This weekend marks a half century of art in the park as the Art Association of Jackson Hole presents Art Fair Jackson Hole. Miller Park is transformed from a quiet picnic spot and playground for the kids into a world premiere art fair that boasts 150 artists representing 20 states as well as some local Wydaho talent that have all been selected by a professional jury of artists, curators, and gallery owners. With art for all tastes, wildlife and landscapes will be represented as well as new school contemporary and everything in between. It’s not just about the art as there will be plenty of activities for the kids, music, great food, and oh did we mention beer. It’s pretty much the perfect event to kick start your weekend as it runs from Friday, August 12 to Sunday, August 14.
Art, Art, and More Art
The 50th Annual Art Fair Jackson Hole has been bringing in world class art for…well 50 years and this year is no different as they ramp it up for their big semi-centennial. Whatever type of art is your jam, you’ll be sure to find it at this year’s August edition of Art Fair Jackson Hole. So if you are into jewelry, ceramics, painting, photography, sculpture, metalwork, and more you can you can see it all at Miller Park. Peruse the booths and shop for yourself or buy one-of-a-kind gifts for those on your birthday and holiday lists (never to early to get a jump start on those).
Admission to the fair is $5 or free to Art Association members and children under 10. Also look for deals around town at local coffee shops for $1 off admission if you bring in your Art Association coffee sleeves. Local hotels will also be handing out $1 off coupons that are good for up to 4 people, so you’ll have more to spend on art, food, and beer. 100% of the admission fees collected at the gate go to support the Art Association of Jackson Hole, a non-profit which “has made visual art a vital part of creative life in Jackson Hole for over 52 years.” The Art Association provides over 300 art classes a year and puts on art exhibits of local, national, and international artists. So, just by going you are helping to support more art in Jackson.
Music
When you’ve been doing something and doing it well for 50 years, it makes sense to celebrate. The Art Fair Jackson Hole is doing just that with it’s lineup of music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. DJ BDubz AKA Brendon Weber keeps things moving through out the fair for all three days when live acts aren’t playing. He’ll be serving up your perfect art strolling/buying soundtrack. Saturday the Grand Teton Music Festival musicians will take the stage from 11am – 12:30pm and provide you with some sounds for your lunch hour noshing. On Saturday From 3pm – 7pm Art Fair Jackson Hole kicks it up a notch with local legends Whiskey Mornin’. Expect the unexpected as you’ll hear anything from Motown, hip-hop, and classic rock and back again as their set lists play like your favorite party mix on Spotify. If you needed extra incentive to check out Whiskey Mornin’ or the art for that matter, a special happy hour entry from 5pm – 7pm is free. Easy like Sunday morning, local musical wunderkind Aspen Jacquet sets the tone from 11am to noon on the last day of the fair.
Art to Eat, Beer to Drink
As you make your way around the park and all that art you are bound to get hungry. Luckily for you, you won’t have to hunt all over for some grub as the food trucks are conveniently located right at the corner of Deloney and Jackson Street by the art fair entrance. The food truck vendors have elevated your lunch and dinner to an art form as you’ll find tasty offerings from Nom Nom (delectable doughnuts), Nomadic Bean, Everest Momo Shack (amazing Indian and Nepali cuisine), JH Pop! (best popcorn around), Los Tres Bradas Shaved Ice, and Chuckwagon Pizza.
You’ll probably need some drinks to wash down all that food. Hit up the beer tent where you’ll be able to find a variety of beers including Stella Artois, Snake River Brewing’s Pako’s IPA, and the old reliable and always appropriate PBR. Every first beer comes with a free koozie and when you return with it you’ll get $1 off all additional beers. The beer sales go towards to Art Association of Jackson Hole’s programming. So hoist back a few and drink for art.
For the Kids
Keep the kids entertained and engage your little Picasso’s with some art as they get the chance to make some art of their own. Who knows they could be selling their own art at the 75th Annual Art Fair Jackson Hole. The Youth Art Zone will host art activities in conjunction with the National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson Hole WILD, and JH Public Art. Also opportunities for face painting and henna tattoos or get your portrait done by cartoonist Grant Wilson.
Art Fair Jackson Hole is located in Miller Park and runs Friday, August 12 from 10am – 6pm; Saturday, August 13 from 10am – 7pm; and Sunday, August 14 from 10am – 4pm. For more info head over to artassociation.org.
