Every Western art destination gets at least one month to shine bright during the year. Whether it’s June in Oklahoma City, March in San Antonio and Great Falls, April in Scottsdale, August in Santa Fe, or January in Denver, each art city has one major show, or series of shows, that brings everyone together to celebrate Western art and artists. In September there are two must-visit cities: Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
While Indy is not technically a Western town, the beautiful Midwest destination does have one art museum that punches way above its weight. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has a stunning collection, hosts regular exhibitions, celebrates living artists, honors and recognizes Native American artists, and just generally classes up Western art with an absolutely breathtaking museum campus right in the very heart of downtown. September is always a terrific time to visit because the museum hosts the annual Quest for the West exhibition, which allows some of the best artists in Western art to present new work. See our coverage of this show on Page 96.
The other big September destination is Jackson Hole, which will have numerous shows throughout the month. It’s staggering how much is happening: the Jackson Hole Art Auction, Western Visions at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival’s quickdraw in the Town Square, and then solo and group shows all around town at venues such as Gallery Wild, Altamira Fine Art, Wilcox Gallery, Mountain Trails Gallery and many others. There are enough events, openings, receptions and sales to fill an entire month, and most of them are in a four day-day window from September 17 through 20. Many are within walking distance of each other. All of the major shows are covered in this issue.
As if all that wasn’t enough, this year’s Jackson Hole schedule also has a giant new Mark Maggiori show. The town is already abuzz with energy. Mark has a legion of devoted fans, including many who are new to Western art. We welcome everyone to what is sure to be an exciting season kick-off in Jackson Hole.
We will be in Jackson Hole and Indianapolis in September. We hope to see you there. Let’s celebrate Western art together.
Michael Clawson
Executive Editor
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