JACKSON, Wyo. — There’s a new permanent interactive art installation on the Greenspace on the Block, Jackson Hole Land Trust (JHLT) recently announced.
Much like Mama Mimi in R Park, “Bison and Wallow” was created using natural materials and aims to inspire wonder and awe for all visitors.
Artist Ben Roth used a chainsaw, grinder and impact driver to create the sculpture from a mix of 30 logs of fir and pine trees. According to JHLT, the trees were harvested as part of a planned fire mitigation project.
“Building this installation over the past month in my own community has been a treat,” Roth said. “I enjoyed the interactions that occurred with the locals and tourists and realized that building a challenging piece in public view is a rush. I wasn’t sure if it was going to work and the encouragement and feedback really helped.”
According to JHLT, Roth worked with local youth from the Coombs Outdoors program and Jackson Hole Children’s Museum to conceptualize the sculpture. He worked on the project in June and July in the park.
“As a mom of two young children, I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of safe,
accessible outdoor spaces,” JHLT Director of Advancement Jill Callahan said. “Roth’s sculpture is a wonderful enhancement to the Greenspace on the Block – inspiring play and wonder.”
Jackson Hole Public Art was contracted to manage the project from artist selection to installation. It was funded by an Arts for All grant provided by Teton County, a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council, support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Wyoming Legislature.
