Plan to attend the 25th annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival presented by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.
Widely recognized as one of the premier cultural events in the Rocky Mountain West, the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival is celebrating its Silver Anniversary! Thousands of art enthusiasts are drawn each year to experience the diverse artwork and breathtaking natural surroundings that make Jackson Hole a leading cultural center. The 2009 Festival will take place September 10-20. Experience the world-class installments of contemporary, culinary, landscape, Native American, wildlife, and Western, arts. Visitors will appreciate the works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists along with an exceptional array of music, cowboy poetry and cuisine. More than fifty events round out our eleven-day festival.
2009 Featured Artist Tom Gilleon
Tom Gilleon's grandfather immigrated to the United States from Scotland, His grandmother, a full-blooded Cherokee, was descended from a band of tribal members who refused to partake in the infamous Trail of Tears. During the early 1960s, he joined the Navy and when he got out he started working at Cape Kennedy, in a contract for the Pan-Am Corporation, as an illustrator. Later, he moved to California with a team of illustrators to work at Disney's Imagineering studio placed in charge of designing Epcot Center. After a move to Montana, he began showing work in galleries.
Starting with landscapes then progressing to the iconic images of the American West, he is now recognized as one of the leading figures in the Western Contemporary genre. Gilleon's connections to the aboriginal inhabitants of this continent, echoing throughout his work, are real. Gilleon himself has slept inside the teepee rings, sat, meditated and sketched within the circles, reflecting on the stories of his grandmother.
Gilleon says, "Simplicity is a key to fine art. By eliminating all the unnecessary elements and being as direct as possible, an artist has the opportunity to tell a story and to guide the viewers eye and emotions."
Event Highlights
September 10-12
Western Design Conference
The Western Design Conference, hosted by Teton Home and Living magazine, brings together crafts people, scholars, collectors, interior designers, architects and fashion designers with an interest in the West. The 17th Annual Exhibition + Sale is a one-of-a-kind showcase for museum quality functional art. The nation's finest Western-influenced designers and artists from across the country apply to be a part of over 100 exhibitions on display. More than $20,000 in cash will be awarded to handcrafted works in leather, metal, accents, woodworking, jewelry and fashion. The energy generated by tourists, artists, local businesses and residents promises to make the Western Design Conference unforgettable - for both exhibitors and attendees.
September 11
Palates & Palettes Gallery Walk
More than 30 art galleries open their doors to showcase magnificent art with food, wine, and music! Everyone is invited to enjoy this great community event from 5:00-8:00pm.
September 12
Old Bill's Fun Run For Charities
Old Bill's Fun Run is presented by the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. One of the most innovative fundraisers in the nation, Old Bill's Fun Run For Charities has helped local charities raise more than $60.5 million over the past twelve years. Visitors and locals are invited to come down to Town Square to delight in the festivities and celebrate the event that has touched the lives of thousands.
September 12
Jackson Hole Cowboy Jubilee's Historic Ranch Tour
Tour working ranches in Jackson Hole and learn about our colorful Western heritage. Hear local ranchers describe their life in the 21century. Enjoy live cowboy music while feasting on Bubba's Barbeque specialties.
September 13
Taste of the Tetons
Join us on Town Square and treat yourself to delectable bites. Valley chefs, restaurants and caterers put their best culinary work on display for sampling from 11:00am-5:00pm. Enjoy a wine tasting, silent auction, and musical entertainment by The Jackson Hole Cowboy Jubilee.
9th Annual Takin' it to the Streets
While enjoying bites from Taste of the Tetons, peruse the open-air, juried art fair. 40 of Jackson's finest artists will be selling an array of fine artwork. Presented by the Jackson Hole Art Association. For more information, please call (307) 733-6379 or email info@artassociation.org.
September 14
8th Annual Cowboy Jubilee Concert
Don't miss the Cowboy Jubilee concert beginning at 7:30pm. The Jackson Hole Cowboy Jubilee strives to maintain the history and heart of cowboy lore and ranching traditions in the Jackson Hole region through education, live music and poetry performances.
September 15
Silver Anniversary Reception
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival at the Silver Reception. Jackson Hole is still a darling mountain community surrounded by stunning scenery, but since the first Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival was presented by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce in 1984, the arts culture has flourished under the international spotlight.
September 16
Third Thursday Art Walk
Join more than 30 Jackson galleries for a locals' favorite event! The Third Thursdays Art Walk will be held from 5:00-8:00pm. Not to be missed, this event is free and open to the public. Explore the galleries and discover how each location contributes to the vibrant Jackson art scene. Look for the Art Walk banners!
Jewelry Luncheon at Four Seasons Resort
Enjoy an elegant luncheon at an exclusive destination. Premiere artisans (jewelry, fiber and leather) preview and sell their stunning handmade goods. This ladies only event is the kick-off of the Jewelry and Artisan portion of the week's activities.
Poster Signing with Featured Artist, Tom Gilleon
Meet the Fall Arts Festival's featured artist, Tom Gilleon. Gilleon is proudly represented by Mountain Trails Gallery located at 150 N. Center Street.
September 17
NMWA Minis and More Show
The National Museum of Wildlife Art presents Western Visions Miniatures and More Show & Sale. Always a popular event, please check back for more details or click here: http://vps.wildlifeart.org/WesternVisions/
September 19
Quickdraw and Auction
The Quickdraw is a fast-paced event that brings the artists' work out into Town Square. Spectators are encouraged to watch the creative process at work and then bid on the one-of-a-kind pieces during the live auction. The Wort Hotel will provide coffee and hot cocoa while the artists supply the entertainment.
The Jackson Hole Art Auction
The Jackson Hole Art Auction features art from Masters of the American West and historically recognized artists are the focus. The 2008 auction again performed superbly, with solid sales throughout and numerous record prices set. When the hammer came down after 276 lots, the auction realized 7.7 million in sales, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Center for the Arts. You will not want to miss the 2009 auction. For more information, please see the website: www.jacksonholeartauction.com
September 20
Sunday Art Brunch
Join Jackson's 30 plus art galleries for brunch and festive beverages from 11:00am-3:00pm at this closing-day celebration of Fall Arts Festival! Brunch, Bloody Marys, Mimosas and spectacular art what an ending!
Future Festival Dates
September 9-19, 2010
September 8-18, 2011
September 6-16, 2012