JACKSON, Wyo. — It’s no longer a secret that Jackson Hole is home to a diverse community of artists. Dancers, painters, sculptors, designers, photographers, and more draw inspiration from Jackson’s dramatic scenery and “wild” lifestyle. And during the holiday season, the valley’s creativity truly shines.
Perhaps it is because a local craft is one of the best gifts you can give. Maybe there is real magic in the air that fuels artists’ creative fire. Whatever the case, people look for wonder during the holiday season, and local artists always deliver.
Wildly Creative, a campaign funded by the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board and sponsored by Center for the Arts and Center of Wonder, helps bring holiday magic to life by providing tools, resources, and a platform for Jackson Hole’s vibrant arts community.
If you’re looking for inspiration this season, there are ample opportunities to find it. Here are a select few creative events to inspire wonder:
Cocktails & Creatives
Drink and be merry with local artists and shop for truly one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Hosted at The Rose, Cocktails and Creatives brings Jackson artists under one roof to showcase their work. Don’t be surprised if you find something for everyone on your list. Blame the holiday spirit(s). Cocktails & Creatives is Wednesday, December 11 at The Rose from 6–10 p.m.
HOLIDAY ART SHOW AND SALE: Anne Muller and Amy Bright Unfried
Local artists Anne Muller and Amy Bright Unfried create art inspired by nature. Muller works with mixed-media to create photographic prints on Japanese paper. Unfried is a sculptor who makes one-of-a-kind pieces. Learn about their artistic processes and philosophies at their holiday party Thursday, December 12 at the Teton Pines Country Club, lower lobby. 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Dancers’ Workshop Presents: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
Dancers’ Workshop’s winter production is as much a holiday tradition as caroling in the snow. This year’s show, “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe,” is a truly original adaptation of a classic story. The 130-member cast includes student performers, DW instructors, and community members. Each dancer helps bring the story to life in a way that is dynamic, unexpected, and beautiful. The show runs Friday, December 13 through Sunday, December 15. Buy your tickets online before they sell out!
26th Annual Christmas Fair
Another classic holiday tradition, the Christmas Craft Fair brings over 40 artists and local food producers under one roof. There will be gifts. There will be lunch. There will be baked goods. If you didn’t find everything you need at Cocktails & Creatives, you’re sure to find it here. Admission is free. Handmade gifts are not, but they’ll be worth every penny. This Saturday, December 14 at the Virginian from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The best way to spread Christmas cheer…
Is singing loud for all to hear! Jackson is full of musicians getting ready to spread holiday cheer. There are several opportunities to hear holiday music: first, the Ceremony of Carols at the Presbyterian Church featuring students grades K–8. That show is Thursday, December 19 from 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Then, head to the Center for the Arts Friday, December 20 for “Harmony for the Holidays,” an annual holiday concert from Cathedral Voices Chamber Choir, Jackson Hole Symphony Orchestra, and the Jackson Hole Brass Quintet. The concert includes performances by two chamber choirs, strings, brass, and also a special performance by the Cathedral Voices Children’s Choir. 7 p.m. in The Center theater. Prepare to be serenaded with holiday spirit.
Don’t miss a thing! Tune into Wildly Creative on Instagram to see how local artists are experiencing the season.
