Fall Arts Festival – Find Your One Of A Kind

Jackson loves art, from the representative to the culinary and performing. Undoubtedly the best time to take it all in is during the 34th annual Fall Arts Festival this September.

Maureen Murphy, director of special events at the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and the festival organizer, says, “Buyers both local and from afar place Jackson in the top five markets of Western art.”

For one festival event, Palates and Palettes, more than 30 galleries open their doors to co-host an evening replete with fine art, live music, delicious food and perfect wine pairings catered by local chefs.

Spectators can watch artists sculpt and paint in the Town Square during the Quick Draw Art Sale and Auction. Be ready to purchase your favorite piece. Proceeds from the sales, which can be as affordable as $900 each, support the festival. The painting “Rise Above,” by the 2017 festival’s featured artist, Mark Keathley, fetched more than $77,000.

For four days, the Western Design Exhibit + Sale, now in its 26th year, is the largest gallery in Jackson. The Opening Preview Party kicks off the festival with a gala and couture runway fashion show. Festive cocktails at five open bars, gourmet food and an energetic crowd mingle with 100-plus juried exhibitors. The Exhibit + Sale features unexpectedly sophisticated and uniquely crafted home furnishings, jewelry and fashion, as well as a designer show house.

“The fresh perspectives and creativity found at the Exhibit + Sale continue to draw thousands annually,” says Executive Director Allison Merritt. “It’s clear that Western has many meanings and that one-of-a-kind doesn’t have to mean unaffordable. Much like the artists themselves, their unique work features everything from cowboy to contemporary and encourages a fresh and open-minded approach to design.”