Originally Posted on: Wealth Magazine
Some 28,000 square feet of space filled with the finest Western contemporary functional art on exhibit and for sale is the setting for the 26th annual Western Design Exhibit + Sale, taking place over the course of four days, Sept. 6-9, 2018, at the Snow King Events Center in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Over 100 juried artists and exhibitors specializing in home décor, jewelry, fashion, woodworking and mixed media display chic creations that embody the singular spirit of the West and its expressions of freedom, individuality, resourcefulness and aesthetics.
A signature event of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival (Sept. 5-16, 2018), the juried Western Design Exhibit + Sale will offer the more than 30,000 expected visitors to the area an exclusive opportunity to interact directly with craftspeople while perusing their work. The wildness and the calm beauty of the Old and New West have been captured in functional pieces by this year’s artisans, who have conceived of everything from “art to wear” jewelry and clothing to beaded skulls and tiles of Kingman turquoise, along with Western-themed home furnishings and architectural design elements.
Kicking off the four-day annual celebration on Thursday, Sept. 6, is the Opening Preview Party, a soiree to see and be seen, with a live auction and a fabulous runway fashion show featuring innovative lines from a variety of fashion designers. Guests can mix, mingle and shop all while sampling local dishes from Genevieve Catering along with specially crafted cocktails at the five open bars.
L to R: Hand crafted bench from Victor Dinovi; stunning turquoise backsplash from Gemstone Tiles; Old Hickory Furniture will participate again in this year’s Designer Show House; leather handbag from Pure Dixie.
Kicking off the four-day annual celebration on Thursday, Sept. 6, is the Opening Preview Party, a soiree to see and be seen, with a live auction and a fabulous runway fashion show featuring innovative lines from a variety of fashion designers. Guests can mix, mingle and shop all while sampling local dishes from Genevieve Catering along with specially crafted cocktails at the five open bars.
On Friday, Sept. 7, at 2 p.m., more than $20,000 in design excellence awards will be presented in conjunction with sponsored cocktails and artisan chocolates. On Saturday, Sept. 8, a new shopping event, Christmas in September, is part of the Western Design Benefit Night from 4-7 p.m., donating 10 percent of participating exhibitor sales to the Art Association of Jackson Hole.
Another bonus this year: daily “Artitude Adjustment” happy hours at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 9, and at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, provide guests with local spirits from Grand Teton Distillery, Jackson Hole Still Works and Wyoming Whiskey for tasting while exploring the phenomenal contemporary craft offerings.
Returning this year is the Designer Show House, featuring a range of furnishings, accessories, and handcrafted goods from eight design companies throughout the West and across the nation. Designers will collaborate on the style and ambiance of five rooms included in the life-size model home for guest to explore.
Tickets start at $15 for an Exhibit + Sale day pass; VIP entry and reserved seating at the Opening Preview Party + Fashion Show is available for $125 per person; $50 general admission. All tickets include open bars or daily happy hours.
Additional information on the Western Design Exhibit + Sale, including schedules and tickets, is available at www.westerndesignconference.com
