Jackson Hole Art Blog

Jackson Hole artist September Vhay revisits a familiar theme in a new show, All the Red Horses. On view beginning February 9, the show opens February 11, with a reception from 5-8 pm at Trio Fine Art. Vhay will talk about her art from 5-6 pm.

Horses are inextricably associated with Vhay; her portraits of these animals — nobody renders a horse’s body and flesh like Vhay– are ubiquitous.  Rightly so.  Vhay’s horses hold gentle strength, graceful form and lyric mystery.

These horses are red and reduced.  Minimal, they are void of Vhay’s more representational anatomy and detail.  She has explored using this red paint–I’m going to call it a Chinese red–in the past.   Constructive circles and arcs are plain in these works, which remain ethereal.

A little research tells me that describing Vhay’s red as Chinese red is apt.   In Chinese art, the horse is a symbol of power and virtue; a thousand years ago Asians considered the horse to be a luxury good, rivaling silk in its prestige.   They are also a symbol of imperial power. And red, in China, is the color of Luck.

For more information, phone Trio Fine Art at 307.734.4444.

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Naturally Nude, CIAO Gallery’s latest competitive exhibition, holds its opening reception at CIAO on Saturday, February 13, 6-9 pm. The party will be warmed up by jazz trumpeter Mark Memor and accompanying musicians providing music composed by CIAO artist Martin Hagen.

With more entries than ever–this is CIAO’s third annual Naturally Nude show– choosing  just a few winning artists was difficult, says gallery manager Michele Walters. She notes that the juried show has caught on –  artists from around the country submit work.

Judges ultimately bestowed first place to Michael McGrath’s delicate bronzes; second place to Rick Wheeler’s compositions rendered with oils, watercolors and pastels; and third prize was awarded to Armin Muhsam’s abstract intaglio prints.

An evening of jazz and art is romantic, but an evening with jazz, art and good food borders on the decadent.  Wilson chef Piper Wright-Clark will be serving up tasty fare, inspired by Valentine’s Day.

What’s not to love about this party?  Do drop in. CIAO’s address is 66 S. Glenwood, in Jackson.  Contact Walters at 307.733.7833 for more information, and viva l’amour.

Jackson Hole photographer David Brookover, owner of Brookover Gallery, will add a new gallery space in Santa Fe, New Mexico this fall.   Brookover plans to commence operations in November.  The new space, also be called Brookover Gallery, will occupy 2,000 square feet on Santa Fe’s famed Canyon Road. The new gallery will feature Brookover’s large format photography, with an emphasis on his new platinum prints.

“Santa Fe allows me to show work of the kind I’m becoming more interested in,” says Brookover.  “The town offers an international clientele, a market more favorably geared, year-round, to the new emphasis in my photography.”

“I have so much stored away here that’s not really appropriate for Jackson, that I want to show. Santa Fe is the art market.  The economy is slow, but I’ve been here nine years, and it’s time to dive in.  I’m really excited.”

Brookover will rotate exhibits and says he’ll be in Santa Fe for an extended period of time to get things going.  He’s been considering opening a new gallery for almost four years (Brookover opened his Jackson gallery in the lower level of his current space), but the timing had to be right.  Serendipity happened; the right space became available.  While the Jackson gallery displays color, black and white, and platinum prints taken in Japan, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, California and other locations, the new space will concentrate on platinum images of Japan, the southwest and areas of the Colorado Plateau, horses and…nudes.

Yep, nudes! The last time I saw photographs of nudes on the Jackson Hole arts scene was several years ago, when Spencer Tunick’s nude landscapes came to town.

What a hubbub! I almost went to jail for writing about the show.

Brookover is branching out, taking a leap into the human landscape.  He’s  just finished shooting a series of nudes–inspired in part by Edward Weston–and plans to introduce them to the public during Jackson’s September Fall Arts Festival. Currently, Brookover says he’ll include two platinum prints,  black and whites, and a few color images.

And, Brookover has a coffee table book in the works.  Black silk and boxed, it will spotlight his black and white images; a limited collector’s edition will include a platinum print.

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Painter Lee Carlman Riddell opens her new show, Field Days and Figures, at Trio Fine Art with an artist’s reception on Thursday, August 13, 6-8 pm. Riddell will talk about her work from 5-6 pm

Riddell’s rich color pops from her relatively small canvases; 8″ x 10″ is a preferred format.  Titles from the show connote pastoral sublimity:  “Willows & Meadow, Wyoming,” “Wisteria Over Door, Tuscany,” and “Fall Colors, Wyoming.” Printed on the show’s flier are poems by Riddell, describing her contemplative and creative connections to the spaces and places she paints: South Park, Wilson’s dike, Greg McHuron’s studio.  And, in Italy, Florence and Tuscany.

Figure drawings are a part of this show, too.  Field Days & Figures remains on display through August 29.     734-4444.   www.triofineart.com.

Trio Fine Art, a cooperative gallery featuring the works of Kathryn Mapes Turner, Lee Carlman Riddell and September Vhay, (the gallery also represents tonalist Russell Chatham) has sent news of each artist’s activities, as well as thoughts for the gallery’s summer season.

Vhay received the Fine Art Print Imaging Award for her painting “Afternoon Sun,” pictured above.  She placed fourth at the annual Ex Arte Equinus International Equine Art competition, sponsored by Horse Art Magazine.  Vhay  continues painting in oils, a departure from her well-known watercolors.  The artist looks forward to a summer of reconnecting with gallery visitors and friends after a long winter spent in studio.

Turner, recently returned from a painting trip to Italy, says her 2008 highlights include a week of painting with the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters in Winter Park, Colorado and a week in the Teton wilderness.  Her painting of a Belgian horse “Standing in the Light,” was accepted in Lexington, Kentucky’s  American Academy of Equine Art Show.  Turner’s Tuscany paintings are featured in  her current exhibition, “Practices in Presence, “  on display July 2 -18.  Come see!

Riddell has also enjoyed time painting in the Italian countryside and is looking forward to seeing friends and patrons at the gallery this summer.  Riddell participated in NMWA’s 2009  Out of the Box Show & Auction, and donated a painting to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s Silent Auction fundraiser.  Riddell is also teaching oil painting, a happy pastime for artist and student.

Trio Fine Art’s summer hours are Wednesday - Saturday, noon to 6:00 pm. Check the gallery out–you can link to all the artists’ websites via the Trio website–at www.triofineart.com.   Phone contact:  307.734.4444

Trio Fine Art hosts three more Thursday Teas before Spring Break: March 12, 19 and 26.    Each Thursday Tea features handcrafted teas by Heather Bupp, of Dragon Lady Teas.   Straighten out your chi with this week’s special Chai concoction, available with or without caffeine.

Trio invites everyone to stop by 4-6 p.m.,  sip tea and chat about art.   The images featured in this posting represent the work of Trio’s artists:  Kathryn Mapes Turner, September Vhay and Lee Carlman Riddell, who take turns hosting each week.

This is a very pleasant way to spend a wintry Jackson Hole afternoon.  Immersing yourself in Trio’s relaxed vibe is a wonderful way to decompress after a long day.

Trio Fine Art is open Thursdays noon to 6:00 p.m. this winter.   Phone 734-4444.

Heartfelt and huge thanks to all Jackson Hole area artists, galleries and organizations donating time and art to February 19th’s V-Day Silent Auction, supporting Teton County’s victims of domestic violence.  We’re a rich county, in the first state to give women the right to vote.  Even so, the need to support women and girls in dire domestic crises is great.  Your efforts and talent are deeply appreciated.

Brookover Photography

Eliot Goss

Ed Lavino

Wyoming Gallery

A Horse of a Different Color Gallery

Mountain Trails Gallery

Crazy Horse

Trio Fine Art

Kathryn Mapes Turner

September Vhay

Lee Carlman Riddell

Kay Stratman

Valerie Seaberg

Laurie Thal

Miga Rosetti

Shannon Troxler Thal

Ben Roth

National Museum of Wildlife Art

Alissa Davies

Abbie Miller

Lisa Miller

David Swift

Troutwater Gallery

A.D. Maddox

Grand Teton Association

Your donations are even more meaningful, as we find ourselves in the trying times we do.  We are all being tested, but women with lives beset by the overwhelming circumstance of violence often find no exit.  Your gifts lend them a hand, providing greater chances for finding a new home, new work, new pride.  If you would like to participate, please email tammy@jacksonholearttours.com, or phone 307-690-1983, by end of the day February 4th.   Thank you.

Tammy Christel

Trio Fine Art, home of works by artists Kathy Turner, Lee Carlman Riddell and September Vhay, has gone British.   Thursday afternoons, stop by the gallery between 4-6:00 p.m. to enjoy tea and conversation.   As the gallery says, “Thursday Tea at Trio” is a nice–and may I add civilized– way to gather with friends, talk about and view art, drink good tea and stay warm.

The gallery offers teas by Heather Bupp, of Dragon Lady Teas.   Teas vary week to week; all are “hand made” by Dragon Lady Teas.  The china is very nice, too.

Trio’s winter hours are limited, providing all three artists time to paint.   Visit Trio noon-6:00 p.m. each Thursday; call for special appointments.   Trio Gallery is located at 545 N. Cache, Jackson, just north of the Visitors’ Center.   Telephone:  307.734.4444        www.triofineart.com

• 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.

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