You can win the Spirit of Wyoming winning painting and support The Art Association of Jackson Hole by purchasing one, or many raffle tickets!

The Art Association has made visual art a vital part of creative life in Jackson Hole for over 53 years. The staff, board, instructors, and volunteers provided visual art experiences to over 21,000 people last year, including 228 low income or at-risk youth and outreach sessions for 23 different service organizations in the valley.

Hold on, back up, what is this and how did we get here? Let’s go back to 2014, and take it from the top.

The Commission

Back in 2014, friend, hockey teammate and collector Matt Swanson flew me out West. The objective was to create a commission capturing the energy of Jackson Hole on canvas… I came up with the Mormon Row Cowboy Barn.

During this adventure, I nearly killed myself flipping a sled going 50+ mph. Of course, I’m typing this right now, so you can tell I didn’t expire in a snow bank. I digress…

The Nomads

That two days in Jackson left an indelible memory. In 2015, following the birth of our second daughter, Vega, and an artist residency in Exuma, we decided to become nomads.

Following a layover in Minnesota, we landed in Teton Village for three months.

Handle Burger With Shari

Upon arrival, I had lunch with Shari Brownfield… who was introduced by way of friend and collector Robert Oringer’s, colleague’s wife — who knew Shari back in the day.

Shari told us about an event at The Center For The Arts in November of 2015, Art Heist. We attended… there, I met two dapper gents in tuxes, who had just launched Jackson Hole Still Works… the event celebrated their first label, created by Katy Ann Fox.

Let’s Move to Idaho

Leaving Jackson brought the heartache, so in March of 2016, we moved to Victor, Idaho — on the recommendation of former Victor Mayor, Scott Fitzgerald. Victor is just a hop, skip and a mountain pass away from Jackson.

Painting Light

In the summer of 2016, Shari introduced me to Todd Hanna, who put me in touch with now executive director of The Art Association of Jackson Hole — Mark Nowlin. I asked if I could have a show, he said yes, and Painting Light opened in July.

Remember those dapper gents? Not only did Chas Marsh and Travis Goodman provide this glorious spread, they helped me redirect the lights in the gallery. Those lights, are 40 feet off the ground. 40! During this time, Jill Callahan joined The Art Association, hosted her welcome party at my show… and sold one of my paintings! Quite an arrival…

Ride On Neon Cowboy

And so, now a certified Teton resident, I saddled up to the Still Works 2016 label contest with The Neon Cowboy.

When the votes were tallied, the talented Emily Boespflug was victorious… quickly sipping the loss behind us, we had a great time, and focused on our delicious beverages.

Jackalope For The Win

One year later, I entered the competition again… this time, with a Jackalope.

And this time… we brought home the label. And yes, I’m on a forklift, and no, I did not operate this machine whilst drinking.

WIN THE JACKALOPE

And so, dear friends, snap up some raffle tickets… support The Art Association of Jackson Hole… and bring home the Jackalope! You can win from anywhere in the world — the winner will be announced on September 29th!

As you can see here, this journey required an army of support. I want to thank everyone, those mentioned here, those not mentioned, my fellow artists, my family and our incredible community… I’m proud of what Chas and Travis have built, and consider it an honor to be their Highwater label artist for the next year!

Before I go… please take a moment to vote (daily) for The Art Association of Jackson Hole in #TheWealthIsAbout grant contest, hosted by First Western Trust. Thank you!