Valerie Rogers, left, with Laura Watmough, standing beside Andrew Denman’s painting at the Western Visions party.
Several artists journeying to Wyoming for the 2014 SKB workshop in Dubois arrived in the area early to take part in festivities in Jackson Hole. That town’s fall arts festival draws big collectors to its galleries and events every September, usually during or around the time of the SKB activities. Among the events in Jackson is Western Visions: Wild 100 Show & Sale, run by the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The NMWA selects 100 artists; the sales benefit the museum. Many artists offer two paintings, and some offer drawings as well. It’s a prestigious event and an excellent showcase for artists in front of well-heeled patrons.
Guy Combes, left, and Andrew Denman at the Western Visions party, at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
SKB was well represented at the auction and party. Among those attending were Greg Beecham, Guy Combes, Andrew Denman, Cathy Ferrell, Mark Kelso, Valerie Rogers, and Laura Watmough.
From left, Laura Watmough, Mark Kelso, and Valerie Rogers smile for the camera in the gallery featuring drawings and short sketches from the “Wild 100.”
The work hanging on the museum’s walls was diverse, but the quality was high. Certainly the work of the 100 living artists acquitted itself well next to the NMWA’s permanent collection, which is jaw-dropping. This was one party that truly felt like a party, with intriguing conversations in every corner and plenty of smiles and laughter. Plus great art. Ω