Art captures the glories of nature when the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival takes over the town of Jackson, Wyo., during one of the most beautiful times of year in the valley. The 12-day fall festival, slated for Sept. 7 -18, 2016, is considered the best time to come to Jackson, with the long days, moderate temperatures and surrounding mountains ablaze with colorful fall foliage, creating an atmosphere destined to inspire both artists and art lovers.
With more than 50 family-friendly events – including art auctions, spectacular home and ranch tours, food and wine tastings and gallery openings featuring top Western painters and sculptors – it’s easy to fill a visitor’s itinerary with 12 full days of activities. Among the many favorite events returning to the festival this year will be the Palates & Palettes Gallery Walk where more than 30 Jackson art galleries open their doors to showcase magnificent art accompanied by complimentary food and wine. Another appetizing event is the Taste of the Tetons where guests can sample delicious creations by the valley’s top chefs while sipping wine on Jackson’s elk antler-framed town square, the hub of many Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival events.
A marquee event of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival returning to town is the Western Design Conference (WDC), taking place Sept. 8-11 at the Snow King Events Center with its annual exhibit and sale of the latest in Western-inspired contemporary functional art. The four-day WDC brings together a juried selection of best-in-the-West craftspeople and their one-of-a-kind work, attracting design lovers and collectors from around the globe.
Interior design and architecture enthusiasts will enjoy the return of the Showcase of Homes tour, where select residences allow visitors to peek behind usually closed doors to see the work of some of Jackson Hole’s finest designers. Visitors also have the unusual opportunity to meet the designers and architects, who are available in homes to “talk shop.” Another event that gives guests a chance to interact with artists is the always exciting QuickDraw, where a talented selection of artists is given exactly three hours to complete plein air masterpieces on Jackson Town Square. The artists’ paintings and sculptures are then featured in a live auction where a spirited crowd begins the bidding.
Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyo., is served by major airlines including Delta, United, American and SkyWest. Reservation information for Jackson’s numerous hotels, as well as a complete schedule of Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival events taking place Sept. 7-18, 2016, may be found at www.jacksonholechamber.com. For additional information, contact Maureen Murphy at Jackson Hole Chamber, 307.733.3316.