This story originally appeared in the 2026 Locals’ Guidebook featuring the Best of Jackson Hole, on newsstands now. Pick up a copy today!
JACKSON, Wyo. — Kathryn Mapes Turner is one of those rare birds: She was born and raised in the valley, and here she stays. She’s part of the fourth generation in her family to grow up on Triangle X Ranch, located inside Grand Teton National Park. Turner was delighted to be recognized in the Best Fine Artist category this year.
Generating an estimated 50 to 80 paintings per year for the past 25 years, she considers herself part of the service industry, and says she feels humbled to make work that becomes part of someone’s everyday life. After spending time studying her craft in Washington, D.C., and even Rome, the mountains keep calling to Turner.
“Jackson is unique in its art community — per capita, you’d be hard pressed to find many places that have more artists and people involved in the art community than in Jackson,” she says. “It’s a makers’ place. I have really loved being inspired by other artists. There’s a synergy that comes from the critical mass. It leads to a liveliness. It’s not one event, it’s not one person, it’s because of this arts ecosystem.”
For Turner, a perfect day begins with a walk with her Portuguese water dog, Banjo. Next, she’ll grab her camera and sketchbook before heading into the park to capture references for her paintings. She might spot a moose eating sagebrush near Kelly. She’ll return to her home studio and spend the morning incorporating her findings into her work, either doing some studies or working new inspiration into larger pieces.
After some studio time, Turner will pack up her field easel and a picnic dinner to head into the park when the daytime visitors are filing out to find dinner downtown. She likes the feeling of having the park to herself in the evening hours, when foot traffic slows and wildlife comes out of hiding.
“I become invisible in the landscape, sitting still in one place,” she says. “My ability to observe deepens with the passing of time.”
Turner says there have been instances where animals do not seem to register her presence at all. On one memorable occasion, she was working at her easel near the Cattleman’s Bridge area on the Snake River when she heard splashing in the river. A moose was swimming right toward her. She hid under her easel just in time — the moose got out of the river, stood right next to her, and shook all of the river water off, totally soaking Turner and her painting. Luckily, Turner and her oil painting dried in the sun and were both completely fine.
She had a similar experience in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley. She set up her easel to capture the moon setting in the middle of the night, capturing the illuminated river and some rocks. As the light changed, she noticed the rocks she was painting were not rocks at all — they were sleeping wolves.
“I got to watch them wake up, stretch, play with each other and then wander into the woods,” she said. “It was exciting to see them so close and be invisible.”
Don’t worry — she carries bear spray.
