Posts Tagged ‘National Museum Wildlife Art’
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all sciences.” ~ Albert Einstein
Einstein’s opinion on mystery is used to represent the intent behind artist Mike Piggott’s new body of works, Things That I See, now on view at the Tayloe Piggott Gallery. On exhibition through April 30, 2011, the show wants to defy categorization and over-description. Mystery is important to Piggott.
He wants you to think about what you are seeing–or not seeing–when you look at his paintings. Many works depict woodblock-like renderings of mountain forests; looming, shadowy trees look to be lodgepole pines, but Piggott rarely identifies
the species; he titles his works with a Zen consciousness—you’ll find “Alpine Glow,” “The Trees are Alive,” and “Quiet Pines” as titles. These are the impressions of forests we can only appreciate when we go into the woods and very quietly contemplate their core spirits. They have much to tell us, and Piggott interprets what he is seeing and hearing using a range of intriguing hues. We feel as if we’re lying on the forest floor, gazing up, feeling the earth turn slowly beneath us, while the sky turns colors and branches of these pines encircle us in some kind of universal ceremony.
“Within every composition Piggott strives to remove the trace of the ego and create a work devoid of any evidence of the artist hand,” notes the gallery. And as the artist says,“The only way a painting has to make sense is in and of itself.”
Mike Piggott will talk about his work at a gathering on Thursday, April 14 at 5:30pm, at Tayloe Piggott Gallery, 62 S. Glenwood, Jackson.
www.tayloepiggottgallery.com
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May 14 – August 14, 2011, the National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff , in conjunction with the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) presents “a new exhibition that draws on the rich artistic history of the U.S.-to-Canada migratory corridor while conveying its importance for sustaining wildlife populations.”
Yellowstone to Yukon: The Journey of Wildlife Art will travel to the Whyte Museum after its stay at NMWA.
“Covering some 1.3 million square miles, the Y2Y region spans five American states, two Canadian provinces and two Canadian territories, and includes the Rocky, Columbia and Mackenzie mountain ranges. Works chosen by the two museums for the exhibition link centuries as well as the migratory corridor’s wide-reaching territory, depicting wildlife in the region by such masters as Albert Bierstadt, John Clymer, Carl Rungius and Bob Kuhn,” notes the museum.
NMWA tells us that painter Dwayne Harty was commissioned by Y2Y to travel the corridor, capturing landscapes along the route rarely sketched firsthand. ”Following in the geographic footsteps of renowned wildlife artist Carl Rungius, Harty painted the 17 “areas at risk” as designated by Y2Y along the Wyoming-to-Canada corridor, with his finished works serving as a “living thread” connecting main themes throughout the Yellowstone to Yukon exhibition.”
We are so wild. Soon, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem will be awash in wildlife as adults give birth, bears come out from hibernation, and the creatures of the Earth migrate to their summer habitats.
If Spring seems a little far off, stop by Trailside Galleries during the month of March and take in their annual Wildlife Discovery Show. Through March 31, 2011 the Jackson gallery showcases the works of Western artists exploring creative styles, subject matter and mediums. The roster of noted artists includes: Kyle Sims, Nancy
Glazier, Bonnie Marris, Ralph Oberg, Sarah Woods, Nancy Glazier, James Morgan, Sherry Sander, Lindsay Scott, John Seerey-Lester, Ryan Skidmore, Adam Smith, Daniel Smith, Linda St. Clair, Richard D. Thomas, and Kathy Wipfler.
Many new works are on exhibition. While you are there, take a turn upstairs and make your way back to the Jackson Hole Art Auction offices and gallery, where works slated to be auctioned off this September are also on display. www.trailsidegalleries.com.
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The Cultural Council of Jackson Hole announced that 2011-2012 Arts for All Grant Applications are available for arts and cultural organizations, as well as individual artists. The program is administered by the Cultural Council.
“The Arts for All grant program serves to distributes social service tax dollars from the Town of Jackson and Teton County for arts education, producing and presenting opportunities, and public projects by individual artists,” says the Council’s Alissa Davies. “Grant amounts can be up to $6,000, and all grants must be cash matched at least 1:1 by the applicant.”
Completed grant applications are due by June 1, 2011. Late applications will not be accepted. No support will be provided to organizations already receiving public support from Town or County funds. Arts for All funds are allocated to the Cultural Council at the discretion of the Jackson Town Council and the Teton County Board of Commissioners. There is no guarantee that these elected officials will approve Arts for All funding again this year.
For more information contact Davies at culturalcounciljh@gmail.com.
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There’s still time to send the National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) your thoughts on its new sculpture trail, set to open to the public in 2012; the event coincides with NMWA’s 25th anniversary. Show your interest by logging on here and filling out an easy on-line questionaire.
NMWA’s President and CEO Jim McNutt has announced that the three-quarter mile long outdoor art venue designed by renowned landscape architect Walter Hood “will showcase nearly 30 permanent and temporary
artworks. The sculpture trail will connect to the recently constructed Jackson-to-Grand Teton National Park pathway via a new underpass for easy biker and hiker access. Sponsored in memory of James F. (Jim) Petersen, honoring his life-long commitment to education, art, and love of the Tetons, the sculpture trail further integrates the national museum’s collection with its natural – even rugged – Wyoming setting.”
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Finally, the Washington Post reported last week that the National Gallery of Art has acquired Thomas Moran’s “Green River Cliffs, Wyoming.” Long part of a private collection, the dramatic panorama joins two other Moran paintings already a part of the gallery’s collection. Moran’s work has steadily gained value over the years.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) holds an Open House at the Teton County Library for its new Sculpture Trail on Thursday, February 24, 4-6:00 pm. Free and open to the public, it is a chance to test your public art chops; and feel involved with creating Jackson’s first permanent, landscaped outdoor sculpture garden designed by urban landscape and site architect Walter Hood. Drawings, overview plans and various schematics will be available to view. Special laptops will be provided so that attendees can participate in a survey about the garden’s design. Museum representatives will be on hand.
In a May, 2009 post we wrote that “…the Museum says the trail will provide new ways for visitors to view wildlife art within a landscape; sculptor Richard Loffler’s Buffalo Trail will be part of the project. An amphitheater will replace the current drive at NMWA’s entrance and an “edge trail” will run along the east ledge of the current visitor’s parking area. Hood’s hope has always been to meld NMWA’s vantage point and contoured landscapes with views of the Elk Refuge, creating a greater visceral connection between the two sites.”
In a three-part Jackson Hole Art Blog interview with Hood, the Oakland-based landscape designer expressed high hopes for the project. ”If the landscape itself was powerful enough it could move people in fantastic ways,” said Hood. “That is what I am interested in. Standing out on NMWA’s hill, is there a way to allow a visitor to be in the Refuge? It is possible. NMWA’s architecture builds on the idea that it is “with the landscape,” and ironically that is one of the issues they are dealing with.” He added that he felt he could “….scale and shift existing landscape, so that art as well as the landscape is legible.”
“Attempt to eliminate design dichotomy, the experience of being either here, or there – either at the museum or in the landscape; either in Jackson or in the landscape,” Hood advised.
NMWA’s Sugden Curator of Education Jane Lavino worked closely with Hood on the project. “The museum’s new sculpture trail will directly connect to the North Highway 89 Pathway Project, a new branch of the Pathways system planned to lead from the north end of Jackson to Grand Teton National Park,” she says. “An underground tunnel will provide access to the museum, creating an inviting opportunity to mix culture and outdoor activity for bicyclers.”
Contact Jane Lavino or call (307) 732-5417 for more information.
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Friday, March 4, artist Kathryn Mapes Turner will lead 2011′s Federal Junior Duck Stamp program at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. A valued annual arts and conservation tradition, the program provides opportunity for youth to learn more about duck species and their habitats through art. Students will begin creating their entries for the 2011 contest, hosted by NMWA. Workshops are organized by age and take place in the Chrystie and Esperti Classrooms.
9:30AM – 12:00PM: K – 5th grade students.
1:00 – 3:30PM: 6 – 12th grade students.
Pre-registration is required. Call (307) 732-5435 to register. Museum Members $20, non-members $25.
Oh, so late. An extended trip east has put the Art Blog a teensy behind. Will soon ramp up.
Today–Tuesday, January 18—at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, Tuesday’s “Art After Hours” presents Wildlife on the Great Plains, the Conservation Challenge. Beginning at 7:30 pm, in Cook Auditorium, grab the chance to learn about the challenges and potential solutions currently affecting the Great Plains. Duane Hovorka, Executive Director of the Nebraska Wildlife Federation, will speak. Hovorka’s 25+ years of resource public policy in private, public and non-profit sectors make him one of the foremost experts on the topic.
Verbatim, from Amy St. Pierre: Join Dwayne Harty, the artist behind the upcoming summer exhibition, Yellowstone to Yukon: The Journey of Wildlife Art, as he leads visitors through African Adventures of William R. Leigh and his Contemporaries. Harty, Artist-in-Residence at The Murie Center and 2011 Fall Arts Festival Featured Artist, will discuss Leigh’s contributions to the famous dioramas still on exhibit today in the American Museum of Natural History. Guests will be given hands on experience with materials used in creating a diorama.
Contact NMWA’s Amy St. Pierre at (307) 732-5438 for more information.
Additionally, make plans to attend NMWA’s January Winter Quick Draw event, happening 5:30-8:30 pm, January 27, 2011. You know the drill: artists are given one hour to create works of art while attendees look on and all works will be available to purchase. Admission: $10 members, $15 non-members, with children 18 & under free. Chili and beer on hand, but you have to be Ron Gessler to get a
big bottle of suds.
This year’s roster of talented artists includes: Zachary Bagley (Jackson Hole High School), Tammy Callens, Daniel Esperson (Jackson Hole High School), Eliot Goss, Dwayne Harty, Victoria Hollingsworth (Jackson Hole High School), Fred Kingwill, Cathy Munson, Matt Montagne, Chad Poppleton, Hannah Rivers (Jackson Hole High School), Bill Sawczuck, Kay Stratman, Kathryn Mapes Turner, Sarah Webber and Kathy Wipfler.
Contact NMWA’s Jennifer Lee at (307) 732-5412 for more information.
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Wendell has new work! Yay! EXHIBIT: Wendell Field. February 4-24, 2011. Opening February 4, 6-9pm. Factory, 1255 Gregory Lane. www.tetonartlab.com. He’s very secretive, obviously spending all his time painting, and he’s just now (February 2) sent me images to promote his show. Thanks, Wendell!
Bring your best “Ho! Ho! Ho!” to the National Museum of Wildlife Art this Sunday; see if you can out -”Ho!” Santa Claus. You can get away with trying because this year’s “Wild About the Season” First Sunday theme is “Make a Joyful Noise.” On Sunday, December 5th, this popular annual party takes place at the Museum, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free, open to the public and family friendly, it’s a tradition valley residents anticipate and enjoy. Hours are 11am-5pm.
Lynn Friess will be on hand to sign copies of her new children’s book, Jackson Hole’s Carl Discovers Wildlife Art. The story introduces Carl, a “curious book-reading chipmunk,” who
becomes a NMWA docent. Illustrated by plein aire painter John Potter, it is the first book in a planned series about the frisky chipmunk’s adventures in Wildlife Land.
Kids will be able to create jingle animal ornaments to take home. “Season”attendees will be treated to a holiday concert, refreshments and a drawing for a Jackson Hole Mountain Resort “Weekend Warrior” ski pass; to enter the drawing you must become a new museum member at or above the “Otter” level–$65. Entries must be in by 4pm.
Visit www.wildlifeart.org or call 307-733-5771 for more information. Jingle, jingle, Kris Kringle!
(Pssssst: Who loves watching NORAD Santa fly around the world on Christmas Eve?…We do!)
Item #2:
Bazaar! Time once again for the Art Association’s 46th Annual Christmas Bazaar, taking place this Saturday, December 4, at Snow King’s Ice Arena—the really big “shoe!” The annual shopping fest features 120 artists and craftspeople—
and the things they make! You don’t have to buy a craftsperson. You can buy the crafts. Lots of fun, lots of gift ideas and the wreaths sell out FAST. Santa is on the scene (wow, he’s busy……) 10 am – Noon. Usually there is an entrace fee of about $2, and that goes to help the Art Association bring more arts to our community.
www.artassociation.org
Item #3:
Bumped into Wilson’s glass artist extraordinaire Laurie Thal just last night—and she slipped me the invite to her Open Studio Glass Art & Sale, also happening this Saturday, December 4, 9am-5pm, at her Wilson studio (1 mile north on Teton Village Road, turn right at Linn Ranch). If you’ve not had the pleasure and fun of watching Thal handle her giant kilns, glass and glass blowing tools, go and take a lesson in “grace under fire.” Lots of beautiful glass to behold, and buy, for the holidays.
www.thalglass.com
Item #4:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!! YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL! LOVE, TAM
