Fall Arts Festival

Fall Arts Festival celebrates 40 years

As aspens turn to gold, the town of Jackson, nestled between the Tetons and the Gros Ventre Mountains, is the heart of the annual Fall Arts Festival. This year, the 40th Fall Arts Festival is September 4–15, 2024. One of the premier art festivals in the West, the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival features nationally and internationally known artists, architects, designers, and makers. There are gallery walks and exhibit openings, art auctions, events that pair food with art, a chance to watch artists work, a home tour, and more. Year-round, Jackson Hole is a destination for art collectors—it has more than 30 galleries and was recently ranked as one of the 10 most arts-vibrant small communities in the U.S. by SMU Data Arts, which annually recognizes the country’s most arts-vibrant communities and cities—but the valley’s art scene takes center stage during the Fall Arts Festival.

Fall arts festival featured artists

In celebration of the 40th anniversary, this year’s festival boasts both a featured painting and a featured sculpture.  The painting is a landscape by Roger Ore entitled Natures Playground. Roger is represented by West Lives On Gallery, westliveson.com, and is known for his western panoramas. Roger attributes his success to his ability to paint with realism and absolute veracity. “I’ve taken a real interest in trying to capture the moods of the weather and the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains, especially the Tetons,” says the artist. However, his very tight and intensive style of brushwork imposes a severe limitation on his work output; as a result, he can complete only a select number of paintings over an extended time. This exclusivity of production always leaves his patrons waiting for more.

The sculpture is and eagle by Bryce Pettit entitled Born and Raised. Bryce is represented by Mountain Trails Gallery, mtntrails.net, and is an award-winning wildlife sculptor. Bryce grew up drawing and painting, but when he first discovered sculpture, a deep connection was forged, “I could never get enough and took every opportunity to learn and practice.”

Both original works will be auctioned at the end of the QuickDraw, which is held on the Town Square on September 14.

palates + palettes

Palates + Palettes is one of the signature events of the Fall Arts Festival, and it’s free! Participating fine art galleries pair with local restaurants to serve light bites and beverages as the public browses the art; galleries often use this evening as the opening celebration for a new show. 5–7 p.m. Friday, September 6.

western design Conference exhibit + Sale

The Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale is a multi-day event celebrating its 32nd anniversary in 2024. Its preview party, September 5 this year, includes a fashion show, live auction, open bar and catering. Not to be missed, it’s one of the FAF’s unofficial kick-off events. The Exhibit + Sale showcases extraordinary, Western-inspired work by more than 100 artists and makers of furniture, fashion, jewelry, home and lifestyle accessories, and more over three days. A jury of industry experts awards almost $20,000 in design excellence awards. Daily at 2 p.m. guests at the Exhibit + Sale enjoy “Artitude Adjustment.” The Exhibit + Sale also includes author book signings and a Residential Design Lecture Series. The Preview Party, Live Auction, and Fashion Show are 6–10 p.m. Thursday, September 5; the Exhibit + Sale is from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday–Sunday, September 6–8.

Tickets at the door and online: westerndesignconference.com

Jackson hole showcase of Homes

On Friday, September 13, the Jackson Hole Showcase of Homes offers the opportunity to tour some of the valley’s most spectacular homes. At each residence, attendees are able to personally engage with the talented professionals who designed, built, curated, and furnished it. There is no better opportunity to meet and gain a deep and nuanced understanding of the work of Jackson-based design professionals than this … all while helping raise money for local nonprofits. All proceeds from the Showcase of Homes go to valley charities.

Tickets for the 2024 Showcase Event are available at: jacksonholeshowcase.com

quickdraw

One of the most beloved events of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival is its QuickDraw. This event—on the Town Square—challenges artists to create an original painting or sculpture in 90 minutes. When the 90 minutes are up, all of the newly created works immediately go to live auction. Also included in this auction are the festival’s featured painting and featured sculpture. Bid live or online. 8 a.m.–1p.m. September 14.

other events

Many other exciting events, including the Sunday Art Brunch (10 a.m.–2 p.m. September 15) and the Western Visions Show and Sale (5–9:30 p.m. September 12), take place during the Fall Arts Festival. Check the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce website (jacksonholechamber.com/events/annual-events-festivals/fall-arts-festival/) for additional details.