As summer begins to wane, Jackson Hole transforms into a vibrant celebration of creativity, with the Fall Arts Festival at its heart. Now in its 40th year, this annual event brims with life, drawing artists and art enthusiasts alike into a shared space of inspiration. From live auctions to gallery walks, the festival is the perfect opportunity to explore Jackson’s deep connection to the arts—a connection that spills beyond the festival into the town’s many galleries, museums, and even boutique hotels like the Rusty Parrot Lodge.
Jackson is renowned for its galleries that showcase a broad spectrum of artistic talent. Strolling through the town, you’ll find works that echo the spirit of the West—bold landscapes, lifelike wildlife portraits, and striking photographs of nature’s power. Each gallery offers its own unique perspective, making it easy to lose yourself in the stories told through oil, watercolor, and sculpture.
Not far from these galleries lies the National Museum of Wildlife Art, a cultural juggernaut in Jackson’s art scene. Nestled against the rugged cliffs of the National Elk Refuge, the museum is an art piece in its own right. The museum offers visitors an immersive experience of wildlife-inspired pieces, beautifully capturing the interplay between humans and nature.
It’s not just galleries and museums that tell Jackson’s artistic story. Art is infused into the very fabric of some of its most beloved spaces—none more so than the Rusty Parrot Lodge. Curated by the owner, Ron Harrison, the lodge’s art collection speaks volumes about the region’s creative pulse.
Harrison has lovingly curated a mix of personal treasures and gifts from artists with whom he has built strong connections over the years; some have even been known to stay at the lodge during the Fall Arts Festival. His collection features iconic Western themes—landscapes, Native American culture, and wildlife—mirroring the kind of art you’d expect to find at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Notable artists include Howard Terpning, Scott Christensen, and Kathryn Turner, whose work is featured heavily in the Rusty Parrot’s spa.
Harrison speaks fondly of the restored collection and laughs when asked to name a favorite piece. “It’s like picking your favorite kid. I can’t choose one,” he says. The impact of the art is undeniable, shaping the ambiance and defining the Rusty Parrot as a place where relaxation and artistic appreciation come together.
Whether at the Fall Arts Festival, in Jackson’s galleries, or in the lobby of the Rusty Parrot Lodge, visual art is woven into the very essence of the town of Jackson. Jackson invites you to explore art in all its forms, from the grand spectacle of a festival to the quiet contemplation of a painting by the fire.
Photo credit: Kathryn Mapes Turner & jacksonholechamber.com
