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Wildlife Art Sales Successful at Western Visions

September 19, 2017

Monday, September 18, 2017

Jackson, Wyo. –More than 1,200 people from around the world attended the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s 30th Annual Western Visions® Show & Sale events in September, including top contemporary and traditional wildlife artists and collectors. The museum showcased a combination of well-established, top-selling artists, and emerging talents who are the next generation of leading wildlife artists. Western Visions is a cornerstone of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival.

This year’s event was a huge success with total revenue estimated to be more than $650,000. In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Museum and Western Visions, all 114 participating artists have work in the Permanent Collection of the Museum. Of those 114 artists, ten were also in the original Western Visions Show & Sale in 1988. Those artists are Clyde Aspevig, Kenneth Bunn, Ken Carlson, Michael Coleman, Daniel Smith, Tucker Smith, Lee Stroncek, Skip Whitcomb, Jim Wilcox, and Wayne Wolfe.

“Western Visions is always one of the high points of the Fall Arts Festival, because it brings together many of our friends, including some of the country’s best artists and the collectors that make it possible for us to continue to enjoy wonderful careers.” Says artist Jim Wilcox, “We are also grateful to those who volunteer, donate and support the museum and exhibitions such as Western Visions.”

“We’re so happy everyone joined us for this 30th Anniversary Western Visions,” says Kavar Kerr, Western Visions Co-Chair. “It was a wonderful event and we are thankful for those who attended to celebrate these fantastic artists.”

Special congratulations to the 2017 award winners:
Edward Fraughton won this year’s Red Smith Award, the artists’ choice honor for his piece American Monarch. Western Visions guests voted for John Seery-Lester’s piece as People’s Choice for The Stage is Set. Kathryn Turner won the Trustee’s Purchase Award for her sandhill crane painting, Sky, which was acquired into the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s collection. And finally, Bill Sawczuk won the Bob Kuhn Sketch Award for his sketch entitled A Fine Specimen.

sky kathryn turner painting

Kathryn Turner, Sky, 2017. Oil on Linen, 30 x 30 inches.

What People Are Saying
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"Not only was the museum interesting, the all gender bathroom was great. Thank you for thinking about LGBTQ and disabled people!"
— Bishnu A.
"An amazing collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that preserve and celebrate the beauty of the natural world and wildlife. I was thoroughly impressed!"
— Rita D.
"What an amazing and inspiring collection. A lovely way to spend time in Jackson Hole!"
— Jo A.
"I loved it and was surprised to see a section that also encouraged children to participate, probably one of the only museums that wasn't boring!"
— Mandy L.
"This place is amazing! And I absolutely love the educational considerations for young minds. "
— Charlotte C.
"Wonderful museum. Excellent restaurant - the food, waitstaff, and ambiance! "
— Eileen J.
"Enjoyed the botanical tour! The plants were all blooming, and there were birds too. "
— Ron K.
"Really enjoyed the exhibit of the Big Four!"
— J.B.