New Art Gallery Goes “Into the Wild”

Jackson Hole’s newest art gallery is a visual love song to all things wild, from the furry to the feathered to the fabulous landscapes of seemingly endless, untamed spaces. Its name — appropriately — is Gallery Wild.

 

This delightful cache of creativity on South Glenwood features the jaw dropping and inspiring wildlife paintings and photographs of its owners, Carrie Wild (yes, “Wild” is her actual name!) and her husband, Jason Williams, as well as other artisans.

 

Although the bright and expansive gallery — located mere steps from Town Square — quietly welcomed passersby the last week of July, the official grand opening was held the eve of Fall Arts Festival, Sept. 4.

 

“I’ve been a wildlife artist and a photographer for a long time and Jason’s been a photographer for years, too,” Carrie says. “And one thing that I’ve learned with my art is that I really love talking to visitors about it.”

 

Carrie says she loves watching people’s reactions to her paintings, seeing faces light up and learning what people like and don’t like. That interaction is what inspired her to open the gallery.

 

“I really wanted to have a place where I could create yet meet with visitors, too, hang my art and represent other wildlife artists as well.”

 

Both Carrie and Jason have deep roots in the Jackson Hole community and long careers as wildlife artists. Carrie came to Jackson Hole eight years ago to pursue her passion for wildlife art and find inspiration for her work. She spends as much time in the field as possible observing and photographing wildlife in order to better represent the animals and places they live in her work.

 

Jason moved to Jackson Hole in 1999 to guide float trips on the Snake River. He too fell in love with the Greater Yellowstone region and never looked back. He spent several summers as a river guide and winters as a snowmobile guide in Yellowstone National Park, and found a calling with photography; he soon began shooting professionally. In 2007 he launched Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris in order to share his passion for wildlife and photography with visitors.

 

“One thing that is different about this gallery is that I have my working studio back here so people can come in and be a part of the process,” Carrie says. “Other artists can come back here, too, and make it their own studio to work and visit.”

 

Gallery Wild is hosting a number of events during Fall Arts Festival (see schedule below) and will continue to host special artist receptions and other events throughout the year.

307-699-2077/40 South Glenwood St./Hours: Noon-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday

 

Gallery Wild’s Fall Arts Festival Schedule of Events

Saturday, Sept.8 – Get Wild: Find Your Inner Artist; 5-8 p.m.

Get wild (or at least get your hands dirty) with Gallery Wild artists as they share their craft with hands on demonstrations including how to sculpt, paint and create outstanding images. You will have the opportunity to experiment with materials, tools and equipment in a working artist studio. Enjoy cocktails, beer and wine, an appetizer or two and great company!

 

Wednesday, Sept. 12 – Artist Reception for Rip and Alison Caswell; 5-8 p.m.

Don’t miss your opportunity to meet Rip and Alison Caswell! This dynamic husband and wife sculpting duo has work that spans several genres and includes everything from prestigious monuments at Pearl Harbor and beloved university mascots to small collectible pieces to enjoy at home. Cocktails, wine and beer will be served.

 

Friday, Sept.14 – Artist Reception for Carrie Wild and Jennifer Johnson; 5-8 p.m.

Jennifer Johnson and Carrie Wild invite you to celebrate the wildlife and wondrous landscapes of the west that inspire them. Their contemporary vision of the wild is bold, exciting and fresh while maintaining an accuracy that is difficult to achieve. See their newest works, get inspired and enjoy a great evening of wild art.

 

Saturday, Sept. 15 –  “Life Lived Wild” Artist Celebration; Noon-6 p.m.

Join the Gallery Wild artists to celebrate wildlife, wild places and the experience of wild that inspires their work. Enjoy a curated collection of work by nationally recognized contemporary artists including photography, paintings and sculpture. Gallery Wild artists will be available to answer questions, tell stories and share their process of creation. Enjoy drinks, appetizers and of course, great conversation.