MOOSE, Wyo. – Teton Science Schools will host the Murie Ranch Art Festival from Oct. 9 to 11 at the historic Murie Ranch in Grand Teton National Park. The three-day festival will bring artists and community members together to explore the connections among art, nature and conservation.

Festival events are free and open to the community. Artist-led workshops are $35 per participant, which includes supplies and a festival t-shirt. Advance registration is encouraged for paid workshops.

Register here

“The Murie Ranch has long been a place where people gather to exchange ideas, find inspiration and deepen their connection to the natural world,” said Wayne Turner, Executive Director of Teton Science Schools. “This festival continues that tradition by inviting our community to experience the ranch through art, creativity and conversation.”

Inspired by Olaus Murie’s legacy as both a scientist and artist, the event celebrates the connections among observation, creativity and conservation. His research on Jackson Hole’s elk herd informed his advocacy for expanding Grand Teton National Park to protect migration habitat, while his wildlife paintings and influential writings, including A Field Guide to Animal Tracks, helped others better understand the natural world.

This year’s featured Artist in Residence is Sarah Yeoman, an award-winning watercolorist recognized for the strength of her storytelling and her ability to capture the fleeting qualities of light. A painter for more than 35 years, Yeoman describes watercolor as her clearest creative voice. Her early career as a singer-songwriter continues to influence her paintings. During the festival, visitors will have several opportunities to meet Yeoman, watch her work and learn about her creative process.

Festival highlights

Community partners will bring a range of creative perspectives to the weekend, including the National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson Hole Writers, Mountain Academy (MA) and the Teton Plein Air Painters, a group of local artists who gather throughout the year to capture the region’s changing seasons and iconic landscapes.

  • Friday, Oct. 9: Specimen painting with Andy Taylor, a watercolor demonstration and community painting with Sarah Yeoman, a nature button activity with the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and Celebrating the Unremarkable Wild, a nature-writing workshop with Matt Daly and Jackson Hole Writers.
  • Saturday, Oct. 10: Plein air oil painting with Andy Taylor, family activities, opportunities to watch Yeoman work in the Murie Studio and a presentation on the American West by historian Bill Deverell.
  • Sunday, Oct. 11: Art and food vendors, MA student artwork, nature block printing with Katy Ann Fox, kids’ activities, demonstrations and tours, followed by a closing reception with art, music, food and readings from the writing workshop.

The Murie Ranch Art Festival is made possible with funding from Visit Jackson Hole and Grand Teton Association.

Visit the Murie Ranch Art Festival webpage for additional event and registration information.