. Ten new paintings lovingly depict people and village life in
Tibet–an exquisite, ancient civilization in a struggle for its own survival.
The showcase runs in tandem with a larger Trailside showcase, its annual “Western Classics.”
The gallery is highlighting 30 or more of its best traditional paintings and sculptures. Representational works by well known western artists, including those affiliated with the Cowboy Artists of America, are included. Emphasized are contemporary renditions of cowboy life, Native American subjects and spectacular landscapes. Take your time, there’s a lot to see!
Phone contact: 307.733.3186. www.trailsidegalleries.com
Don’t forget to wander upstairs to view the offerings for this year’s Jackson Hole Art Auction.
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Jackson local artist Amy Ringholz opens a new show of her singular style animal portraits in a new show, “Resonance,” opening August 5 at Altamira Fine Art, on Center Street. An opening reception takes place August 5, 5-7:00 pm, and the exhibition remains up through August 17.
Ringholz openings are always infused with the artist’s own sense of celebration and fun; expect to get down, downtown.
“Resonance” refers to Ringholz’s efforts to connect powerfully with viewers. Study of textiles, 19th Century prints and art nouveau have infiltrated these compositions. Moving into storytelling mode, these new paintings are related to her totem series but are more illustrative — they possess a fairy tale quality. She feels that the “magic” of these new paintings offer a “flow of stories of love, friendship, family, God, honor and the pursuit of dreams.”
“Amy’s art has brought joy to admirers and collectors across the country. This show will be an especially significant step in her artistic journey as it melds her familiar abstract styling with the sophisticated conceptual storytelling thematic,” says gallery Director Mark D. Tarrant.
For more information, email connect@altamiraart.
July 15-22, check out the bold, illustrative paintings of Jeff Ham at Mountain Trails Gallery.
Last summer’s personal statement on Native American history will be replaced (I believe) with more celebratory Western imagery. As has been noted, Ham’s color and composition spring from a background in illustration.
“I do my best to translate emotion and feelings into color and communicate my individual interpretation of each subject,” he explained. ”My goal is to capture spontaneity. As an artist I am learning to express myself in an honest and straightforward manner.”
I’m still loving the memory of Jeff Ham’s large scale works, his O’Keeffe and Warhol portraits; they once hung in the J.H. Center for the Arts Theater Lobby, and may still be there.
Email: fineart@mountaintrails.net
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“I paint with passion, risk and abbreviated images instead of capturing realism. Set against transit texture and vivid color, images and figures cannot be situated in reality. These painterly expressions challenge our emotions and communicate with our sense of mystery. Mystery is a part of life. Not everything is easily explainable.” - Rocky Hawkins
Rocky Hawkins: Lost At Last, is the new show at Altamira Fine Art. A reception will be held at the gallery July 15, 5-7:00 pm.
What can’t be ignored in Montana artist Rocky Hawkins’ work is the ghostly quality of his portraits. Conversely, there is a direct confirmation his Native American subjects demand of viewers. Confirmation of existence transmitted by apparitions. Thirty-six expressionistic paintings make up the artist’s roster of images on the Altamira gallery site. All are potent, highly vigorous compositions — an approaching army of ancestry and imminent spirits.
Hawkins is a brave artist, true to his own inspiration. His work sells, appealing to a cache of sophisticated collectors of contemporary Western art. Inspired in part by Terpning, Hawkins’ works are painterly anti-war messages conveyed through portraits of a culture that fought for its right to exist.
And isn’t a break with “the rules” what we often search out for in great art? Gallery director Mark Tarrant has said that Hawkins’ work
recalls “the primitivism that Gaugin sought, and pays little attention to the classical use of perspective and color.” To my eye, his work recalls Gaugin’s breakout character combined with Jackson Pollock’s rhythmic use of paint….there may be homage to Motherwell’s sweeping black forms.
Lost At Last (if you meet Hawkins, ask him about the meaning behind the title of this show; then get back to me, please!) remains on display through August 4th. www.altamiraart.com.
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Jackson Hole Art Fair Rap Revisited!
(July 16-18 Miller Park 10am-6pm; 10 am-4pm Sunday. www.artassociation.org )
Hey, it’s July, so it’s time to share / ‘Bout that annual gig, the Jackson Hole Art Fair! / “Art Fair Jackson Hole” it prefers to be called / Nobody asked me. I’m not involved.
Hey man, don’t be bored! / Sometimes Harrison Ford / Comes to check out the art / And he brings Flockhart. (If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it!)
Buy ceramics, toys, fibers–/ This poem’s the town crier / For Art Fair Weekend / Come rain or come shine-er. / Paintings, baskets, jewels, tents / Sunscreen and some fivers / All make for a day / The whole family could die for!
See the Fair. Have Fun. This rap is all done.
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Hammock painting helpers needed! July 15, beginning 5:00 pm, convene at the Multipurpose Ceramics Studio at the Center for the Arts. Help paint 2,000 feet of hammock that will be used as part of Sunday, July 25th’s Vertical Orchestra concert at the Teewinot lift ( I am enough of a non-skier to not even know if that lift is at Snow King or Teton Village. But I bet you will know, dear readers!)
If you help paint, you’ll go home with a free hammock. Bring along any unused paint you might have handy, but most importantly, bring yourself. You can also sign up to volunteer the day of the concert. Questions: Bland Hoke, 307.690.0097.
A year or so ago, Altamira Fine Art had its first opening. The show was notable for three reasons: 1) Altamira’s space wasn’t completed, and the opening took place at what was then the Oswald Gallery; 2)The show belonged to expressionist John Nieto; 3) Nieto’s new work was new and totally re-energized, revved! It was the freshest, most exciting Nieto exhibit in recent memory.
Once again, Altamira Fine Art welcomes master contemporary artist John Nieto, and his newest show of works, Forces of Color and Spirit. The show opens July 1 (fireworks of color appropriate for a pyrotechnic holiday!) and runs through July 14. An opening reception takes place July 1, 5-7:00 pm.
Nieto’s comprehensive new book of the same title features more than 180 color plates of works defining the life and career of Nieto, a ground breaking legend of an artist. Nieto originated a style of painting widely emulated, but never matched, by countless contemporary artists. The book is described as “lavishly illustrated.” Nieto will be on hand July 2, 1-4:00 pm, to sign copies of his book. Forces of Color and Nature , written by Susan Hallsten McGarry, includes 179 pages and features Nieto’s twenty-five painting series exploring the chromatic persona of Sioux Chief Sitting Bull. Collectors will find a chapter on limited editions and documentation of Nieto works.
Altamira Director Mark D. Tarrant says the gallery is privileged to represent Nieto and share this new exhibition. Nieto is widely regarded as one of America’s most accomplished, dynamic and exciting contemporary artists, says Tarrant, pointing out that Nieto’s work concentrates on themes that transcend mere representation. Nieto’s intense primary colors and bold use of paint “create both dimension and character on the canvas. He is truly an American master.”
Nieto’s portraits are striking, but in addition to loving the Wolf, count me as a huge fan of his Feather Dancer paintings. Filling the canvas with energy, dynamic swirling, arcing paint strokes, Nieto’s dancers cut powerful abstract compositions into each canvas surface. These works make my heart pound and my pulse race. Here, footsteps of Native American spirit and the totality of earth’s primal music ring.
Like his buffalo, bears and coyotes, Nieto himself is a symbol of survival. Every work embraces what Nieto knows is the spirit of life. For information, email connect@altamiraart.com.
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On Thursday, July 8, NMWA will hold a special reception to open its summer exhibitions: Karl Bodmer’s Western Wildlife: Original Sketches from the Joslyn Art Museum, Travels in the Interior of North America: Etchings by Karl Bodmer, and Wild New Ways: Maurice Sendak’s Animal Kingdom. The evening includes actor Jeffrey Bratz’s portrayal of Bodmer and atalk on Sendak by Patrick Rodgers. AND, the inaugural winner of the new Bull-Bransom Award will be announced.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. www.wildlifeart.org!
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Two artists relatively new to Jackson’s contemporary art scene will be featured at Teton ArtLab, occupying studio and exhibit space on the top floor of the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts.
Victoria Reynolds and Jeff Brown open their joint show at the Lab on July 2, (First Friday) 6-8:00 pm.
These artists, painters both, “explore the challenging realms of abstraction,” says Artlab Director Travis Walker. Jackson’s contemporary artists often thoroughly explore the natural world, down to the tiniest microcosm; the examination and reproduction of nature’s forms lend themselves to abstract work and can be fastidiously detailed.
Reynolds currently hails from that creative West Coast hub, Portland. Her works are “frenetic, map-like images on wooden panels using oil, pencil, and other mediums.” By contrast, Brown, a Jackson artist whose recent Pearl Street Bagels show came close to selling out, creates “labyrinths of line.” This is Brown’s Artlab debut. The show also features a series of Brown’s etchings created in collaboration with the Artlab.
For information on this show, you have permission to contact the artists directly. Victoria Reynolds: (203)-249-5766; Jeff Brown: (251)978-3194. (Victoria, you have a Connecticut area code; where are you from in the Nutmeg State?)
Throughout December, Mountain Trails Gallery hosts its Holiday Miniatures Show, a collection of small works on canvas and bronze sculptures. Currently on display, the show remains up through December 24th. An artists’ reception takes place Thursday, December 17, 4-7 p.m.
Gallery Director Pam Flores notes that the show explores a wide selection of 
subjects and styles. Prices are mixed, providing good opportunity to purchase affordable art; it’s a nice chance to 
begin a personal collection. Themes are primarily Western, and include wildlife, Native American culture, cowboys and landscapes. More than 50 works are included.
Many artists will be on hand to greet the public during the reception, which takes place during December’s Gallery Association Art Walk. This is the first holiday reception for Mountain Trails in their new corner space on the Town Square.
For more information contact Pamela Flores, at 307.734.8150, or email director@mtntrails.net.
Yikes, I hope there’s still time to check out Jarrod Eastman’s artwork over at Full Circle Frameworks--A party happened this past Friday evening, and judging from what Rocky Vertone posted on Facebook, Eastman’s works look pretty alive and fun. I’m so not a smarty when it comes to the lingo of the 20 and 30-something Jackson art crowd, but I do know that Rocky’s venue is one-of-a-kind and that he is providing a much needed service for up-and-coming Jackson Hole artists.
Available Eastman art includes original works and limited edition prints. Vertone also says some “one off” pieces are up for sale at very affordable prices. So check it out, give Vertone a buzz for an update. 733-0770 at the shop.
Item #2: Art Association Offers Fall Classes
The Art Association of Jackson Hole has a full and diverse fall arts class schedule. Painting, drawing, ceramics, mixed media, metals, fiber, glass, photography, printmaking and sculpture are all on the roster. Classes are taught by an impressive group of artists, including but not limited to: Valerie Seaberg, Alissa Davies, Sam Dowd, Sharon Thomas, Kathy Turner, Amy Larkin, Georgia Mayer, Abbie Miller, Greg Epstein, Aaron Mitchell….
Visiting artists for adult classes include: Lian Quan Zhen (Class: Spirit of Life: Watercolor and Chinese Painting), Charles Reid (Figure in Watercolor), Donna 
Rozman (Ceramics, Color and Design), Danielle Corriea, Daniella Woolf, Rebecca Stern & Bronwyn Minton (Encaustic & Photographic Processes), Dan Haga (Advanced Silver Workshop), Bob Smith (Wildlife Photography), Elizabeth Opalenik (The Figure in Motion) and Johan Hagaman (Sculpting in Concrete: From High Art to Yard Art).
There are plenty of art classes for kids, too! Check out The Avery Mathieu Youth Scholarship Fund page to learn about a meaningful way to contribute to the Art Association’s ongoing commitment to youth.
For information, log onto the Art Association’s website here, or email signup@artassociation.org. You can download a pdf describing all courses and special programs. Phone: 307.733.6379.
PS: Rumor has it that the position of Art Association E.D. has been offered to someone from the field of applicants interested in that job.
Item #3: New Casting at Galleries West
Jackson hole sculptor R. Scott Nickell has a new bronze in the works – an Arapaho Dancer. The figure depicts a warrior relating his story of valor through ceremonial dance. If you’ve ever attended a pow wow, you know how gorgeous and mesmerizing these dances are.
Says Nickell, “Gripping a war shield in one hand and a gunstock war club in the 
other, (the dancer’s) performance illustrates the act of counting coup during battle. In Native tradition, counting coup (touching an adversary with the tip of the war club) was a braver feat than killing an enemy, since it involved more danger to the warrior himself. Feathers were given as rewards for these acts of bravery and were displayed like medals of honor by the warriors.”
I haven’t told you about the deal: Nickell is offering a pre-cast discount for those ordering before November 15th. Pre-cast price is currently $5500, but if ordered by November 15th, a 5% discount is applied. Time to start thinking about those holidays…..For full details on the piece and special payment arrangements, contact Galleries West at 307.733.4412 or email info@gallerieswestjacksonhole.com.
