Posts from ‘Western Traditional Art’
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
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
The National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) brings Sculpture Trail designer Walter Hood back to Jackson on July 26, 2011. Hood will personally conduct a hard-hat tour of the site for museum members and talk about the concepts 
and planning process for a trail that will be organic, artful and integrated to its surrounding Western landscape. NMWA notes that the new trail and sculpture gardens emulate parallel projects installed at nationally noted museums–New York’s Museum of Modern Art and L.A.’s J. Paul Getty Museum, for example. Situated above Jackson Hole’s National Elk Refuge the new trail is uniquely Wyoming.
While leading the tour, Hood will talk about his initial concepts for showcasing the outdoor sculpture and how plans have developed. Important sculptures slated for the new outdoor space include a casting of Simon Gudgeon’s (also look for Gudgeon’s work at Jackson’s Diehl Gallery) bronze bird form “Isis” , Tim Shinabarger’s “Black Timber Bugler”, and eight “larger-than-life” bison sculpted by Richard Loffler. That work, “Buffalo Trail,” will be installed on a hillside with its own access path.
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The Art Association’s Jenny Dowd notes that occasionally community businesses offer artists a chance to display artwork on premises. A few weeks back an in-town Phillips 66 Station was remodeled, and the owners were looking for artwork to “liven up the walls.” Contact Dowd for info at the Art Association by emailing jenny@artassociation.org.
Interesting that a gas station, as opposed to a natural food store or restaurant or some other venue more closely associated with creativity, is offering artists a chance to show their work. I hope the effort sets an example for more Town of Jackson establishments. Bringing darkened commercial space windows to life with local art is a common practice. And it’s win-win.
Dowd has provided a link for artists wanting to sell their work at this year’s People’s Market: http://www.jhpeoplesmarket.org/ Lastly, the Teton Mudpots hold their annual summer sale outside the Art Association’s ceramics studio 10am – 5:30pm, on Thursday June 30th. For more information contact Sam Dowd: sam@artassociation.org
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Plein air painter Dennis Doheny is a familiar name in Jackson’s art scene, featured in past NMWA exhibitions. Doheny is wildly famous in his home state of California, and truly ranks amongst the country’s most distinguished plein air artists. He has twice won the Frederic Remington Award and was honored by the Autry National Center with the Masters of the American West Purchase Award. Though his work is in high demand, Doheny
has not had a one man show in five years. He’ll break that pattern on Saturday, September 24th, when an exhibition of new works débuts at William A. Karges Fine Arts, in their Beverly Hills location. An opening reception takes place 4-6 pm.
Doheny is represented exclusively by Karges. www.dennisdoheny.com/
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Jackson photographer Jeff Diener has new “Wildlife and Wildflower” images, taken last spring. His favorites include shots of “…an intense coyote and [a] mysterious Great Grey Owl.”
“I’ve always known coyotes to be curious but I was pretty surprised by this encounter,” Diener says. “This guy actually approached me, checked me out, then proceeded to lay down and relax. I shot photos for over half an hour!” Diener now offers Canvas Gallery Wrapped prints. “These are a simple and elegant approach to presentation–high quality canvas, gallery wrapped and ready to hang,” notes the photographer. http://jacksonholegallery.photoshelter.com/gallery/Wildlife-Wildflower-Photos/G0000V1dqwKNStHk/
Summer, season of the sagebrush, presents a fine opportunity to visit Trailside Galleries’ annual show Salute to Summer.
Salute to Summer is considered by many in Jackson’s arts community to be summer’s official arts scene opener. Opening June 6, the show runs through June 26; an artists’ reception will be held at Trailside on Thursday, June 23, 5-8:00 pm. Known for its exceptional roster of historical and contemporary Western artists, the gallery is also the Jackson home of the Fall Arts Festival season’s Jackson Hole Art Auction.
2011′s Salute to Summer showcases diverse new work by all gallery artists. A partial list of participating artists includes Bonnie Marris, Ralph Oberg, Robert 
Moore, Matt Smith, Dan Mieduch, Bill Anton, Kyle Sims, Jim Norton, Howard Rogers, Nicholas Coleman, Brent Cotton, and Z.S. Liang, among many others.
Trailside’s Managing Partner Maryvonne Leshe is featured in Southwest Art’s May 2011 issue, 40 Prominent People in the Western Art World. Leshe says that her proudest achievements include weathering tough economic times and developing successful careers for new artists, such as Kyle Sims. The biggest changes she’s seen in the art world are “the number of museums entering the market,” competing with galleries for artists’ work, and a growing group of younger collectors interested in buying more contemporary Western art.
For information, contact Dawn Meckem. 307.733.3186. www.trailsidegalleries.com
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“I begin with a realistic focus—the photograph—and use this as a vehicle to express a mood or an aspect of the human condition. Then, by extending the colors and the textures found in the photograph, I can create a world from my own imagination, the results bordering on the surreal.” – Robin Winfield
I recently visited the storybook town of Carmel, California. The town has so many galleries that, in 2004, its council passed an ordinance dictating that no new galleries may open. The ratio of galleries to residents then was 1:34; Carmel has over 120 art galleries.
One artist whose work stands out is Robin Winfield. Her sunny gallery, just off Ocean Avenue and tucked down a whitewashed pathway, beckons. I’d estimate her shop is 200 square feet, and chock full of her architecture-inspired photograph/paintings. Winfield’s love of photography and archictecture meet in her portraits of buildings, doorways, signage, and interpretations of other works of art. A St. Louis native, Winfield has traveled the world and the U.S., documenting cities across
Europe and Mexico. Her work does connote the surreal; Surrealism uses images from the subconcscious to create works depicting everyday objects in ways that challenge our sense of reality. Winfield’s manipulated paintings of city details and doorways remind me most of Giorgio de Chirico’s Metaphysical Town Squares series. Winfield’s works do not interpret the human form; she prefers transforming city buildings and streets.
Enigmatic and mystical, these paintings pay homage to the arches, doorways, paved streets, buildings and storehouses Winfield encounters. Palaces, porticos, power lines, Buddhas and trolley tracks are all re-imagined via the artist’s unique process.
From photographic slides Winfield makes “full frame, archival, laminated prints,” and adheres them to board. She treats the surrounding surfaces with a spackle-like material, preparing them for paint. “Usually I do not paint on the photograph, although there are exceptions,” notes Winfield. ”I paint out from the 
photograph, creating a surreal or different reality [that surrounds] the photo, the focal point.”
Winfield’s works are evocative, beautiful, meditative.
Contact Robin Winfield by phoning 831.601.0725 or emailing robinwinfield@hotmail.com. Log on to her website: www.robinwinfield.com
What was your favorite Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival event?
People watching? Always interesting people to watch. Suddenly, Jackson is a teensy more diverse.
A few brunettes come to town!
Palates and Palettes: Several galleries were packed, but that is a change from last year’s party; in 2009, every inch of town was crowded. Age demographics have shifted; P&P is no longer an age 40+ event. Many young (20′s) people out and about, but I saw very few of this group looking at art. Food and beverages are 50% of the evening’s draw—Ok, more like 90%—but when a gallery becomes so jammed with kids out for a good time and din is epically loud it’s time to head on out the door. Even a caterer expressed concern over the lack of interest in the art by younger attendees.
Would providing only one (free) alcohol drink ticket per visitor keep the crowds moving?
Mike Piggott, Tayloe Piggott Gallery: Great to catch up with you and talk about old California’s landscape and funky times. Those eucalyptus, red roads, trails in the hills…(the colors in a certain stupendous Kahn). The best Kahns sold. Thank you (and Camille) for bringing this lovely exhibition to Jackson. I know it was a show many put on their “must see” list. And see they did. They saw, they talked about it. A lot.
Galleries West Fine Art: Ms. Hoffman, always a pleasure; Galleries West exudes such warmth. I remain committed to my feeling that your landscapes are some of the loveliest around. Go get those headlines you
deserve! The gallery is so inviting, and thank you for supporting the great tradition of landscape painting.
Mr. Tarrant and Company: Altamira is an artist epicenter. And, you have the best space in town for viewing the work you carry. Congrats on a successful year, and thank you for setting Jackson’s gallery bar high. Altamira’s artists complement one another, and the gallery’s “enclaves” vary the energy. In other words, in a single trip to the gallery visitors enjoy multiple art barometrics.
David Brookover raised $2,400 for his canine charities—his entry fee was $10 a head, so you do the math. David also has some brilliant new platinums of Yellowstone wildlife, particularly wolves. Gorgeous work and 100% different from all the other wildlife photography I’ve seen in town. More on that later. (Santa Fe is not as happening as Jackson Hole, says Brookover—-he’s coming up on the last month or two of his year lease on Canyon Road. All efforts will be re-directed back to Jackson.)
Astoria’s Ewoud De Groot, a Dutch wildlife artist known particularly for his sparkling portrayals of bird species, says that he sells a huge majority of his work in the States. Holland’s art market is sleepy. The vision for arts depicting nature is here, says he. De Groot is young, blond, cosmopolitan. Extremely self assured, finely tailored wardrobe. He likes Astoria’s mix of artists. Word has it Astoria sold 11 De Groots!
Heather James: I’m not getting to spend as much time with you as I’d like, but that will change soon. Incredible art. Worldly presence. Great knowledge, ever-changing art “trips” to be had. Lyndsay’s imagination and passion. Far out gallery events. The gallery is doing a notable job combining its world-wide knowledge with being involved locally. Applause!
Diehl Gallery: So eclectic and really a fine example of providing for local non-profit organizations while doing what the gallery is meant to do, sell art. Ashley Collins has certainly had her profile raised because of
your huge marketing efforts. Collins had works hanging everywhere at the Western Design Conference.
Trailside: Trailside is where you can find Greenwood Design creations—in case that doesn’t ring a bell, Greenwood’s “Yellowstone Desk” won the Western Design Conference’s “Best in Show.” I spent 30 minutes looking for that desk’s secret compartment. Horton Spitzer is a fan. Loved Western Design Conference. Thought I’d spend 20 minutes; spent two hours. Made some awesome discoveries.
Western Visions/NMWA : “The Grizzly Claw Necklace” by artist Z.S. Liang was the top-selling artwork, going for $42,500. Press releases note that while final income figures for the event aren’t yet available….all three 2010 top sellers (sold) for higher prices than 2009’s. “With so many excellent artist submissions, it’s no surprise we attracted significant bids and generated so much interest,” says Curator of Art Adam Harris. (Come on, NMWA, comp me at least ONE ticket for ONE event…) I’ve heard many positive reports on the art up for sale at this year’s Western Visions—and I hope most of it remains up for a little while, so I can see it. Need to renew my membership as well, and check out progress on the new sculpture trail. Adam, your book Wildlife in American Art, Masterworks from the National Museum of Wildlife Art is gorgeous. So nice to see you, and the book, last Saturday.
Trio Fine Art: The feminine gallery, but boys like it too. Visiting Trio is like taking a walk through a soothing forest glen. Civility reigns, as does tea. And margs. The women artists of Trio have, over the course of a few years, achieved what not many can in Jackson: transformed a slightly hexed location into a sought out destination. It’s rare to visit that gallery and not learn something. It’s light, it’s Zen. The gallery is a good friend to Artists in the Environment/Parks.
Cayuse: Did not get over to you during the Festival, but I know what you are doing; keeping a focus on the Parks art history is extremely important—those pioneers got us all here, created the aura of the West, established the Parks. And with the Historical Museum’s losing out on the SPET vote, your passions are even more important. Can’t wait to stop in.
Art Association & Teton Art Lab: Another good year on the Streets! Would like to see more exciting new artists participating. Kudos on your continuing expanded visions and efforts—Chuck Close & Co. was neat and I understand Spence’s photographs represent a new and exciting vision for our favorite celeb attorney-photog. During Palates and Palettes word on the street was, “Have you been to the Art Association? I’m headed over, there’s way interesting work there!”
Jackson Hole Art Auction: What can we say? The auction, which takes place at the Center for the Arts, and is a joint production between Gerald Peters Gallery and Trailside, has stood Jackson’s art scene on its ear. With buyer premiums figured in, more than $6 million dollars worth of Western Art was sold this year. ”With over 230 phones bids, 75 absentee bids and more than 200 registered bidders in the audience, the 
atmosphere in the auditorium was palpable. As the hammer fell on the final lot, sales for the 4 ½ hour session totalled more than $6,225,000, sending a clear message that collectors are actively purchasing and are very enthusiastic about the western representational art market,” says the Auction’s Emma Zanetti.
Mian Situ’s “A New Beginning, San Francisco, 1910,” estimated at $275,000 to $375,000, sold for $402,500. Eanger Irving Couse’s “The Pottery Decorator” reached a hammer price of $253,000. Prices include buyer’s premium.
Good strategies, great organization, superb curating and outreach, and ever-growing word-of-mouth is making this annual live auction a huge success for Jackson. To attend, all you have to do is register. Registration is free. This year, Auction catalogs were priced at $45. See all the auction results at www.jacksonholeartauction.com.