Posts from ‘Western Contemporary Art’
Excellent news that Teton County commissioners approved a contract with Wisconsin sculptor Don Rambadt to design and install a pathways public art project. The work will be part of the pathways system on North Highway 89, adjacent to the National Elk Refuge and National Museum of Wildlife Art. Local sculptor Ben Roth’s design for a series of bicycle racks will complement Rambadt’s installation.
Roth and Rambadt’s styles are similar and should mix extremely well. Both artists are minimalists, both use crisp geometric forms in their portrayals of wildlife and other creatures. Clean, contemporary and realistic enough to be recognizable by all, the art should be broadly appealing.
I visited Rambadt’s website and discovered another one of his projects: Magnetic Migration. Rambadt is placing a series of magnetic nuthatch sculptures on various steel structures he finds around the country. He’s asking the public to keep their eyes peeled for these little metal birds. If you find one, Rambadt asks you to move the sculpture to another steel building or site and take a photo. Post your photo, along with place, time and date. If Rambadt likes your site and story, he’ll send you your own little bird. Some folks decide to keep the birds they find–which would be tempting–and that’s o.k. with Rambadt. Check out the project here.
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A batch of new works at Heather James Fine Art includes new sculptures by Diego Giacometti. The gallery is a little secretive with its art collection backstories; the Giacometti name is world
famous, but most people think of Diego’s brother Alberto. Diego and his brother were very close, and for much of his career Diego served as Alberto’s senior assistant. Diego’s artistry manifested as furniture and artful objects and he established himself as a noted artist in his own right. Diego designed the Picasso Museum’s interior, but did not live to see the museum open. It’s a privilege to have Diego Giacometti’s work in Jackson Hole.
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The sub-headline in July 13th’s Jackson Hole News & Guide read: “Town mulls restrictions on ground-floor businesses as method to revitalize, generate revenue.”
“Restrictions” and “revitalize.” Opposites. See the problem? It’s not the paper’s fault. Town government thinks a prohibition strategy will help transform our economy. Targeting art galleries, in order to solve Jackson’s dearth of tax revenue is, to put it politely, very poor judgement.
Hello! How many non-profits do we have in Jackson? Snow King Resort, financed by wealthy, shrewd business leaders, courted being bailed out by a non-profit; the owners have since rejected the non-profit’s offer. I don’t know the mountain’s chances of ever becoming a viable business, but the last thing we should do is bypass testing the market and hurtle towards providing non-profit status to what SHOULD be one of the biggest retail operations in the valley! How will we ever know what the market can bear? Instead of renovating its main facility, Snow King built too many spec units and failed. So put it up for sale. That’s what failed businesses do! Snow King may sit on the block a long time, but it’s in good company.
Raise the Town’s sales tax. Continue to lobby for a real estate transfer tax. Use some of the revenue to help Wyomingites who are isolated, impoverished, abused, mentally ill, and/or hungry. Use the rest to boost town revenues.
I value and respect the missions of our non-profits, and I support (to the extent of my ability) those I feel are most crucial to the valley. We need them, and so many good people give their hearts 24/7 to causes that make our valley a better place. But we simply cannot figure out our unemployment and sales tax revenue issues in a pro-active way. We give the hospital $11,000,000 without reviewing their accounts! SPET tax rules
should be overhauled; I don’t believe the population at large truly understands what they are voting for. We’re economically co-dependent. At the very least, non-profits should have to provide a full accounting of their expenditures to prove they deserve public money.
The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival spikes Jackson’s lodging stats every year. That means the event brings more visitors, spending money, every year. I’m sure Santa Fe or Scottsdale would welcome our best galleries, if Jackson’s business environment becomes too hostile. This is a grasping-at-straws measure. Shipping works out of state has always been integral to the gallery business. Art is international, and we are a tourist town, counting heavily on out-of-state buyers. We’re damn lucky that Jackson is, truly, becoming an arts destination. It could all change on a dime.
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Good to hear from Legacy!
Legacy Gallery in Jackson Hole (there is also a Scottsdale, AZ branch) presents artist Kenny McKenna, in a One Man Show, July 21-August 11, 2011. An opening reception takes place Thursday, July 21, 6-8 pm, at the Jackson gallery.
McKenna is a landscapist. His striking, traditional works present views of some of our most memorable panoramas: Mt. Moran, Taggart Lake, Cascade Canyon, the Cathedral Group, Mormon Row, Sleeping Indian and more. McKenna also paints the smaller landscapes—check out his gentle portrayals of lily pads, meadows and willows. Summer and Fall views prevail.
Native New Yorker and artist Jane Rosen’s exhibition Two Natures opens at the Tayloe Piggott Gallery this month. On exhibition through August 23, 2011, the show opens with a reception on Thursday, July 14th, 5-8 pm at the gallery.
Visiting any great museum’s ancient collections of Egyptian, Greek, or Native American artifacts, I’m cloaked in hushed reverence. I expect Two Natures elicits similar response. Winds of time have worn these sculptures down to their souls. What’s left is an exquisite silent truth.
Though born on the East Coast, Rosen “found herself captivated by the accessibility of nature on a visit to the West Coast.” Rosen’s work channels ancient world cultures; she has said that 
Eskimo, Native American and Egyptian art histories inspire her. She’s also influenced by daVinci and Michelangelo. A chapel, a graveyard. Rosen’s sculptures stand like Stonehenge’s rock pillars, full of mystery and great powers. These animal forms are not sex specific; but they recall the Acropolis Caryatid Porch of the Erechtheion.
“Rosen’s drawings act as her journal where she studies and understands the form before chiseling a limestone sculpture or hand blowing a glass bird,” the gallery says. She relishes process,
the “alchemy.” Works reach their final form after Rosen scratches away and adds layers of sumi-e ink, paint, coffee, beeswax, Korean water color and marble mix.
Gallery owner Tayloe Piggott likens seeing Rosen’s studio to “witnessing the flash of spirit that Brancusi sought to capture.”
“With this perspective framing my vision I capture the profound essence of nature and art seen through the animal life. It was our reciprocal vision of the life force that instinctually and immediately connected me to Jane’s work. Her art, whether bird, fish or fowl, resonates with the fundamentality of the being’s spirit. The word “essence” is defined as “the permanent as contrasted with the temporary element of being.” Her sculpture is essence,” Piggott says.
The gallery has also collected several stunning Dale Chihuly glass vessels. Transluscent and fluid, they provide sparkling juxtaposition to Rosen’s avian sculptures.
For more information, email art@tayloepiggottgallery.com.
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Wyoming Gallery, upstairs at Jack Dennis Sports, welcomes artists Meredith Campbell, Ruth Rawhouser, and Teri Billingham at an opening reception Friday, July 15, 4-7:30 pm.
Campbell paints wildlife scenes on wood; she began painting functional pieces, but her work evolved into the fine art arena. Not long ago she began creating oil-on-canvas animal portraits. Rawhouser paints en plein air, relishing the
world as it is in any given moment. Interestlingly, she never paints in fences or other signs of humananity’s presence in the Wyoming landscapes she loves. Jackson native Teri Billingham’s stained glass panels reflect the artist’s love of the Tetons and surrounding landscapes, its wildlife and inspiring childhood memories.
For information, contact Mindy at jdwyominggallery.com. www.jdwyominggallery.com
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Here it comes again….the Art Fair Rap!
Dude, it’s July, so it’s time to share
‘Bout that annual gig, the Jackson Hole Art Fair!
Or, “Art Fair Jackson Hole” as 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.
Buy ceramics, toys, fibers – this poem’s the town crier
For an Art Fair Weekend, come rain or come shine-er.
Paintings, baskets, jewels, tents
Sunscreen, beer & fivers
All make for a day art lovers could die for!
See the Fair! Have Fun! This rap is all done.
The Jackson Hole Art Association Art Fair 2011 dates are July 15 – 17 & August 19 – 21. The fun happens at Miller Park, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Daily entrance fee is $3. www.artassociation.org
The Grand Teton Association’s Artists in the Environment series continues when Idaho-based artist Greta Gretzinger paints en plein air at Mormon Row, Grand Teton National Park, on Saturday, July 9, 2-5:00 pm. The event is free, and open to the public.
Greta Gretzinger is known for her large scale murals depicting wilderness landscapes and wildlife. She has painted in Jackson Hole and Idaho for more than 18 years, and is one of the area’s most beloved artists. Gretzinger’s lively and illustrative portraits of Western life appear in public spaces and local parks
across Idaho and Teton County. Gretzinger relishes painting on non-traditional surfaces. Trailers, garage doors, automobiles, and many an exterior wall have found new life as a result of her whimsical creativity. Gretzinger’s work leaves everyone smiling; her style is unmistakable. Incorporating a gentle joke and local personalities into her paintings is a hallmark.
“I particularly like to add a twist on traditional themes and subjects,” says the artist. Gretzinger’s “twists” are sparkling threads of color woven into Jackson’s fabric. Her vivid, celebratory murals adorn a variety of landmarks; many of her fans consider Gretzinger’s alley-length landscape mural behind Jackson’s Sundance Inn her masterpiece.
“I want to do a painting of Mormon Row as being populated by wildlife pioneers and homesteaders. The location is real, but the figures will be whimsical. I can’t wait! This demonstration will be lots of fun,” says Gretzinger.
“Artists in the Environment” is funded by the Grand Teton Association, an organization whose purpose is to promote appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of the Grand Teton National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Area. Free to all, viewers are invited to bring a chair and a snack; those who would like to are welcome to paint alongside the artist. Look for the “Artist Demonstration” banner!
Upcoming “Artists in the Environment” dates:
- Scott Christensen paints at The Cathedral Group on August 13, 2011
- Erin C. O’Connor paints at String Lake on September 10, 2011.
For more information, contact me, Tammy Christel, via email: tammy@jacksonholearttours.com. http://www.grandtetonpark.org
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September Vhay’s new collection of paintings, Alacrity, opens with an artist’s reception at Trio Fine Art on July 7th, 5 – 8:00 pm. Vhay will speak about the work 6:30-7:00 pm, and the exhibition remains on display through July 23,2011. Paintings and sketches are included in this show, and subject matter includes Georgia O’Keeffe inspired paintings and studies of orchids. And might Lee Carlman Riddell’s hummingbird studies have inspired Vhay’s own sketches of those zipping, capitvating birds? Look through her on-line sketchbook and you will see Vhay’s renderings of horses, orchids, dogs, otters, hummingbirds and more.
Trio Fine Art: 307.734.4444
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Factory Studios Open House Alert: The public is invited to an evening of art and music at Factory Headquarters, down on Gregory Lane. July 8 is the date, and the time is 6-9:00 pm. Good music by the Deadlocks, good mingling–hang out and meet Factory artist residents Abbie Miller, Aaron Wallis, Tony Birkholz, Peggy Prugh, Mark and Wade Dunstan, Camille Davis, XOWYO, Alissa Davies, and David Gonzalez (TreeFight!).
Jenny Meyer and other artists will exhibit work in the main gallery. Barring major rain delays Wimbleton will be over, but the Factory says attendees have the chance to play a little Wimbleton-style ping pong. Facebook Event page here.
Diehl Gallery celebrates its 10th anniversary on Thursday, June 30, 5-9 pm. A large exhibition will be on display, filled with new works by every artist represented at the gallery. The show will benefit the Art Association of Jackson Hole: Diehl Gallery invites collectors to donate 10% of painting acquisitions costs and 5% of bronze sculpture acquisitions to the area arts non-profit. This big party, Diehl’s Fête 10th Anniversary, is open to all. Luscious refreshments will be provided by Ignight.
Diehl’s roster of artists includes Sheila Norgate, Ashley Collins, Adam Siegel, Jim Budish, Tyler Aiello, Carol O’Malia and Hung Liu.
For more information, contact Diehl Gallery at 307.733.090 www.diehlgallery.com
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Guess who’s coming to Artspace?
August 10 – September 30, 2011, Jacksonites will have the pleasure of viewing Andrew Wyeth: A Survey. Co-produced by the Art Association (A.A.) of Jackson Hole and the Gerald Peters Gallery (an ever-growing presence in our town, Gerald Peters builds art profiles for artists and organizations alike) the show is co-curated by Peter Marcelle and Camille Obering. The show, says the A.A.,” will present watercolor and egg tempera paintings by Andrew Wyeth, one of America’s most influential and well-known painters.”
Not an Art Association member? If you join up prior to this show, you are welcome to attend a sneak preview of the show on Tuesday, August 19th, 2011. Consider this your “heads up!” www.artassociation.org www.gpgallery.com
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Galleries West Fine Art holds an artists’ reception for the gallery’s new exhibit, Faces of Life, July 1, 5-8:00 pm. Portraits of man and beast make up this show. I noticed painter Dan Schultz’s beguiling works on the gallery’s website. Here’s a little bit about the artist, whose work appears at left:
“Dan Schultz began receiving awards for his artwork in national competitions as early as age 17. He graduated with honors from the commercial art program at Pensacola Christian College in Florida where the main focus of his studies was graphic design and illustration, but he soon realized that his true passion was fine art. Drawing inspiration from master artists such as John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla, Anders Zorn and others, Schultz continued to sharpen his drawing and painting skills at Cottonwood Artists’ School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His skill was soon recognized by the school and he was asked to become an instructor at Cottonwood, making him the youngest to join the group of nationally recognized professional artists teaching there.”
For information, contact Debbie: 307.733.4412
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Just received this info: Heather James Fine Art presents COLOR SPEAKS, a show of works by five artists from the Art Students League of New York. Show opens Thursday, June 30, with a reception from 6-8:00 pm. Heather James notes that over the years the Art Students League “…has acquired works by faculty and outstanding students for its permanent collection, which now reflects 135 years of American art history. Selected for their use of vibrant color, four collection works have been loaned for this exhibition – all by prominent artists.” http://www.heatherjames.com
Trio Fine Art, home to Jackson painters Kathryn Mapes Turner, September Vhay, Lee Carlman Riddell and Jennifer L. Hoffman, is open for summer. Hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 12 noon – 6 pm. Lots of new work, and some nice events on Trio’s calendar.
September Vhay’s solo exhibition is on exhibit July 6-23, with an opening reception July 7, 5-8 pm. Vhay is also newly represented by Gerald Peters Gallery in Santa Fe, NM. One of the world’s largest and most
respected dealersinAmerican art of the 19th and 20th Centuries, and contemporary naturalist paintings. Gerald Peters Gallery also co-produces the Jackson Hole Art Auction.
Lee Carlman Riddell’s solo exhibition, “Gratitude,” holds an opening reception on July 28, 5-8 pm. Her show will be on exhibit July 27-August 13. Riddell will have two paintings included in the UCross Foundation group exhibition, “In the Presence of Trees,” June 30 – September 6, Ucross, Wyoming. And, she will host a free plein air outing through the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. Date: August 7, 2011. Contact the Park Foundation for details on meeting time & place: 307.732.0629.
Trio Fine Art newcomer Jennifer L. Hoffman’s solo exhibition is on display August 17-September 3. An opening reception takes place August 18, 5-8 pm. Since joining the gallery, Hoffman’s works have been flying off the wall, and she’s had one of her busiest years to date.
Finally, Kathryn Mapes Turner’s solo exhibition will be on display September 7-24, with an artist’s reception September 8, 5-8 pm. Turner is recently returned from a painting bonanza in Tuscany. Turner’s work was included in Legacy Gallery’s Scottsdale April Salon, a show featuring fine representational work from around the country.
Hoffman, Riddell and Turner will conduct the following workshops through the Art Association:
July 8 – 9: “Pastel in the Landscape” with Jennifer L. Hoffman. 2-8 PM, South Park, Jackson, WY.
August 27 – 28: “Let’s Play: 2 Days of Plein Air Painting” with Lee Carlman Riddell. 1:30 – 7:30 PM, Wilson, WY.
September 20: “Painting the Teton Landscape” with Kathryn Mapes Turner. 8 AM – 7 PM, Triangle X Ranch. Includes lunch at the ranch.
For more details, contact the Art Association at 307.733.6379 or email signup@artassociation.org
