A first-time guide to the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival

What is the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival?

Now in its 40th year, the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, presented by JP Morgan & Chase is an annual event celebrating art in the Tetons. Started in 1984 as "Arts in the Park," the Festival's original purpose was to promote tourism past the traditional end of the summer season during Labor Day Weekend by highlighting the arts in Jackson Hole. Since then, the Festival has grown Troy Collins 2023 Quickdrawto feature fifty events over an exciting twelve-day period and is now considered the preeminent art festival in the Rocky Mountains.

What will I see at the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival?

At the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, you will see the best art, artists, and galleries in Western, wildlife, landscape art, and more! From artist demonstrations to showings, gallery walks, art auctions, and more, Jackson Hole comes alive with the arts during the Festival. With this year being the Fall Arts Festival's fortieth anniversary, keep an eye out for plenty of special events, including the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Fortieth Anniversary Celebration!

Is the Fall Arts Festival just Western, wildlife, and landscape art?

No! Though the Festival initially focused on Western, wildlife, and landscape art, it has now grown to feature art in a variety of topics and mediums, including works from some of the most famous artists around, including Andy Warhol and Georgia O'Keefe! You never know what you will discover at the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival!

Do I need to be an art collector to participate?

No! Though the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival is known for its auctions and opportunities to purchase world-class art, it is also a cornucopia of gallery viewings, artist demonstrations, art walks, and more—all free! 

Arts on the Green JH Art Association

What is with all the lingo?

Throughout the Festival, you may hear all sorts of lingo but aren't sure what it means. Don't worry - we here at the Chamber are here to help!

  • Palates & Palettes: A local favorite, Palates & Palettes is a free gallery walk that sees Jackson's famed galleries team up with local restaurants to offer craft cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while showcasing their latest works and artists.  
  • Jackson Hole QuickDraw: The most exciting art event in the Rocky Mountains, the Jackson Hole QuickDraw sees 30 artists complete auction-worthy pieces in just 90 minutes, live on the historic Jackson Town Square. All pieces are subsequently bid on in an auction format unlike any other!  
  • Featured Artist(s) and Featured Piece(s): Every year, a renowned artist is selected from a participating gallery by the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Committee to represent the Festival as the featured artist. They are then commissioned to create a piece for Fall Arts, which is showcased throughout the Festival. The artwork can be purchased printed on a limited run of Fall Arts Festival posters. The actual piece is then put up for auction as the finale of the Jackson Hole QuickDraw Auction. This year, as a part of the fortieth-anniversary celebration, the Fall Arts Festival has selected two artists to be represented as the featured artists. Roger Ore of West Lives on Gallery is this year's featured painter, and his featured piece, Nature's Playground, can be viewed on display at the Wort Hotel. Bryce Pettit of Mountain Trails Gallery is this year's featured sculptor with his piece Born and Raised. It can be viewed on display at the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce office's and The Cloudveil Hotel off Jackson Town Square.
  • Western Visions®: Western Visions® is a signature Fall Arts Event and the biggest fundraiser for the world-renowned National Museum of Wildlife Art. Held every year during the Fall Arts Festival, Western Visions® features the top contemporary wildlife artists and collectors from around the world! With over 170+ participating artists, the museum becomes a hub for exploring the best in wildlife art. The exhibit opens for in-person viewing on September 7th; the open public sale begins on September 13th.
  • Western Design Conference: The Western Design Conference is the premier gathering for the best in Western fashion, furniture, and home décor. Held over three days at the Snow King Event Center, the Western Design Conference. You can meet the makers and artists behind the very best in Western goods at the conference while shopping at a direct price point. The conference is held during the first weekend of the Fall Arts Festival.  
  • Wine Down Wednesday: Kick off the Fall Arts Festival and the Western Design Conference with Wine Down Wednesday & Wind Up for Fall Arts, held at the historic Wort Hotel. At Wine Down Wednesday, you will get a sneak preview of this year's jewelry designs and meet the jewelers while enjoying carefully selected wine pairings.
  • Arts on the Green: A highlight for locals, Arts on the Green is an exciting art fair featuring the works of over fifty of Jackon's local creatives. Tour the tents on the Center for the Arts lawn while enjoying drinks and live music while you shop for art, jewelry, clothes, and more!

With so much going on, how do I know where to start? Visitor Services

 With over fifty events in just twelve days, it can be intimidating to know where to start. But don't worry! The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce has you covered! Simply visit www.jacksonholechamber.com/fall-arts-festival/ or stop by one of our many visitor centers during the Festival!