Every Memorial Day Weekend, one of the most beloved and charming events in the American West takes place in the Jackson Hole Town Square in Wyoming. It’s known as Elkfest. Western Art Collectordoesn’t cover it much because there isn’t an art component, but it’s one of those events that speaks to the appeal of the region, its natural areas and wildlife.
Buffalo in a grassy valley in Wyoming.Throughout the year, elk antlers and full skulls are collected from the nearby National Elk Refuge. They’re cleaned, organized and saved for Memorial Day weekend, when they’re trucked into town and unloaded right on the street, or into giant wheelbarrows that are pushed into every corner of the square. Attending to these prized wildlife trophies, which fall off naturally from the elk every year, are scouts from Scouting America, who assist adults as the antlers are auctioned to the public, with matching sets and large examples fetching premium prices. The scouts—clad in sashes with merit badges, neckerchiefs with silver slides, colorful patches and uniforms with braided ribbons and beads—are involved because the auction directly benefits Scouting America and its nature-forward programming. Inside and around the square are food vendors, musical performances and activities for children, including a rope bridge built by the scouts.
Winter in Wyoming. Photo by E. Kessler.
Elkfest is one of hundreds of events that take place all around the Equality State, including many that we cover in these pages: Jackson Hole Art Auction, Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, the Rendezvous Royal and Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, Cheyenne Frontier Days and many others. Whether it’s scouts with antlers, rodeo stars on bucking bulls or artists with paintbrushes or clay, Wyoming is so purely Western that it frequently sets the standard of what to expect when it comes to adventure within Mother Nature. Every region has it’s strong qualities—Arizona’s deserts, Texas’ ranches, Montana’s big skies, New Mexico’s pueblos, Utah’s land formations—and Wyoming is known for many things, including its iconic wildlife, lofty peaks, sporting traditions, national parks and spectacular views, all spread out over four distinct seasons.
The heart of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
And while so much of Wyoming is tangible and physical—Jenny Lake, Snake River, Devil’s Tower, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the TA Moulton Barn at the foot of the Tetons—there is also a great deal that is spiritual and even mystical, including aspects that can’t be touched or even seen. Author Annie Proulx captures some of this in Close Range: Wyoming Stories: “You stand there, braced. Cloud shadows race over the buff rock stacks as a projected film, casting a queasy, mottled ground rash. The air hisses and it is no local breeze but the great harsh sweep of wind from the turning of the earth. The wild country—indigo jags of mountain, grassy plain everlasting, tumbled stones like fallen cities, the flaring roll of sky—provokes a spiritual shudder. It is like a deep note that cannot be heard but is felt, it is like a claw in the gut…Other cultures have camped here a while and disappeared. Only earth and sky matter. Only the endlessly repeated flood of morning light. You begin to see that God does not owe us much beyond that.”
The Jackson Hole Town Square, home to Elkfest and the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival.
The intangible parts of Wyoming frequently find their way into the studios of artists who depict the state. They inspire artists and touch their souls. This is manifested in their works, from grand landscapes to reverent images of animals, and then everything in between. This is why Wyoming is part of a wonderful tradition of Western art, from Jackson Hole to Cody, Sheridan to Cheyenne, Big Horn to Casper. It’s what brought Thomas Moran, Albert Bierstadt and others into Wyoming more than a century ago, and it’s what continues to bring in new generations of artists today, many of whom call the state home.
A family riding horses at Vee Bar Ranch. Photo by J. Gibson.
The artists are certainly celebrating Wyoming, but there are so many others as well: high-country cowboys, rangers with the national parks, tour guides, backpackers, kayakers, fly fishers, broncho busters, alpine skiers, animal watchers and, yes, even antler-hauling scouts in matching uniforms.
Spectacular views of Grand Teton National Park outside Jackson Hole.
Images courtesy Travel Wyoming.
We encourage you to pack for an adventure and visit Wyoming. And when you’re there, celebrate the beauty, the majesty and the art of one of America’s most iconic destinations.
+++
Allie Zeyer
alliezeyer@gmail.com
IG: alliezeyerfineart
www.alliezeyer.com/wac
The road to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has long been etched into Allie Zeyer’s memory with its miles of winding highway tracing the Snake River. As a young girl, she witnessed golden farmlands swell to forests and rising peaks, each mile pulling her deeper into a landscape that would shape her artistic voice.
Allie Zeyer, Rhythm of Planks and Patterns, oil on canvas panel, 18 x 24 in. Allie Zeyer, Ochre Glow at Mormon Row, oil on canvas panel, 16 x 20 in.
While many were drawn to the majesty of the Tetons, Zeyer found her inspiration below their commanding presence. “The Western landscape—whether prosaic or sublime—is the foundation of my painting,” she says. “Each piece begins in direct experience, shaped by places I have walked, observed and studied firsthand.” Through plein air painting and studio practice, Zeyer gathers visual language of the land—creating work that is intentional and enduring.
She continues, “Having been raised in the Western environment, I remain deeply connected to the scenes I paint. They are familiar and continually engaging. My goal is to translate that experience into work that feels honest and visually compelling, with paintings that not only describe a place, but allow the viewer to step into it.”
In addition to representation by the Wilcox Gallery in Jackson Hole, Zeyer is an award-winning member of the Oil Painters of America and American Impressionist Society, and will participate in the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival quickdraw in September for her sixth consecutive year.
+++
Altamira Fine Art
172 Center Street, Jackson Hole, WY 83001
(307) 739-4700, connect@altamiraart.com
www.altamiraart.com
Altamira Fine Art is proud to be part of Wyoming’s rich and evolving art landscape. From its Jackson Hole location, the gallery represents artists who honor the history, wildlife, landscape and mythology of the American West while pushing those subjects into a contemporary visual language.
Top: An interior view of Altamira Fine Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Bottom: Altamira Fine Art, Old Wyoming (Let ‘Er Buck!), oil on canvas, 36 x 36 in., by Geoffrey Gersten. Altamira Fine Art, Nightlight Wyoming, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in., by Dennis Ziemienski.
“Our program is rooted in what we think of as the New West: work that carries the spirit of the region, but is informed by modernism, abstraction, pop, realism, expressive mark-making and innovative materials,” notes gallery owner Jason Williams. “In Jackson Hole, that conversation feels especially meaningful. The Tetons, the wildlife, the ranching history and the deep cultural identity of the region continue to inspire artists and collectors alike.”
Altamira features a wide range of painting, sculpture, glass, mixed media and works on paper, from established masters to contemporary voices redefining Western art today. “Our goal is to create a gallery experience that feels both deeply connected to place and forward-looking, and that celebrates Wyoming’s legacy while helping shape the next chapter of contemporary Western art,” Williams adds.
+++
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
4610 Carey Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82009
(307) 778-7290, www.oldwestmuseum.org
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, Blonde Bombshell, oil on panel, 12 x 12 in., by Don Weller. Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, By the Moonlight, oil on panel, 12 x 18 in., by Jerry Markham.
The Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the heritage of the American West as experienced through the celebration of Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show & Sale. Through exhibits, educational programs, events and community involvement, the museum connects visitors to the traditions, people and experiences that have shaped Cheyenne Frontier Days and Western culture for more than a century.
Located on the historic Cheyenne Frontier Days grounds, the museum serves as both a community resource and a place to experience the history of the American West.
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, Twister, oil and cold wax on panel, 36 x 12 in., by Terry Cooke Hall.
The annual Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show & Sale features artists from across the country whose work explores Western landscapes, wildlife, ranch life, Native American culture, rodeo and everyday life in the West. The exhibition includes painting, sculpture, graphite and mixed media, giving visitors the opportunity to experience a wide range of contemporary Western art while supporting both established and emerging artists. The show also helps continue the long tradition of Western storytelling through art, and provides artists with a space to share new perspectives on Western life and culture.
This year’s event, featuring the 46th edition, runs from July 17 through August 9, with an opening reception on July 16 from 3 to 10 p.m.
+++
Dave English
www.daveenglishstudios.com
IG: imdaveur
Dave English is an award-winning fine artist who paints familiar Western landscapes, wildlife and Western imagery that was so revered by early painters. Reaffirming their dignity, English paints his subjects with his own fresh insight and creative ingenuity. Much of his inspiration is derived from a lifetime of remarkable experiences as an avid outdoorsman and guide in Montana, Idaho, Colorado and New Mexico.
From Top: David English, Chief Joseph Medicine Crow, oil, 24 x 36 in.
Dave English, Black Mesa, oil, 20 x 30 in.
Dave English, The Sentinel of Stillness, oil, 14 x 18 in.
After many years as a successful illustrator for the entertainment, editorial and advertising industries, English’s work reinforces the importance of a solid foundation in the fundamentals to be a successful representational artist. “I feel that successful art resonates with the viewer on an emotional level while retaining the strong foundations of sound design, composition, value, color and accurate draftsmanship,” the artist notes.
English attributes much of his success from the tutelage of many of our modern-day masters from Utah State University’s renowned art program and his deep faith in his Creator. He has received numerous awards ranging from gold medals and best of shows, as well as artist choice awards from many national shows and events. English is represented by Ballard’s Fine Art Gallery in Sheridan, Wyoming. His work has been featured in several national publications and it can be found in many permanent collections nationwide.
+++
Gallery Wild
80 W. Broadway Avenue, Jackson Hole, WY
(307) 203-2322, info@gallerywild.com
www.gallerywild.com
Gallery Wild, located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, showcases contemporary fine art inspired by wildlife, wild places and the American West. Owned and operated by Jackson Hole-based wildlife painter Carrie Wild, the gallery’s philosophy is shaped by thousands of hours in the field—observing, studying and falling in love with all things wild.
Top: Gallery Wild, Farewell, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 60 in., by Luke Anderson. Gallery Wild, Oscar, oil on linen, 84 x 60 in., by Patricia A. Griffin. Bottom: Interior view of Gallery Wild in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Gallery Wild’s roster of more than 30 artists—including Patricia A. Griffin, Aaron Hazel, Caleb Meyer and Amber Blazina—produce work inspired by actual subjects: wildlife, Western landscape, and the working ranches and open spaces that define life in the West. The collection spans oil and acrylic painting, bronze sculpture, stone sculpture, mixed media and photography.
Gallery Wild also features a working artist studio where Carrie Wild and visiting artists share their techniques and processes with visitors. The gallery’s mission is to inspire collectors and impassion others to protect wildlife and wild places for generations.
+++
Jackson Hole Art Auction
130 E. Broadway Avenue Jackson Hole, WY 83001
nfo@jacksonholeartauction.com
www.jacksonholeartauction.com
Jackson Hole Art Auction (JHAA) is recognized as a market leader in American art. With multiple auctions throughout the year, the auction house offers works of exceptional quality across a range of genres, including Western and Native American, wildlife, sporting, figurative and landscape art, by both classical masters and prominent contemporary artists.
Top: Jackson Hole Art Auction, Mount Assiniboine, oil on canvas, 25 x 30 in., by Carl Rungius, (1869-1959). Estimate: $50/75,000 Jackson Hole Art Auction, Cacophony (Cougar & Hounds), 2002, acrylic and pencil on board, 24 x 24 in., by Bob Kuhn (1920-2007). Estimate: $80/120,000 Bottom: Jackson Hole Art Auction, “Buccaroos” from the N - N on the Big Dry, 1902, watercolor on paper, 19¾ x 285⁄8 in., by Charles M. Russell (1864-1926). Estimate: $300/500,000
JHAA’s Annual Live Auction, scheduled for September 19, is one of the most anticipated events in the American art market. It’s a signature event of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, drawing collectors from across the United States and abroad.
JHAA showcases important works by highly collected artists such as John Clymer, Howard Terpning, Charles M. Russell, Bob Kuhn, Carl Rungius, Joseph Henry Sharp, Frederic Remington, Thomas Moran, John Nieto, Fritz Scholder and John Cowan, among many others whose works have shaped the legacy and dialogue of American art.
Collectors are invited to visit the JHAA gallery in the heart of downtown Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the highest per-capita income county in the country, and a tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. The 15,000-square-foot gallery showcases auctions, private sales and gallery exhibitions year-round.
+++
Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce
(307) 733-3316, www.fallartsfestival.com
events@jacksonholechamber.com
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Tetons, Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival returns September 9 through 20, celebrating the spirit, craftsmanship and legacy of Western art in one of the nation’s most inspiring cultural destinations.
Recently named the number one “Most Arts-Vibrant Community in America” by SMU DataArts, Jackson Hole continues to attract collectors, artists and enthusiasts from around the world with its unmatched blend of natural beauty and creative energy.
Clockwise from left: Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, 26 Old West Colors, oil on canvas, 72 x 48 in., by Ben Steele. Artwork from last year’s QuickDraw Auction. Photo courtesy of Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce. Artist paints at the 2025 Jackson Hole QuickDraw. Photo courtesy of Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.
Now in its 42nd year, the Fall Arts Festival transforms Jackson Hole into a dynamic showcase of Western, wildlife and landscape art through gallery walks, exhibitions, artist receptions, culinary events and live demonstrations. At the heart of the celebration is the beloved Jackson Hole QuickDraw & Auction on Saturday, September 19, at the Jackson Town Square. During this exhilarating live event, renowned artists create original works in just 90 minutes before the pieces are auctioned to an enthusiastic crowd.
From nationally recognized galleries to emerging talent, the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival offers an authentic Western art experience that captures the creativity, culture and community spirit of Jackson Hole. Learn more at www.fallartsfestival.com.
+++
Josh LaBenne
(307) 248-0215, labenneagain@gmail.com
www.joshlabenne.com
Josh LaBenne began his artistic career in sculpting around age 13 under the mentorship of his father, Jonathan (the Bear Man). In 2009, he transitioned his main focus to oil painting, selling his first painting in 2010 before refining his skills at the Scottsdale Artists’ School and workshops.
Clockwise from left: Josh LaBenne, Wooing, oil on linen, 30 x 48 in. Josh LaBenne, Sanctuary, oil on panel, 30 x 15 in. Josh LaBenne, Life Giving Waters, oil on linen, 27 x 36 in.
His work has since been featured in prestigious exhibitions including the Scottsdale Artists’ School’s Best and Brightest, the Mountain Oyster Club and the C.M. Russell Museum exhibitions and sales. His wildlife work is represented in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, by the West Lives On Gallery. His fishing-themed art can be found at the Western Skies Gallery in Afton, Wyoming.
Currently residing in Wyoming with his wife and children, LaBenne draws inspiration from exploring the mountains, watching and photographing wildlife, and a lot of fishing. “There is always something new to learn from God’s awesome creation, watching wildlife in particular,” the artist adds. “So come out on the Wyoming trails, and if you see me painting, please stop and say hello.”
++=
National Museum of Wildlife Art
2820 Rungius Road, Jackson Hole, WY 83001
(307) 733-5771, info@wildlifeart.org
www.wildlifeart.org
Founded in 1987, the National Museum of Wildlife Art is the world’s premier institution dedicated to wildlife art, housing more than 5,000 objects spanning 4,500 years, from 2500 B.C. to the present. Its celebrated permanent collection features work by Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, John James Audubon, Thomas Moran, Bob Kuhn and Carl Rungius, imparting knowledge and generating wonder through art and education.
Top: National Museum of Wildlife Art, Taos Buffalo, 1993, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 48 in., by John Nieto (1936-2018). JKM Collection, National Museum of Wildlife Art. National Museum of Wildlife Art, The Surprise (or Reel Adventure), ca. 1925, oil on canvas board, 30 x 39½ in., by Philip R. Goodwin (1881-1935). JKM Collection, National Museum of Wildlife Art. Bottom: Sculpture image and exterior view of the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the museum was designated the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States by Congress in 2008. Its breathtaking setting—just two and a half miles north of Jackson’s Town Square and two miles from Grand Teton National Park—inspires connections with the wildlife and landscapes just beyond its walls.
Visitors can explore an interactive children’s gallery, browse a curated museum shop, dine at the Palate restaurant and stroll the outdoor Sculpture Trail. Whether encountering wildlife through a 19th-century painting or a contemporary sculpture, every visit sparks curiosity, wonder and a lasting appreciation for the natural world.
+++
Bozeman Trail Gallery
190 N. Main Street, Sheridan, WY 82801
(307) 672-3928
www.bozemantrailgallery.com
Bozeman Trail Gallery, The Lookout, oil on canvas, 20 x 30 in., by O.C. Seltzer (1877-1957).
Located on Main Street in Sheridan, Wyoming, the Bozeman Trail Gallery has been an established destination for fine Western art and historic collectibles for more than 30 years. The gallery specializes in 19th- to 21st-century Western and sporting art, sculpture, cowboy collectibles, American Indian beadwork and Navajo rugs. Its collection often features works by celebrated historic artists including Charles M. Russell, Frederic Remington, Edward Borein, Joe De Yong, and William Gollings.
The Bozeman Trail Gallery also showcases leading contemporary artists whose pieces help preserve the legacy of the American West. With its knowledge and commitment to quality, the gallery remains a cornerstone of Sheridan’s vibrant arts community.
+++
The Brinton Museum
239 Brinton Road, Big Horn, WY 82833
(307) 672-3173
www.thebrintonmuseum.org
Located on the historic Quarter Circle A Ranch in Big Horn, Wyoming, the Brinton Museum presents exhibitions and programs exploring the art, history and cultures of the American West. The museum’s collections include fine art, American Indian Art and historic objects, offering visitors a broad and nuanced view of the region and its many narratives.
Top: A view of the Brinton Museum’s American Indian Gallery. Bottom: The Brinton Museum, Wrangling Horses on the Quarter Circle A, 1924, oil on canvas, 27 x 32 in., by William Gollings (1878-1932). The Brinton Museum, American Landscape, 1976, lithograph, 30 x 22 in., by Fritz Scholder (1937-2005).
Exhibitions feature both historic and contemporary artists, with a focus on storytelling, craftsmanship and cultural context. Seasonal programming includes lectures, workshops, concerts and community events, along with guided tours of the historic Bradford Brinton Ranch House during the summer months.
Set against the landscape of the Bighorn Mountains, the Brinton Museum provides a distinctive setting where art, history and place come together. Admission is free, thanks to the generous support of the community.
+++
Wilcox Gallery
1975 N. Highway 89, Jackson Hole, WY 83001, (307) 733-6450
Wilcox Gallery II
60 Center Street, Jackson Hole, WY 83001
(307) 733-3950
info@wilcoxgallery.com
wilcoxgallery.com
Established in 1969 by landscape artist Jim Wilcox and his wife Narda, Wilcox Gallery and Wilcox Gallery II exhibit work by 50 of some of the country’s best artists, both in painting and sculpture.
Top: A look at the interior space of Wilcox Gallery II. Bottom: Wilcox Gallery, Grand Unveiling, oil on linen, 36 x 48 in., by Jim Wilcox. Wilcox Gallery, Saddling Up on the San Juan, oil on linen, 30 x 38 in., by Grant Redden.
“In addition to the well-established artists, we love to find the new and exciting artists that are making their mark and are sure to be among the great artists of the future,” says Wilcox. “From Prix de West award winners to Cowboy Artists of America award winners, and the young artists that know way more than they should know at their age, Wilcox Gallery has something for just about anyone looking for representational Western art. And, just a couple few miles up the road are Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks.” —
Powered by Froala Editor
