Jackson Hole Art Blog

The University of Wyoming has put out the call for entries for their nationally acclaimed literary and arts journal, the Owen Wister Review (OWR).  The competition is open to all writers and artists contributing work about the Western experience.

The University recently provided the following information:

OWR, printed each spring, won its second Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker, the college equivalent to a Pulitzer Prize in October.

“We are looking forward to another great year and can’t wait to start looking through this year’s submissions,” Editor Joshua Watanabe said.

Journal editors will be selecting original works of fiction, poetry, photography and art for inclusion in the 2010 edition. Submissions are open to artists, authors, poets, photographers or designers of any age.

Visit www.uwyo.edu/studentpub/owr for detailed submission requirements and contact information. All submissions, regardless of media, must be unpublished, original works and may not be simultaneously submitted elsewhere. Submission deadline is February 15, 2010.

University students published OWR’s first edition in 1978 with the goal of producing a magazine “the magazine reflected the talents of writers and artists in our community, recognizing them in the great tradition of Western literature and art.”

Named after Owen Wister, who set the first modern western novel, The Virginian, in the town of Medicine Bow, the review’s focus remains on the western experience interpreted by western people, but all writers and artists are invited to contribute their visions and stories.

Item #2

The National Museum of Wildlife Art’s Winter Carnival Quick Draw takes place Thursday, January 28, 5:30-7:30 pm.   Proceeds from the 1-hour paint-in and auction benefit NMWA’s educational programs.

This year’s Quick Draw will include more than a dozen artists, including four young up-and-comers from Jackson Hole high schools.  $10 admission for members, $15 for non-members, and children under 18 are free.   Get your “Chilly Bar, and some short beers, courtesy Snake River Brewing. Gessler gets tall ones, and so does McHuron.  Not sure why….Website: www.wildlifeart.org.  Phone: 307.733.5771

A poignant holiday note for Jackson Hole’s contemporary arts scene is that two of its best galleries, the Oswald and Lyndsay McCandless Contemporary, are closing their doors.   With them go venues for myriad contemporary artists - photographers, painters, sculptors, multi-media artists, crafts people, filmmakers - and the loss pries open, to a greater degree, a cultural chasm our community must strive to close.

Ever entrepreneurial, McCandless and the Oswalds are combining their artist rosters for one great contemporary art sale opportunity.  The two galleries offer up the works of more than 40 artists in a special series of Seasonal events, taking place at the Oswald Gallery, 165 North Center Street:

December 17 & 18, 6-8 pm:  “Art Cocktails”

December 26, 6-9 pm:  “Holiday Party”

December 28, 29 & 30, 6-8 pm:   “Art Talks”

Through the months of December and January, 2010, all proceeds will provide a percentage of art sales as donations to local arts non-profits.  Beneficiaries include the Center of Wonder, the Art Association, Teton ArtLab, Womentum and the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

Press materials feature images of works by Bronwyn Minton, Rick Bartow and Nine Francois.   Check both gallery websites for their complete artist lists, and phone 307.413.4331 for more information.

En-Joy!

Item #2

Galleries West sends word that a new hardcover coffee table book, “Sculpture of the Rockies,” has just been released by the editors of Southwest Art Magazine. The book “surveys the broad spectrum and spectacular variety of current sculpture being created in the Rocky Mountain region.”

“The Rocky Mountain region of the American West is renowned for its natural beauty - rugged, snow-capped peaks, sweeping valley vistas, towering pine trees, delicate wildflowers - as well as its artistic splendor, with many noted sculptors living and working in this area,” herald the book’s publishers.

As many as 97 sculptors have chosen favorite works to share; they also talk about their process and inspiration. The book includes both contemporary and traditional sculpture, even providing a sampling of purely abstract works.   Galleries West will have the books on sale, and suggest you call to reserve a copy. The gallery is offering some special deals on holiday shopping, so jingle their telephone bells (307.733.4525) to find out more.

Galleries West is currently showcasing its annual holiday exhibit, the 7th Annual Little Jewels Holiday Miniature Show, running through January 15, 2010.   An opening reception takes place December 30, 3-8 pm.   In this miniatures show, paintings measure 11×14 inches and smaller; sculptures are 12×12x12 inches and smaller.   Chimney-sized gifts for all!

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.

The Jackson Hole Art Association gets fall going with a cool, free, “three-for” opening tonight, 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Center for the Arts.

Local wide-eyed n’ spunky textile artist Abbie Miller curates Larger than Life, a show examining clothing as a sculptural medium, and how clothing helps us, as Cathy Wikoff notes, “inhabit the world.”   We are what we wear.  The show features works by artists Alissa Davies, Annica Cuppetelli, Rod Klingelhofer, Amy Larkin (did ya see her stuff at Shades?), Carin Rodenborn and Jennifer Williams.    Quothe the Art Association, “….in this realm garments become exoskeletons and sculptural shelters that offer protection, exuberance and a new way to inhabit our evolving environments.”

Miller’s fabric creations are wonders.  They’re alive. They morph in front of your eyes, they tell stories.   Her show is up through November 23.

Sharon Thomas: Studies from Life Drawing, explores the artist’s study of the human form. Thomas, a long-time Art Association staffer, artist and teacher, will soon leave us—and that is very sad. Thomas has a touch we will miss-detail full of delicacy, gentle musings and nature-inspired collages. She’s loving in each and every endeavor—honest. A lightness of being. A master of color.

“Studies” remains on display through November 6.

Photographer Zachary Allen’s Roseland: A Field Guide to New Urbanism is a timely exhibition. Allen’s photographs of a Virginia region facing potentially dangerous levels of growth presents a theme we’ve long been considering here.

How will this new suburban development evolve? Will it be sustainable for the landscape as well as its inhabitants? Allen says Roseland is an important case study; it will present “…the future of designing sustainable communities through a system of strict design principles and policies guided by the charter of new urbanism.” Allen plans to photograph construction of the project from beginning to end.

Check the Art Association’s website for more info. 307.733.6379.

This all brings to mind Jackson’s own growth issues; which brings to mind articles and ads recently run in the Jackson Hole News & Guide. They concern Jackson resident and business owner Kevin Gilday’s drive to initiate the unseating of Jackson’s mayor, Mark Barron. Gilday is proposing early organization of an effort to find a candidate who can run against, and beat, Barron. That is, if Barron runs.

That’s the very basic scenario. Organizing well-conceived political campaigns, campaigns of foresight, is admirable. Right off the bat, however, this campaign has shot itself in the foot. Gilday’s rallying speeches are peppered with negative characterizations. Such hyperbole does not reflect favorably on him. And such usage puts the characterization’s target in plumb position; Mark Barron is (publicly) reacting to Gilday’s slurs in a non-reactive and considered manner. And guess what that does? It presents Mr. Barron as the wiser of the two characters in this local production. Gilday comes off as amateurish and (characterization alert!) dumb. It’s not savvy rhetoric. As a citizen, I’m not compelled to align myself with him. He’s mudslinging, and mudslinging often signals hidden agendas. Toxic agendas.

Lately, Jackson has raised mudslinging to new levels.  Let’s class up, shall we?   I’ll add that defensive, non-accountable, pointing-the-finger-at-someone-else language reveals as much, if not more, of the same sort of malfeasance  it is often meant to conceal.   If we’re not accountable, we’re not trustworthy.

So dump your comparisons to Napoleon, Mr. Gilday.  Expunge use of such phrases as “complicit cronies,” (Who do you mean? Better be ready to call them out, and back up any accusations with fact.) and talk about the ISSUES. Where do you want to go and how will you get there? Tell us. Present an alternative plan for the town, if you are able.

Because right now, you’re doin’ the Limbaugh.

Mary Roberson’s epic collection, Nature is Life in the Dream, opened at Altamira Fine Art on August 6, and you should not miss seeing this remarkable collection of new paintings.

Says Roberson, “When I struggle, I watch the critters who teach me the greatest value of all – simplicity and joy.”

This new grouping of large scale paintings is mythic in scope, abstract, muted and…dream-like.  Roberson uses earth tones mixed with low-impact greens and amber, and feels she is capturing climate, ground, atmosphere, and animal by avoiding an over use of color.   Her bison appear to have floated down from the sky, settled on desert amidst sandy clouds of dust, and are slowly materializing.

Altamira’s artist bio page says that Roberson is a “….firm believer in the concept that the creative process should be fun, selfless, and that it is natural and distinct to every individual…. Wildlife and nature are her sources of both inspiration and reaffirmation.”

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Update:  R. Tom Gilleon, 2009’s Fall Arts Festival Poster Artist, is now represented by Altamira Fine Art.   This year’s poster signing event will take place at Altamira.   See J.H. Fall Arts Festival Calendar –click on the page link, right hand side of the Jackson Hole Art Blog’s home page.

Altamira: 307.739.4700.   www.altamiraart.com.

Item #2

The Legacy Gallery presents its summer Visions of the West: Multi-Artist Show and Sale, opening Friday, August 14.   With a focus on sculpture and paintings of Native Americans and Cowboys (I’ll capitalize both!) the show, says the gallery, “represents the true spirit of the West.”

A spirit more and more elusive, some might argue.   Let’s keep the legends, romance and history alive in Western art.  Many Legacy Gallery artists are participating in the show and will be on hand for the August 14 opening.

A list of participating artists includes: James Ayers, Roy Andersen, Russell Houston, Robert Shufelt, Chad Poppleton, C. Michael Dudash, Jason Rich, John Fawcett, David Wright, Gary Lynn Roberts, John Gawne, Teal Blake, Joni Falk, George D. Smith, and a few paintings to be sold on a draw basis by G. Harvey.  Also showing will be bronze sculptors Tim Shinabarger, Richard Greeves, G. Harvey, John Coleman, T.D. Kelsey, and Mehl Lawson.

This special show is accompanied by a color catalogue, a fine addition and collectible item in itself. For additional information or color photos,  contact Legacy Gallery at 307-733-2353 or email maya@legacygallery.com.

Item #3:  Art Association/Art Lab

The Jackson Hole Art Association’s August Art Fair Jackson Hole takes place August 14-16, at Miller Park in Jackson.   Additionally, The 10th Annual (Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival) Takin’ It to the Streets art fair takes place  Sunday, September 13, 2009. Says the Art Association, ” An intimate ‘local’s only’ show, this fair has become a popular favorite with locals and visitors alike!  If you create your own art and want to apply to this juried show, we’d love to have you! Contact Amy Fradley, Art Fair Director at 307-733-8792, or email at artistinfo@jhartfair.org.

Visiting the Art Association?  Don’t stop there; head upstairs to the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts third floor and check out Teton Art Lab. Travis Walker’s brainchild, the Art Lab provides artist residencies and a shared artistic and studio experience.  It’s a great place for artists new to Jackson to find their way and establish credibility.

This Friday, check out artwork by local and regional artists works in It Came from the Supervolcano, a collection of charged, energetic art by up-and-coming creatives and, just maybe, inspired by Yellowstone’s volcanic power.   The show adds to the ever-growing list of venues for new artists “exploding” around town.   Alexandra Kornblum’s graphic, bold oil paintings headline the show. Ben Carlson and others get in the groove, too.  The show pops its cork  with an opening Friday night, 6-9 pm, at the Art Lab.    www.tetonartlab.com.

In the fall, the Art Lab can set qualifying artists up with housing, studio access, and other kinds of support.  Email: info@tetonartlab.com.

A number of Jackson Hole area artists are experienced in working for our two parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone.  Ed Riddell, Greg McHuron,  and Dan Burgette are three examples.   Riddell and McHuron conduct workshops, often taking their students into the wilderness or abroad.

This month and next, sculptor Dan Burgette is the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s Lanford Monroe Memorial Artist-in-Residence.   Burgette will be on hand in Johnson Hall on Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm through August 1.   Demonstrations are free and open to the public.

Burgette’s artistry springs from his three decades as a Grand Teton National Park backcountry ranger.   He is a sculptor inspired by wildlife, particularly by birds and the aerodynamics of flight.  Burgette creates dynamic works depicting indigenous birds in flight; he visualizes spiraling air currents of beating wings, dissolving any separation of a bird and the air around it.   In some instances, Burgette’s birds become the air.   Burgette works primarily with wood, metal and stone–materials seemingly too weighty to produce a sense of flight.  Seemingly.  Burgette smashes barriers, suggesting speed, grace and space with every work.     For information, visit www.wildlifeart.org.

Item #2:  A New WSJ Culture Section?

Columnist Laura Collins-Hughes reports that the Wall Street Journal is working on a new NYC-only culture section.   The new section would compete with the New York Times’ predominant arts coverage.    Collins-Hughes reports that a budget is being worked up and the new section could debut as early as 2011.   She quotes one WSJ staffer as saying that the new section will be “…arts-and-culture-oriented…The ad side thought they could sell ads on a local New York basis, given the Broadway scene and the arts scene overall.”

Arts sell ads, baby.  By the way, did I tell you about the J.H. Art Blog’s incredible visitation stats?

Item #3  Altamira Fine Art Bends It

Altamira Fine Art has moved into its new, 172 Center Street (Suite 100) space.  And it’s pretty cool.   Altamira opened its doors with a Nieto ( check out the fancy dancer canvases, they are spectacular ) exhibit and now Amy Ringholz’s Storytellers is the gallery’s focus, through July 28.   Ringholz’s opening reception night was pretty rockin; music on 172’s street front plaza brought the crowds in.    Ringholz’s artwork kept them there, and Altamira’s relatively dark-hued interior creates a clubby atmosphere.   Check it out.

Next up at Altamira:  Mary Roberson’s “Nature is Life in the Dream” opens August 5.   Info:  307.739.4700 & connect@altamiraart.com.

Item #4:

Artist Ashley Collins is the focus at the Diehl Gallery this week.  See previous posts about her work, exhibit and resume.   Wednesday evening a special opening benefitting the Community School takes place,  6-9:00 pm.   20% of all purchases go to the school, supporting educational initiatives for children.   Call Karen Hodges at 307.733.5427 for more information on this special preview event.

Where is the Spiral Jetty, perhaps the most famous land art sculpture, located?

The Great Salt Lake.

You probably knew that.

The Jetty is immediately identifiable with Utah’s Great Salt Lake, a memorable icon with a very positive connotation.  We connect forward-thinking creativity and environmentalism with this significant earth art.

The jetty is a giant earth logo.

The concept of Land Art appeared in the U.S. ..in the 60’s!  Of course.  In its purest sense earth is linked to the creative process, and becomes the art.  Land art can erode over time, be ephemeral, and leave us with only the memory of the work. Made entirely of earth elements, land art is truly sustainable because no matter how long it survives or transforms, no ecological harm is done.

Sculpture gardens are more permanent outdoor projects; they also create a strong, identifiable sense of place.   Google ’sculpture gardens’ and one of the first items you’ll come across is the Sculpture Parks and Gardens Directory,  provided by the International Sculpture Center.   The directory displays an emerald world map, and countries with notable sculpture gardens are indicated.  I clicked on USA, and up popped a map of the United States.  States with documented sculpture gardens had a yellow dot hovering o’er.

The map seems to indicate Jackson Hole, Wyoming has a world-renowned sculpture garden! A yellow dot floats above Wyoming’s upper left corner.  Click on that, however, and a link Colorado’s Museum of Outdoor Arts window opens.

MOA’s history vitae page tells us that the non-profit is a “…synthesis of fine art, architecture, and landscape design integrated into the community and business environment.  It is fully accessible to the public, exemplifying the belief that “art is a part of everyday life.”

Utilizing a One-Percent-for-Art program–Seattle’s program is a prominent example–the organization’s founders purchased commissioned art for site-specific projects.

Our town of Jackson seems a good place to create a stronger sense of place through incorporating new public placemaking art that is accessible to visitors and residents, and that interprets traditional themes and values in contemporary ways.  Outdoor art allows everyone to take it in on their own terms.  Yes, we’re in a recession.  What better time to re-think our downtown and what it might offer to us, and to visitors?

The University of Wyoming Art Museum and the Wyoming Arts Council are taking up the matter of public art placemaking, hosting “Public Art and Community: Inspiration and Reflection.” The conference takes place April 2-4.

The focus is public art and its role in shaping community–in this case, participants will discuss public art’s role in civic matters and it’s place on campus.  All are invited to attend.  Those working in arts-related fields are especially encouraged, and we assume public planning and government officials on all levels would be welcomed.  Public art planning does not happen in a vacuum; it takes a special effort by artists willing to engage in public process.

Participants may opt to attend one day of meetings or the entire conference.   Presenters will speak on topics such as “Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational,” Wyoming public arts programs, public policy and other related subjects.

Discounts are available for early registration–which ends Sunday, March 15. For tickets and more information, log onto the University of Wyoming Art Museum’s website, or phone the Wyoming Arts Council at 307-777-7742.

FIRST THING:

I thought about apologizing for being OTL this holiday, but I’m not.  I will say: the Art Blog is back, we’re takin’ it back with Barack, and we don’t take no pennies from those wackety-PACs!

Here’s a little swing ditty, “Takin’ It Back With Barack, Jack!” Makes me happy; hope it makes you happy!

SECOND THING:

Following in the footsteps of Terry Tempest Williams’ December reading over at Lyndsay McCandless Contemporary, comes an appearance by Wilson writer Alexandra Fuller at the Muse Gallery.  Artist Mike Piggott’s new collection of paintings, “Objects and Things,” inspired Fuller’s essay “The Emperor of the Red Wheel Barrow,” which Fuller will read at the artist’s reception this Friday, January 16.   Festivities run 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.; Fuller’s reading is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Fuller has authored several non-fiction books, including “Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood,” and, most recently, “The Legend of Colton H. Bryant.”

THIRD (quite giant) THING:

Last week’s J.H. News and Guide included missives praising Bland Hoke Jr.’s public art project: portraits of indigenous animals cut from recycled wood and painted by kids.  Mr. Hoke’s role as the Center of Wonder’s Public Art Ambassador was imagined and supported by Wonder’s Executive Director Carrie Geraci, and by that non-profit’s founders, Gary and Veronica Silberberg.  The Public Art Ambassador Program aspires to work with members of the business community in fostering art projects that connect to nature; installations that will serve as new and interactive art media in Jackson.

Public art encourages environmental stewardship through curiosity and creating a sense of ownership, and by enhancing public space. It is a significant community tool that promotes tourism and regional appreciation.

Public art is great marketing. We imagine myriad public art installations in and around the Town of Jackson. I take this opportunity to call upon our Town and County officials to spearhead a public arts installation program. In most urban areas, the quest to design for relevant public art is old hat.  Public art installations define cities, and we are a small city.  Posers, at any rate.  Our planning process needs to include space for public plazas, parks and sculpture.

There are lots of experts out there to consult.  Find them, Town of Jackson,  because claiming to know about the arts, their history and impact when one does not is a bit like claiming to be qualified for the Vice Presidency because you can see Russia from your house.

Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park combines places to eat, shop and walk with nine acres overlooking Puget Sound.  The project “…brings together the best of (the) city: art and recreation….21 sculptures take center stage, representing such artists as Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Richard Serra, and Ellsworth Kelly.”

Contemporary Seattle mixes traditional Inuit art with contemporary masters. Walkways and ‘paths’ of connected galleries connect sites.   We can conjure a similar urban art potion.

My primary reason for voting against the late “Town as Heart” DRD proposal was not that I didn’t envision growth; it was that its creators had incorporated virtually no landscaping, parks, arts or ‘grace of space.’  Our town’s square chunks smashed up against one another offer no secret spaces, no enticing fountains or gardens.  Without these provocative elements, we forfeit a higher level of urban vibrancy.

Define the Town of Jackson as a business, educational, and cultural center; not as a Teton Village clone.  That’s our opportunity.

End

• What are Jackson Hole Art Galleries planning this Christmas season? Here’s a peek.

ARTWalk 2008 !!! (Or, “A Revision Revised”)

The Gallery Association will hold TWO gallery walks this month. December’s Thursday gallery stroll takes place December 18, 5-8:00 pm. Look for the bright blue, red and white banners in front of participating galleries.

Additionally, the Gallery Association’s special HOLIDAY ARTWalk takes place SATURDAY, December 27, 5-8:00 p.m. Join Jackson Hole’s galleries for 2008’s holiday arts stroll, falling on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year’s. Banners designate participating galleries.

For more information on this month’s gallery walks, contact info@diehlgallery.com. Check with your favorite galleries for information on special openings and events.

The Jackson Hole Art Association puts on its annual Art Fair Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 6, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Snow King Ice Arena. $2 Admission, dozens of vendors! 733-8792 for information.

Oswald Gallery has been selected to participate in the ultra-prestigious Photo Miami 2008. As part of the world’s most important contemporary art fair, Art Basel Miami Beach, Photo Miami takes place December 3 to December 7, in the Wynwood Art District of Miami.

Oswald’s entries are the contemporary photographs of Virgilio Ferreira and Dylan Vitone. “Both of these emerging photographers explore the urban environment in different ways and on different continents while exploring the ambiguities and contradictions of urban life,” says Leya Oswald.

Says Oswald, ” Vitone’s photographs combine formal portraiture with classic street photography in multi-frame panoramas…. In contrast, Ferreira works in an intuitive and random manner on the streets of Asia’s megalopolises. Embracing his outsider status, he works quickly and anonymously late at night, capturing the mere suggestion of the places and their people.”

For more information on Photo Miami or these photographers, please contact Oswald Gallery, leya@oswaldgallery.com or 888-898-0077.

Lyndsay McCandless Contemporary’s December 5th First Friday, “Funky Finds For Under $50” focuses on Jackson’s local creative community and supporting artisans this holiday. Music by DJ Mr. Whipple, and organic pizzas served up by Chris O’Blenness and SouthSide Pizza & Pub.

Change is coming, be the Change!

Featured vendors include, but are not limited to:

“Halo Hats” by AJ Carghill and Pam Coleman—seconds included;

“Special somethings” by Wren Fialka and Brandy….

Vanessa Sulzer’s screen print bird scarves…

Alissa Davies’ mixed media on paper (I have some!), small paintings with added collage materials.

Phone 307-734-0649 or 307-413-4331 for information.

The National Museum of Wildlife Art hosts one of Jackson’s favorite holiday traditions, “Wild About the Season!” on Sunday, December 7, 1:00-4:00 p.m. This family-style Christmas festival includes art projects, cookies, cider and other treats, and a visit from Santa Claus. Free. 733-5771.

The Jackson Hole Center for the Arts will be closed periodically during the holidays, particularly at Christmas and New Year’s. Phone 734-8956 for more information.

David Brookover, of Brookover Photography, reports his gallery will be open through the season. Check out the new platinum prints! Currently traveling and shooting in Japan, Brookover returns to his studio December 22. In his absence the gallery is well staffed; please visit.

JH Muse Gallery’s holiday invitation, featuring artist Nicole Charbonnet’s hauntingly beautiful, suggestive mixed media work “Tree,” invites the public to that gallery’s annual “Champagne and Chocolates” celebration. Join the gallery on Thursday, December 11, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, Tayloe’s new glittery jewels and Charbonnet’s latest collection of works, “Avatars and Heroes.”

The gallery is open through the holidays. Hours are 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 10:00 - 7:00 pm Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Sundays. 733-0555.

Cayuse Western Americana plans this month:  A brunch on Sunday, December 14th features Dawn Bryfogle’s wonderful jewelry from semi-precious and precious stones, but with a twist:  she finds unique “orphaned” vintage pieces she incorporates into necklaces or bracelets.  These could be old Navajo sterling and turquoise items, or western engraved silver - really, anything that looks like it could be given a new purpose in her contemporary settings of agate, tourmaline, and other beautiful stones.  The brunch is from 11 - 3 and will feature food and brunch style cocktails as well as the traditional non-alcoholic brunch drinks. Bryfogle’s work will remain a featured item this month.

Thursday, during December 18th’s gallery walk, Cayuse is open until 8pm, with gift ideas in a variety of price ranges, with some gifts under $12.  Seasonal treats will be all over the place, and hot spiced wine will be on the woodstove….

December 27th, Jack Walker is Cayuse’s special guest until 8pm.   His ingot silver and leather jewelry is marketed worldwide by a major fashion designer - his last Cayuse show sold out.

Cayuse’s extended holiday hours: Friday and Saturday until 7pm, and open on Sundays.  Monday - Thursday are 10 - 6 unless there’s a gallery walk; hours are good Dec 15th - January 11, 2009.    307-739-1940.

Horizon Fine Art’s 9th Annual “It’s a Small World Art for Those Tucked Away Places” event happens December 14 – January 4, 2009. Horizon’s “2nd Annual World’s Largest Amber and Turquoise Show” runs concurrently.

Horizon swings with the Season during this year’s December 27th gallery ARTWalk; stop in for some live jazz as you make the rounds.

For information, phone 307-739-1540 or email horizonfineart@wyoming.com

Galleries West Fine Art will host their 6th annual holiday miniature show, “Little Jewels,” December 15 - January 5, 2009. Featuring small sculpture and paintings no larger than 11×14, the show has an intimate quality that affords a closer look at each artist’s hand. Works by a range of artists, including John Potter, Jennifer L. Hoffman, D. Lee, & Bart Walker, showcase plein air and tonalist landscapes, wildlife art, Western and Native American art, basketry, pottery, and more.

An opening reception happens during December 27th’s ARTWalk, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Contact Galleries West Fine Art at 307-733-4412, or visit www.gallerieswestjacksonhole.com.

December 20- January 11, 2009 the Diehl Gallery celebrates internationally renowned sculptor Jim Budish with a one-man exhibition.

An artist’s reception takes place Saturday, December 27th, from 5-8 pm. Join the Diehl Gallery for fine art, sumptuous treats and beverages! This exhibition is Diehl Gallery’s featured Holiday ARTWalk event.

Contact the gallery at 307-733-0905. Email: info@diehlgallery.com

In town on Saturday, December 20, Jackson’s newest gallery, “Troutwater,” officially opens its doors with a holiday reception beginning at 3:00 p.m. “Troutwater” is located in Crabtree Corners Mall, a few paces past the giant stuffed buffalo. “A Horse of a Different Color” joins the fun, as does “Accentuate.” 307-699-4175.

Also occurring December 20: CIAO Gallery’s “Holiday Miniatures & Fine Artisan Exhibition” opening reception happens 6:00 pm-9pm. Featuring local and national artists and other works limited to 9×9 inch dimensions. More information on CIAO’s winter schedule can be found on the Jackson Hole Art Blog by entering “CIAO” in the search window.

A Horse of a Different Color presents three artists new to Jackson’s gallery scene. Toland Sand’s, D G House’s and Lynn Bishop’s creations will be featured at the Dec. 27 Holiday Gallery Stroll.

Toland Sand, known internationally for his constructed cold glass, has works in galleries and private collections around the world. His sculptures feel alive, seemingly changing color, patterns and structure.

D G House, a Native American artist residing in Bozeman, specializes in contemporary, vivid, paintings of animals. She is an artist in residence in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Her paintings are part of the Smithsonian Institute’s Museum of the American Indian permanent collection, as well as private collections worldwide.

Glass artist Lyn Bishop works in fused glass. “Glass can be incredibly strong, or very fragile, simple or ornate, transparent or opaque, functional or not, it’s limitless”, she says. Her pieces are densely patterned, often resembling woven fabrics.

“A Horse of A Different Color” holiday hours are 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturdays and 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday.

“A Horse of a Different Color” is located at 60 E. Broadway. Phone 734-9603.

END