National Museum of Wildlife Art Gears up for 39th Annual Western Visions® Art Show + Sale
July 2, 2026The National Museum of Wildlife Art’s (NMWA) largest and longest-running fundraiser, Western Visions, returns for its 39th year this September. The signature evening Show + Sale will take place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 5–8:30 p.m. MDT at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Held annually during the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, the Western Visions Art Show + Sale showcases top wildlife artists from around the world. This year’s event will feature 176 participating artists, including 13 first-time participants, presenting a wide range of traditional and contemporary artworks across media spanning from paintings and sculpture to woodcuts, found objects, and cut feathers.
“As always, the Western Visions Art Show + Sale represents the best of contemporary wildlife art, showcasing the breadth and depth of the field,” says Show Director Madison Webb Stanko. “The exciting thing about the show is that it ranges from established artists like Tucker Smith, Ken Carlson, and Dan Ostermiller to artists who are earlier in their careers and joining the show for the first time. This not only provides an important platform for artists, but it also gives collectors a unique opportunity to connect with longstanding favorites and potentially discover something new.”
Among this year’s first-time participants are Joyful Ward and Paul Puckett, both of whom specialize in marine subject matter. Ward explores the underwater worlds of whales and other sea creatures, while Puckett focuses on sporting images of fishing. “We are excited to add more variety to the type of wildlife depicted in the show,” says Webb Stanko. “Aquatic species have been historically underrepresented, and these two artists bring a fresh perspective to the roster.”
All artists were required to include an element of nature or wildlife in their work, and artists in the large-format category were asked to interpret this year’s theme: “curiosity.” The theme continues a recent tradition of thematic prompts for large-format works, building on last year’s theme of “wonder.” “The Museum’s vision statement is to inspire connections with wildlife and nature,” says Webb Stanko, “and curiosity is often the first step in connection.”
With 176 works of art available across a range of media and price points, the show offers something for every collector. Works will be available via an intent-to-purchase draw during the evening event. “My hope is always that visitors will be inspired,” says Webb Stanko. “That they will find connection with the works and through the works connection to the natural world, and that that connection will bring them wonder, joy, and serenity.”
The Western Visions exhibition will be on view at the Museum from September 5–27, 2026. Tickets go on sale July 31, 2026, and can be purchased at wildlifeartevents.org, where collectors can also browse the full online catalog beginning July 1, 2026.
The 39th Annual Western Visions Art Show + Sale is 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, Ethel M Chocolates, Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum, Jackson Hole Art Auction, Maggie & Dick Scarlett, Palate, Gallatin Wealth Management, Atelier Ortega, Barbara Carlsberg, Barbara Casey, Hub International, Jane & Steve Malashock, Katherine Shook, BBJ La Tavola, Creative Curiosity, GraVoc, and Grand Teton Brewing.