The National Museum of Wildlife Art offers fine art for sale by more than 150 leading artists, ranging from photography to jewelry to painted miniatures and more as part of its 22nd annual Western Visions fundraiser. Arts-related events include a series of shows and sales, artist demonstrations and galas, with the majority of activities taking place September 16-18, during the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival. New to this year's festivities are a "Mini Safari" in Grand Teton National Park in the company of featured artists Lindsay Scott and Leo E. Osborne, and the raffle of a MINI Cooper at the Miniatures and More Show & Sale.
The 2009 Western Visions schedule of events includes:
- Fifth Annual Photography Show & Sale and Third Annual Sketch Show & Sale: A mix of black-and-white and unusual color photographs in the museum's King Gallery include landscapes and portraits; sketches and studies by Western Visions artists in the Wapiti Gallery range from pencil to oil; August 29 – September 27; included with museum admission.
- 11th Annual Jewelry & Artisan Luncheon: A sneak peek and first chance to buy one-of-a-kind jewelry and textiles; September 16, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Teton Pines Resort and Country Club; $100, register online or call 307.732.5412 to attend.
- Jewelry & Artisan Show & Sale: Held in Johnston Hall and Wapiti Gallery, featuring fine handmade jewelry and accessories; September 17 – 18; included with museum admission.
- Mini Safari: Capture Grand Teton National Park's glorious wildlife and landscapes with a morning camera safari in the company of Western Visions featured artists Lindsay Scott and Leo E. Osborne and guided by Wildlife Expeditions, a division of non-profit Teton Science Schools; September 17, 6:30 – 11:00 a.m.; $125 for members; $150 non-members. Call 307.732.5412 to register.
- Featured Painter Demonstration, Lindsay Scott: Scott demonstrates painting techniques in Johnston Hall; September 17, 1 – 4 p.m.; free for members or with museum admission. Art produced during the demonstration will be available for purchase. Registration not required.
- Featured Sculptor Demonstration, Leo E. Osborne: Osborne demonstrates sculpting techniques in Johnston Hall; September 18, 1 – 4 p.m.; free for members or with museum admission. Art produced during the demonstration will be available for purchase. Registration not required.
- 22nd Annual Wild West Artist Party: meet and mingle with artists, with food by Rising Sage Café; place your bids on the artwork, purchase photography and jewelry, and enjoy live music; September 17, 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.; $200, register online or call 307.732.5412.
- Featured Artists Panel Discussion: Lindsay Scott and Leo E. Osborne talk about artistic processes in lively panel discussion in Cook Auditorium; free for members or with museum admission. Registration not required.
- 22nd Annual Miniatures and More Show & Sale: final opportunity to place bids in silent auction for works by over 150 of the country's leading artists; don’t miss the live auction of two pieces by the Featured Artists. Drinks and fun accompany announcements of winning art bidders, and someone may drive home in raffled 2009 MINI Cooper; September 18, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.; $100, register online or call 307.732.5412.
Some Western Visions events require prior registration as noted; register at the special $500 Benefactor level to gain admission to multiple and exclusive events. Registration tends to fill up quickly and closes September 10; for online event registration, visit http://www.wildlifeart.org/WesternVisions/Registration. Patrons who wish to bid on art but can't be present may take advantage of the new Bid by Proxy option. For more information on events, registration or bidding by proxy, contact Jennifer Lee at 307.732.5412.
A complete schedule of exhibitions and events are available online at http://www.wildlifeart.org/.
Media Contacts: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, 307.734.5335, darla@wordenpr.com; Zeenie Scholz, National Museum of Wildlife Art, 307.732.5437, zscholz@wildlifeart.org
