National Museum of Wildlife Art Hosts 30th Anniversary Celebration
August 28, 2017Monday, August 28, 2017
Saturday, August 19, the National Museum of Wildlife Art hosted the Black Bear Ball – a special anniversary celebration that takes place every 5 years.
The festivities for the evening included a cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing the night away.
“We appreciate all those who attended the Black Bear Ball,” says event co-chair Jan Benz. “The museum staff and committee members worked diligently to make the evening spectacular. We enjoyed a delicious dinner by Palate and danced to Whiskey Morning.”
450 guests enjoyed the magnificent ball, dressed in wildly elegant attire.
“This year’s Black Bear Ball was a fantastic celebration of 30 years,” says Museum Director Steve Seamons.
Reba McEntire attended the event as a guest and surprised everyone with an impromptu performance.
This year, for the first time ever, the ball took place outdoors in a large, elegant tent. “Mother Nature provided a perfect outdoor evening,” says Benz. “Thanks to the community of Jackson Hole for supporting NMWA during this 30th anniversary year.”
“An evening under the stars and moon was magical – just as we planned.” Added co-chair Bettina Whyte. “It was a fun and energetic event which will be remembered for years by all who attended.”
Featured artists during the evening were Kathryn Mapes Turner and Richard Loffler. Both have been involved with the Museum for many years and have artworks in the Permanent Collection. They also will both be participating in the Museum’s 30th Annual Western Visions® next month.
During the evening, the Museum also recognized two new Trustee Emeriti, Mary Barnes and Stephanie Brennan.
Black Bear Ball 2017 was generously sponsored by: Floral Art, Jackson Hole Still Works, Longfellow Wine, Mars Chocolate North America, Niner Wine Estates, Pearls by Shari, Snake River Brewing, Zaca Mesa Wines, Helen Laughery & Craig Whitney, Christy & Lou Cushman, Kavar Kerr, Adrienne & John Mars, and Lynn Friess.
