2019 Blacktail Gala Brings New Art to National Museum of Wildlife Art
February 25, 2019
Jackson, WY — The National Museum of Wildlife Art is pleased to announce the acquisition of four new works of contemporary art chosen at the Blacktail Gala on Saturday, February 23.
Blacktail Gala is an evening of art collecting, modeled after the Museum’s annual Collectors Circle Dinner. Thanks to the votes of more than 150 guests who attended the festive evening, the four new works of contemporary art are now part of the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s Permanent Collection.
“Blacktail Gala is now in its fifth year and continues to surprise and delight participants with its innovative, interactive format. Thanks to our loyal attendees, we have added over 20 works of contemporary art to the permanent collection with work in a variety of media, including digital, glass, wood, painting, and print,” said Adam Harris, Joffa Kerr Chief Curator of Art.
The new works include Penelope Gottlieb’s acrylic and ink painting, Hermerocallis fulva (IAS), Julie Buffalohead’s painting, Six Pack Colonialism, Allison Leigh Smith’s painting, The Common Thread, and Lauren Strohacker & Kendra Sollars custom video, Animal Land.
Lauren Strohacker and Kendra Sollars’ piece, Animal Land, is a specialty video commission piece, which will incorporate a large video projection of local wildlife. This artwork is important to the Museum because it can prompt discussion about the stability of animal populations in our shared habitats.
Six Pack Colonialism, by Julie Buffalohead, is a large, brightly-colored, oil painting. It refers to the artist’s Ponca heritage, while including references to colonization, anthropomorphism, and ecology, opening up many interpretive possibilities.
“This year, we were thrilled to unveil a new event format, revitalizing energy and support around this fun evening of art acquisition for the National Museum of Wildlife Art,” said Suzy May, Director of Development. “Blacktail Gala continues to have a direct impact on our Permanent Collection of contemporary artworks while fostering fine art friendships and local partnerships dedicated to inspiring humanity’s relationship with nature and wildlife art.”
The sixth Blacktail Gala will take place in February 2020.
Blacktail Gala 2019 was generously sponsored by AZADI Fine Rugs – Jackson Hole, Lynn & Foster Friess, Gather/Palate, Jackson Hole Jewelry Company, Niner Wine Estates, Gallery Wild, Long Reimer Winegar Beppler LLP, Snake River Interiors, Atelier Ortega, Floral Art, Jackson Hole Still Works, The Scout Guide Jackson Hole, and Western Range Clothing Co.
Julie Buffalohead, Six Pack Colonialism, 2018. Painting. 29.25 x 82 inches.
Lauren Strohacker & Kendra Sollars, Animal Land, n.d. Video Projection. Varying Size.