National Museum of Wildlife Art Announces Exceptional Results of 39th Annual Western Visions® Art Show + Sale

The National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) concluded the 39th Annual Western Visions Art Show + Sale, the Museum’s longest-running fundraiser and one of the premier events for contemporary wildlife art in the country. With 176 participating artists and over 300 attendees at the signature evening event, this year’s Show + Sale brought together outstanding art and a shared love of the natural world.

Sales continued through the exhibition’s close on September 27, 2026, reaching $585,000 across 116 works. Strong in-person, online, and proxy participation contributed to a 5% increase in the number of works sold and a 50% increase in the number of tickets sold, compared to last year’s event. Proceeds from the sale benefited both participating artists and the Museum’s general operating fund, enabling NMWA to continue offering inspiring exhibitions, free educational programming, and engaging community events.

“The 39th Annual Western Visions Art Show + Sale truly exemplified the depth and breadth of excellence in contemporary wildlife art,” said Madison Webb Stanko, Western Visions Show Director. “In addition to being the Museum’s largest fundraiser, Western Visions is also an exhibition. Thousands of visitors experienced this year’s show, which sparked their curiosity, inspired their wonder, and created connections with wildlife and nature. None of that would be possible without our incredible roster of participating artists.”

The annual Western Visions awards were presented during the festive signature evening event on September 17, recognizing excellence in artistic achievement.

2026 Western Visions Award Winners:

• Museum Purchase Award: Marco Polo by Jay Kemp
• People’s Choice Award (3D): America’s Bird by Paul Rhymer — Sponsored by Western Art & Architecture
• People’s Choice Award (2D): Resting Giant by Crystal Orlando — Sponsored by Southwest Art
• Red Smith Award (Artist’s Choice): The Edge of Twilight by John Perry Baumlin — Sponsored by Fine Art Connoisseur
• Excellence for Artistic Merit Award: Bear with Bee by Renso Tamse — Sponsored by Western Art Collector

The Museum Purchase Award winner, Marco Polo by Jay Kemp, will join the Museum’s permanent collection, continuing the institution’s commitment to collecting and exhibiting remarkable works of wildlife art. This is the first work by Kemp to join the permanent collection.

The National Museum of Wildlife Art extends its gratitude to this year’s sponsors, participating artists, and patrons for their ongoing support of Western Visions and its mission. The 39th Annual Western Visions Art Show + Sale was generously sponsored by the Mays Family Foundation and Richard C. Adkerson Family Foundation, as well as Daidone Electric Inc., Sally & Bob Painter, Marcia & Mike Taylor Family Foundation, Ethel M. Chocolates, Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum, Jackson Hole Art Auction, Palate, Maggie & Dick Scarlett, Atelier Ortega, Barbara Carlsberg, Barbara Casey, Gallatin Wealth Management, Hub International, Jane & Steve Malashock, Katherine Shook, BBJ La Tavola, Canvas Unlimited, Creative Curiosity, GraVoc, Grand Teton Brewing, Jackson Hole Winery, and The Liquor Store & Wine Loft Jackson Hole.

Mark your calendars: the 40th Annual Western Visions Art Show + Sale will be held on September 16, 2027.