ArtS & Culture

The Jackson Town Seal

The picture seen to the right and featured prominently throughout the Town of Jackson's website is our town seal. It's one of the most recognizable and ubiquitous pieces of artwork in Jackson. The design was created by John Thomas Ferguson and picked during a contest in 1987 as the official logo for the Town of Jackson.

John Thomas Ferguson had a deep love for Jackson Hole, and the eight years he spent living here inspired in him a thirst to create art and a passion for nature. He was also a heavy-equipment operator who spent his nights grooming ski trails so that his days could be free to dedicate toward perfecting his skills. John was an artist to his core. Whether maneuvering a crane or a paintbrush, he did everything with care and precision. Unfortunately, John died on October 22, 2015 at the age of 64 while operating an excavator involved in a construction-site accident. His final painting was of Mount Moran.

Jackson Hole Center for the Arts

Situated in the heart of downtown Jackson is the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts. This $30 million dollar facility is home to local art, music, and dance organizations that offer year-round classes, openings, and performances. The Center includes a 500 seat theatre that hosts many performances year-round.

National Museum of Wildlife Art

The National Museum of Wildlife Art, which sits perfectly above the National Elk Refuge, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. It is home to nearly 4,000 pieces of art in the wildlife genre. Every year the museum hosts galas, meetings, presentations, as well as the 80,000+ visitors who come for its art, its views, and its ambiance.

Art Galleries

Jackson Hole boasts over 60 art galleries ranging from classic, western landscapes to bold modern depictions of the cowboy to stunning wildlife photography. Sauntering around the famous, boardwalk-lined Town Square and outlying blocks, visitors and locals alike enjoy a myriad of artistic choices. Jewelry, furniture, and fine western clothing also play a beautiful role in Jackson’s art scene. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce has a full listing of the art galleries in the area.

Arts Festival

The Chamber also hosts the annual Fall Arts Festival which takes place every September. The Festival features world-class installments of visual, contemporary, culinary, western and Native American arts. Visitors will once again experience the works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, in addition to an exceptional array of music, cowboy poetry, and cuisine. More than fifty events, gallery walks, workshops, artist receptions and more round out the eleven-day Festival.

Culinary Arts

Jackson’s culinary scene is to be rivaled anywhere. High end, exquisite restaurants can be found downtown, on spacious buttes, and at Teton Village. Peppered in-between the Town of Jackson and Teton Village are quaint cafés, family-friendly eateries, and lively sports bars. Enjoying the choices for eating in Jackson is an activity unto itself.