JACKSON, Wyo. — The prolific plein-air painter Archie Boyd Teater’s first visit to Jackson Hole in 1928 established a love affair with the local community and landscape. Eventually, Teater would return during the summer over 50 years, painting almost every subject in the valley.
This Thursday, May 27 from 5:30-7 p.m. the Jackson Hole Historical Society (JHHS) opens the new exhibit, “Painting the Town: Archie Boyd Teater in Jackson Hole, Selections from the Lester D. Taylor Collection.”
Dr. Lester Taylor collected all the paintings featured in the exhibition, which are on loan to the Museum. Taylor met Teater when he was a young man at Jackson Lake Lodge, becoming enamored with the painter and his art, and eventually documented his life in the book “The Life and Art of Archie Boyd Teater.”
The number of paintings created by Teater number in the 1000s, making him one the most prolific painters of his time. While he painted landscapes, wildlife and the local vistas, he also somewhat uniquely turned his attention to social scenes depicting every day, small-town life. This showing focuses on Teater’s paintings of local people and downtown Jackson, serving as an artistic, historical record of Jackson from the late 1920s-70s.
Taylor will be on hand for the Opening Reception of the “Painting the Town” making brief remarks at 6 p.m. and available for questions and conversation.
The new exhibit will be celebrated with free museum entrance, music and light fare. All are invited to take part and see if they can match the Teater’s artistic renderings with current-day places.
“Painting the Town” was developed by Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum staff, Amy Goicoechea, Lester D. Taylor, and Chris Moran. It will be on view through Oct. 30, 2021 in the JHHSM History Co-op Corner with events planned throughout the summer.
Visit jacksonholehistory.org for current hours, admissions, and event listings.
