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National Museum of Wildlife Art to Host 15th Annual Plein Air Fest, Etc.

June 1, 2026

Mark your calendars, one of Jackson Hole’s most beloved summer traditions returns on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) hosts its 15th Annual Plein Air Fest, Etc., a free, festive morning of art, music, food, and fresh air—open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with complimentary access to Museum galleries included. 

Nearly 50 invited artists will paint from NMWA’s Sculpture Trail, which offers stunning views of the National Elk Refuge. All visitors are welcome to watch the painters, and attendees are invited to browse and bid on fresh artworks during a silent auction from 12:15 to 1 p.m. “There’s something truly special about seeing an artist respond to this landscape in real time, and then having the chance to take that work home,” says the Museum’s Executive Director Steve Seamons. “After 15 years, the energy and excitement around this community-favorite event have only grown!” All proceeds will benefit the Museum and participating artists. 

Artists participate in one of two categories: plein air or al fresco. The plein air category honors the classic tradition—painters work entirely from observation, capturing only what they see before them in the moment. The al fresco category opens the door to imagination, allowing artists to paint any nature or wildlife subject, whether observed, referenced, or conjured from memory. Best in Show honors will be awarded from the plein air participants. 

Returning 2025 Best in Show winner Aaron Cordell Johnson will be back on the trail, joined by celebrated Western Visions alumni including Patricia A. Griffin, Amy Ringholz, and Kathy KJ Wipfler. This year also welcomes exciting new faces: Jan Bushart (Maui), Nikita Budkov (Idaho Falls), and Mae Orm (Pinedale). “Having a wide range of styles and participants from all over the country makes this event a fun way for the community to engage with a vibrant group of artists,” says Programs & Events Manager Stefanie Nishio. “As the most arts-vibrant community in America, what a way to celebrate the beginning of summer!” 

All artists will be on the Sculpture Trail by 10 a.m. to finish their pieces live and in person. All works created during the event will be available via silent auction beginning at 12:15 p.m.

The festivities go well beyond the canvas:

  •  9 – 10:30 a.m. — New this year! Kick off the morning with coffee, mimosas, and pastries from Palate restaurant, perfect for early-bird art viewing
  • 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Live music from Derrik & The Dynamos 
  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Lunch for purchase from Palate restaurant
  • 12:15 – 1 p.m. — Silent auction opens on all works created that morning
What People Are Saying
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"I have been to Europe multiple times—studied art in so many places—never saw anything so fantastic as this! Stunning and jaw-dropping, thank you!"
— Maggie A.
"Thank you for this glorious dedication to our "wild" life and human connection. Moving, emotional, and informative, with beauty within it all. "
— Lynne R.
"Architecturally stunning, thoughtful, interesting, educational, superb art and exhibits. A memorable experience. Thank you!"
— Susan B.
"I've never seen anything like this and I'm grateful to have stopped by. The extinct bird display nearly made me cry with the bird calls. Beautiful!!! "
— Marley S.
"This museum was so intimate and inspiring. As a former art teacher, the children's center made me want to have a classroom again!"
— Ellan M.
"Thank you for making this stop fun for my five kids. It kept them engaged, which allowed me to enjoy looking too!"
— Katie V.
"Super cool experience, I enjoyed the paintings and the thick paint textures! It made me feel like I was immersed in the natural environment!"
— Carmel G.
"BEST Museum I've ever been to! The hands on and special spaces for children were amazing and drew young people of all ages! Great job!"
— Judy G.