16 Reasons Jackson Hole is the Ideal Artist’s Neighborhood

Colby Murphy

10/6/20

Immersed in the middle of nature, Jackson Hole is a paradise for those who appreciate art. Here, you can marvel at the snow-capped mountains, grassy meadows, and an abundance of wildflowers. As such, it’s no surprise that this Wyoming town has developed a renowned art scene. From museums to galleries, here are 16 places that make Jackson Hole the ideal artist’s neighborhood.

1. Gallery Wild

Owned and operated by Jackson Hole locals, Gallery Wild museum displays art inspired by Wyoming: wildlife, open spaces, and conservation. Here, you will find the work of both well-established and emerging artists who showcase their talent through a variety of techniques. Painting, sculpting, and photography are just a few of the processes you will see displayed here. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows!

2. Boyer’s Indian Arts & Crafts

Boyer’s Indian Arts and Crafts has been family-owned and operated since first opening its doors in 1962. This remains Jackson Hole’s original Native American jewelry store. In addition to a wide range of hand-selected Native American jewelry, you will also find rugs, pottery, sand paintings, moccasins, and more. Whether you want to pick up a gift for a friend or simply want to browse around, this local shop is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The top-tier customer service will make this an enjoyable and relaxing experience.

3. Wilcox Gallery

This fine art gallery displays the talent of local artists such as Jim Wilcox. Established in 1969, Wilcox Gallery specializes in Western art. A well-rounded variety of mediums and styles can be found here, including contemporary landscapes, wildlife, bronze, and sculpture. Each year, this renowned gallery puts on elite shows.

Credit: Astoria Fine Art

4. Astoria Fine Art

Located in the Town Square, Astoria Fine Art is officially open again and welcoming clients through regular business hours and even private appointments. At this local gallery, you will find the work of national and international artists. Traditional, contemporary, and historical are just a few of the genres you have to look forward to while visiting here. The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival also takes place here. If you’re an art collector, this is an experience that you don’t want to miss.

5. Azadi Fine Rugs

Wanting to find a way to add a pop of color into your home? Head on over to Azadi Fine Rugs located on Glenwood Street. Having been around since 1790, Azadi Fine Rugs knows a thing or two about making art and the detailed process it requires. The vast selection includes more than 10,000 handmade rugs from which to choose. The styles vary from contemporary to antique to Persian and much more. Sophisticated, intricate, and elegant are just a few words to describe the high-quality rugs made here. These beautiful rugs will be a perfect addition to add to your home or office.

6. Heather James Fine Art

Nestled in the endless beauty that surrounds Jackson Hole, you will find Heather James Fine Art. This local gallery has been a part of Jackson Hole for over a decade and is passionate about bringing high-quality art to the Intermountain West. You can drop by now and view the current exhibition: Wonders of Impressionist and Modern Art in America and Europe. This current exhibit will run until February 2021. With so much to learn and see here, Heather James Fine Art is a great way to pass an afternoon while learning more about the history of Jackson Hole.

7. Fighting Bears Antiques

If you have an antique collector in your life, then you might want to take them to Fighting Bear Antiques. This store was founded in 1978 in a small building off the town square. Since its humble beginnings, it has transformed into a popular tourist stop. You will find a wide variety of Western antiques here, including Native American beadwork, Navajo rugs and textiles, and other intricate antiques. The knowledgeable and gracious staff is quick to answer questions and are eager to help you find what you are looking for. 

Credit: Jackson Hole Traveler


8. Images of Nature by Thomas Mangelsen

Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery first opened in 1978 and showcases the work of Thomas Mangelson. A Nebraska native, Mangelson developed a love for the outdoors and photographing the incredible wildlife he encountered throughout his travels. Now you, too, can see a glimpse of wildlife in nature at this studio. The gallery consists of more than 200 jaw-dropping photos of landscapes and wildlife from around the world.

9. Center for the Arts

Center for the Arts is all about bringing artists together for creative initiatives. Located two blocks south of the Town Square, this community center is a hub for creativity. Here, you can enjoy year-round performances, including concerts, ballets, and plays in the 500-seat theater. If you’re looking for a more educational experience, you can find that here, too! With a plethora of classes, this Jackson Hole staple has something for everyone.

10. The Brookover Gallery

They say that a photograph is worth a thousand words, and that is especially true at The Brookover Gallery. If you enjoy browsing through photography, then you’ll love this Jackson Hole gallery. Having been around since 2001, The Brookover Gallery is one of the most renowned and popular photography galleries in the area. A light and airy atmosphere will make you feel at home as you marvel at the wide assortment of photography.

11. Jackson Hole Art Auction

Jackson Hole Art Auction is undeniably one of the most revered art events in the country and has been since 2007. This annual live auction attracts collectors from throughout the country and abroad. Featuring masterpieces of the American West, this massive action raised over five million dollars in 2020. If you are interested in buying or selling, keep an eye out for this elite yearly event.

12. Rare Jackson Hole Gallery

Situated on the Town Square, Rare Jackson Hole Gallery is one of the biggest in the city. This 6,000-foot gallery is a collector’s dream destination. Marvel at stunning pieces of work by acclaimed artists such as Ansal Adams and Andy Warhol. This local treasure is all about showcasing the best of the best.

Credit: Thal Glass

13. Thal Glass Studio

Learning the intricate process of how glass is made is a fascinating experience—one you can witness firsthand that at Thal Glass Studio. This studio is nationally recognized for high-end, hand-blown functional and sculpture glass art. Here, you can find art for the home, such as bowls and vases. Much of the art reflects elements of nature, acknowledging the great Wyoming outdoors. If you want a personalized piece, you can even commission glass art. Due to the intricate nature of glass blowing, these commissioned pieces often take months to create. It’s no surprise that the talented artists behind this, Laurie and Dan, have become locally and nationally famous for their incredible talent and skill.

14. Horizon Fine Art Gallery

Located in downtown Jackson, Horizon Fine Art Gallery reflects the beauty and calming atmosphere that make up Jackson Hole. Browse through paintings, photographs, and other art that reveals awe-inspiring scenes of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, along with a diverse abundance of wildlife. You can also marvel at landscapes from around the world, from the serene beauty of a desert to the magical and mystery of foreign places. 

15. Art Association of Jackson Hole

Taking a class is a great way to pick up some new skills and meet like-minded individuals in your community. The Art Association of Jackson Hole is the go-to place for those who are passionate about developing their craft. Classes include painting, photography, mixed media, and ceramics. There are classes for youth and adults of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, the classes here are sure to challenge and inspire you. 

16. MADE

It’s important to show the people in your life that you care about them, and what better way to do that than by getting them a handcrafted gift made with skill and love? Small and unique shop MADE has quickly become a hotspot for locals and visitors since opening in 2010. Here, you can find jewelry, pottery, leather goods, and other high-quality items created with a vintage twist. Featuring handmade items from more than 360 American artists, you’ll be sure to find something for the special someone in your life. 

If you are looking to explore homes for sale in Jackson Hole, contact Colby Murphy today. As one of the most sought-after real estate associates in the area, Colby serves a wide range of neighborhoods. He is dedicated to helping you find your dream home.

 

Colby Murphy

Colby Murphy

About the Author

Born in the land of the Delta Blues, Colby Murphy grew up as a nationally ranked cyclist and avid outdoorsman. Colby's addiction for competition took his amateur cycling career through college, capturing silver at the USAC National Championship and a spot on Team USA for the 2013 UCI World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand. While attending Middle Tennessee State University, Colby volunteered coaching youth athletes in addition to interning with the D1 NFL Combine Camp in Nashville, Tennessee. It was freshman year when Colby was exposed to the magic of Jackson Hole. Instantly attracted, he began splitting his time to ski Jackson every year thereafter.

Upon publishing research in the International Journal of Exercise Science and receiving his bachelor’s degree, Colby immediately relocated to Southern California in pursuit of his professional cycling career. Once retired from competition, Colby quickly found himself as a top producing sales professional serving owners of high end luxury real estate in areas of San Diego including Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, and Coronado. With his affection for luxury property, history with Jackson Hole, and prior connection to Christie's International Real Estate, Colby saw a clear path and executed a move to Jackson. In his spare time, he now enjoys turning laps at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and giving back at Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association.

Colby is fortunate to have been raised around admirable examples of what drive, tenacity and resilience can yield. His father, a self-made entrepreneur, and uncle, an owner of the Christie's affiliate brokerage in San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City, both inspired Colby's ambitions from an early age.

Now, Colby has positioned himself among some of the most respected networks in the industry. He feels proud and blessed to have established relationships with multiple Christie’s affiliate owners and associates spanning multiple cities, states, and countries. Colby has also recently become a member of REALM™, the first globally collaborative real estate collective designed to empower the real estate professional by curating new relationships and matching qualified buyers based on lifestyle experiences and passions rather than search criteria.

In a market where there are as many agents as annual transactions, Colby represented clients from Australia, the UK, Mexico, and several U.S. states in his first year alone. He applies the principles and work ethic he learned through sport and his impressive circle of mentors to ensure he creates the highest value for his clients. Always elevating, always seeking excellence, his acquired values and attributes provide a successful combination that will ensure your selling or buying experience is a win.

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Colby applies the principles and work ethic he learned through sport and his impressive circle of mentors to ensure he creates the highest value for his clients.

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