Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival | September 10-20, 2015

> Story by Jenn Rein
> Photography by Latham Jenkins, Courtesy of Western Design Conference

After the high summer season has waned, there remains much more to look forward to with the start of the annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival. Showcasing work from all over the West, it continues to be a benefit for the artists that make it thrive and the community that provides enthusiasm for their talent. Now in its 31st year, this art and design rendezvous has witnessed a distinct evolution in the themes of the Western art genre. Depictions of expansive vistas, majestic wildlife, and the mythical cowboy will remain the foundation on which Western art thrives. But in the genre’s current state, artists tackling the subject matter from a fresh perspective are thriving, and more unique events than ever allow patrons and collectors from all over the country to sit in the front row.

FORM MEETS FUNCTION

The Western Design Conference Opening Preview Party kicks off these 10 artful days in September with a bang, allowing a select few the opportunity to meet the artisans that have been juried into this year’s WDC. Other highlights of the evening will include a jewelry and fashion show that features both established designers and those that are new to this long-held event. Guests will be able to shop the finely crafted pieces while enjoying creations by the culinary team at Café Genevieve.

The Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale presents functional art throughout the opening weekend of the Falls Arts Festival. Many tastes are accommodated through the exploration of Retail Row—a reflection on current trends in fashion and accessories for the home. The return of the WDC’s Designer Show House will emphasize local architecture and interior design in a home setting that establishes its own atmosphere through innovation on theme.