Jackson Hole, Wyoming – September 17, 2018 – It was another successful ride for the 26th annual Western Design Exhibit + Sale in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Held September 6-9, 2018, at the Snow King Events Center, this year’s event featured more than 100 juried artists from across the country exhibiting the finest in contemporary and traditional handcrafted Western functional art. The Western Design Conference (WDC) and its sponsors distributed a total of $20,250 in awards to top artisans in a variety of categories.
Hollifield Bamboo Fly Rods takes “best of show” award at the 26th annual Western Design Exhibit + Sale.
“It was an outstanding year for artists,” says event owner and director Allison Merritt. “We had many new exhibitors and the feedback has been extremely positive about connections made between exhibitors and guests. It was also exciting to have so many visitors coming to the Western Design Exhibit + Sale from out of town as a destination experience this year!”
More than 3,500 guests attended the Exhibit + Sale this year, exploring museum-quality handmade pieces, shopping – and talking shop with – the exhibiting artisans and sipping on craft cocktails at the new daily “Artitude Adjustment” happy hours. A new exhibit floor layout improved flow and the hugely popular opening night festivities plus the sipping-and-snacking occasions only added to the event’s enduring ability to unite design enthusiasts in a meaningful and entertaining way.
One Of Best Collection Winner Rebecca’s Designs; Best Art To Wear Fashion Winner J. Hill Felt; And The Always Popular Helga’s On The Runway
Award winners this year include artist John Hollifield from North Carolina, who took home the Best of Show award for his handmade custom Hollifield Bamboo Fly Rods. European fashion designer Jenny Hill was awarded as the Best Artist for Art to Wear Fashion for her J. Hill Felt designs, and Colorado artist Rebecca Gilberto earned the Best Collection award for sharing her line on the runway at Thursday night’s Opening Preview Party fashion show.
Texas artist Scott Wayne received Best Artist award in the leather category for his Tres Outlaws designs, and Wyoming based Jenny Booth Art won again this year for her carved antler entry, while Arizona artist Kelly Charveaux earned Best Artist in the Art to Wear Jewelry category for her work.
L To R: One Of Best Collection Winner Rebecca’s Designs; Best Art To Wear Fashion Winner J. Hill Felt; And The Always Popular Helga’s On The Runway
California artist Victor DiNovi took home the Best Artist award in the woodworking category for his bench, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming-based Harker Design won for Best Interior Design in recognition of their living room in the Designer Show House.
About the Western Design Exhibit + Sale:
The Western Design Exhibit + Sale is a four-day, multimillion-dollar annual September event produced by the Western Design Conference in Jackson Hole, Wyo. The Exhibit + Sale awards over $20,000 for design excellence, bringing together artisans, collectors, interior designers, architects and fashion designers with a love of the West. Originating over 25 years ago in Cody, Wyo., the event promotes more than 100 contemporary American artists creating museum-quality functional art. Exhibit + Sale attendees meet the makers of handcrafted works in furniture, fashion, jewelry, home and lifestyle accessories, purchasing directly from the artisans with no commissions paid. Owner Allison Merritt continues the strong commitment to Western arts with an expansive national reach that draws artists and visitors from across the country. Additional information on the Western Design Exhibit + Sale, including maker applications, schedules and tickets, is available at www.westerndesignconference.com and on Facebook and Twitter @WesternDesign.
Media Contact: Amy Stark, Word PR + Marketing, [email protected], 307.734.5335
