Portrait of a Community: 2026 Members’ Exhibition

Community to me means friends and living in Jackson Hole some of my best friends are mountains, clouds, creeks and trees. They are loving and giving and always stand by me. I give back by spending a few hours admiring them while I translate them to 2D.

Community to me means friends and living in Jackson Hole some of my best friends are mountains, clouds, creeks and trees. They are loving and giving and always stand by me. I give back by spending a few hours admiring them while I translate them to 2D.

Belonging to the Art Association and painting weekly with the Teton Plein Air Group is an important part of my life. Living in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and painting the natural beauty of the landscapes and animals is a remarkable experience. The camaraderie of the group is an extraordinary experience that continually inspires me in the development of my art. Members are willing to share their thoughts and artwork with you to fuel your creativity and enthusiasm for the painting community. My painting of “The Cathedral Group” reflects that feeling of community.

In Grand Teton National Park, wildlife is an essential part of a living community. Wildlife also intertwines with the human population. Local residents and visitors share the landscape with animals, adapting roads, homes, ranches, and recreation to protect migration routes and natural habitats. Wildlife shapes the region’s culture and encourages people to value conservation and responsible coexistence. Healthy wildlife populations help sustain tourism and employment, while conservation protects the natural beauty and ecological health that make the region such a special place to live and visit.

In Grand Teton National Park, wildlife is an essential part of a living community. Wildlife also intertwines with the human population. Local residents and visitors share the landscape with animals, adapting roads, homes, ranches, and recreation to protect migration routes and natural habitats. Wildlife shapes the region’s culture and encourages people to value conservation and responsible coexistence. Healthy wildlife populations help sustain tourism and employment, while conservation protects the natural beauty and ecological health that make the region such a special place to live and visit.

In Grand Teton National Park, wildlife is an essential part of a living community. Wildlife also intertwines with the human population. Local residents and visitors share the landscape with animals, adapting roads, homes, ranches, and recreation to protect migration routes and natural habitats. Wildlife shapes the region’s culture and encourages people to value conservation and responsible coexistence. Healthy wildlife populations help sustain tourism and employment, while conservation protects the natural beauty and ecological health that make the region such a special place to live and visit.

Inspired by the mountains the lakes the streams the people here in Teton County

Inspired by the mountains the lakes the streams the people here in Teton County

Community encompasses many things from shared geography to shared passions, values, and experiences. Strong communities understand and embrace different identities and cultural legacies which then help shape the common experience and the individuals themselves. In my community shared connections to the wild world build ties between residents with diverse backgrounds. Time spent in nature, an intricate system of balances much larger than us, renews the soul and the psyche. For this exhibition about community, I chose images of wild places that I love. One, close to home, is my “go to” place and I know it intimately. The others are old friends that I revisit from time to time. I have seen all of them in changing light and changing seasons. Never do I tire of their intrinsic rewards.

Community encompasses many things from shared geography to shared passions, values, and experiences. Strong communities understand and embrace different identities and cultural legacies which then help shape the common experience and the individuals themselves. In my community shared connections to the wild world build ties between residents with diverse backgrounds. Time spent in nature, an intricate system of balances much larger than us, renews the soul and the psyche. For this exhibition about community, I chose images of wild places that I love. One, close to home, is my “go to” place and I know it intimately. The others are old friends that I revisit from time to time. I have seen all of them in changing light and changing seasons. Never do I tire of their intrinsic rewards.

Community encompasses many things from shared geography to shared passions, values, and experiences. Strong communities understand and embrace different identities and cultural legacies which then help shape the common experience and the individuals themselves. In my community shared connections to the wild world build ties between residents with diverse backgrounds. Time spent in nature, an intricate system of balances much larger than us, renews the soul and the psyche. For this exhibition about community, I chose images of wild places that I love. One, close to home, is my “go to” place and I know it intimately. The others are old friends that I revisit from time to time. I have seen all of them in changing light and changing seasons. Never do I tire of their intrinsic rewards.

While a community may simply be a collection of colocated people, Jackson Hole specifically pulls people from all over the world to come together for its uniquely grand landscapes. People come for the winter and stay for the summer, or they come for the mountains and stay for the library. I’m not from Wyoming, but my kids are spending season after season growing up and cutting their teeth on these mountains and lakes. When I think of community here, I think of the families that have hiked these trails before mine, the couples who have gotten engaged at the Wedding tree before me and my husband, and all of the memories that are imbued in these mountains, reflecting the warmth of family and love back onto the Jackson Hole community.

While a community may simply be a collection of colocated people, Jackson Hole specifically pulls people from all over the world to come together for its uniquely grand landscapes. People come for the winter and stay for the summer, or they come for the mountains and stay for the library. I’m not from Wyoming, but my kids are spending season after season growing up and cutting their teeth on these mountains and lakes. When I think of community here, I think of the families that have hiked these trails before mine, the couples who have gotten engaged at the Wedding tree before me and my husband, and all of the memories that are imbued in these mountains, reflecting the warmth of family and love back onto the Jackson Hole community.

While a community may simply be a collection of colocated people, Jackson Hole specifically pulls people from all over the world to come together for its uniquely grand landscapes. People come for the winter and stay for the summer, or they come for the mountains and stay for the library. I’m not from Wyoming, but my kids are spending season after season growing up and cutting their teeth on these mountains and lakes. When I think of community here, I think of the families that have hiked these trails before mine, the couples who have gotten engaged at the Wedding tree before me and my husband, and all of the memories that are imbued in these mountains, reflecting the warmth of family and love back onto the Jackson Hole community.

Portrait of a Community For this exhibit, my inspiration arose from the sensations of nature’s seasons and the profound impact they have on housing within our unique landscape. This housing is both contemporary and historic. Our magnificent mountain, river, and valley scenery envelope our homes and define this place, as well. Whatever Jackson Hole “local” means to you, it is surrounded by the enduring beauty of a rich landscape with historic significance and cultural heritage. Even when obscured by challenges like snow, wildfire smoke, or the prospect of a flooding river, the allure of the land endures and we persevere with quiet strength. This endurance is exemplified in the continuity of historic structures such as the cabin at Menor’s Ferry in “Smokey Day at the Smoke House.” A farm in Buffalo Valley, perhaps affected by flooding as in “The Flow of Life: Somnolence” and snow in “That Winter Day When the Highway Closed, #26” symbolize the connection between built and natural environments and serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of community.

Portrait of a Community For this exhibit, my inspiration arose from the sensations of nature’s seasons and the profound impact they have on housing within our unique landscape. This housing is both contemporary and historic. Our magnificent mountain, river, and valley scenery envelope our homes and define this place, as well. Whatever Jackson Hole “local” means to you, it is surrounded by the enduring beauty of a rich landscape with historic significance and cultural heritage. Even when obscured by challenges like snow, wildfire smoke, or the prospect of a flooding river, the allure of the land endures and we persevere with quiet strength. This endurance is exemplified in the continuity of historic structures such as the cabin at Menor’s Ferry in “Smokey Day at the Smoke House.” A farm in Buffalo Valley, perhaps affected by flooding as in “The Flow of Life: Somnolence” and snow in “That Winter Day When the Highway Closed, #26” symbolize the connection between built and natural environments and serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of community.

Portrait of a Community For this exhibit, my inspiration arose from the sensations of nature’s seasons and the profound impact they have on housing within our unique landscape. This housing is both contemporary and historic. Our magnificent mountain, river, and valley scenery envelope our homes and define this place, as well. Whatever Jackson Hole “local” means to you, it is surrounded by the enduring beauty of a rich landscape with historic significance and cultural heritage. Even when obscured by challenges like snow, wildfire smoke, or the prospect of a flooding river, the allure of the land endures and we persevere with quiet strength. This endurance is exemplified in the continuity of historic structures such as the cabin at Menor’s Ferry in “Smokey Day at the Smoke House.” A farm in Buffalo Valley, perhaps affected by flooding as in “The Flow of Life: Somnolence” and snow in “That Winter Day When the Highway Closed, #26” symbolize the connection between built and natural environments and serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of community.

My work is about memory, protection, and the stories we carry—both seen and unseen. I use layered textures, found fabrics, abstract shapes, and handmade marks to create pieces that feel like relics or talismans. They hold emotion, history, and a bit of mystery. I created a protection garment for this exhibit. A sigil representing community is stitched on the front of the dress. Sigils in the simplest terms are symbols that are believed to have magical power. Sigils are used for various purposes, such as protection, attraction, or manifestation. I build my pieces through a process of layering and revealing. Paint and materials are added, then scraped away or stitched over—like memories surfacing over time. I often repeat certain shapes and marks, almost like a chant or prayer, letting them evolve into a kind of personal language. Binding and wrapping are important in my work. They suggest both care and restraint—holding something together while also protecting it. I use old textiles and hand-stitched elements not just for their texture, but for the emotional weight they carry. Sewing becomes a form of healing—each thread a quiet act of repair. Through this process, I reflect on what it means for our community to protect, to grieve, and to transform.

My work is about memory, protection, and the stories we carry—both seen and unseen. I use layered textures, found fabrics, abstract shapes, and handmade marks to create pieces that feel like relics or talismans. They hold emotion, history, and a bit of mystery. I created a protection garment for this exhibit. A sigil representing community is stitched on the front of the dress. Sigils in the simplest terms are symbols that are believed to have magical power. Sigils are used for various purposes, such as protection, attraction, or manifestation. I build my pieces through a process of layering and revealing. Paint and materials are added, then scraped away or stitched over—like memories surfacing over time. I often repeat certain shapes and marks, almost like a chant or prayer, letting them evolve into a kind of personal language. Binding and wrapping are important in my work. They suggest both care and restraint—holding something together while also protecting it. I use old textiles and hand-stitched elements not just for their texture, but for the emotional weight they carry. Sewing becomes a form of healing—each thread a quiet act of repair. Through this process, I reflect on what it means for our community to protect, to grieve, and to transform.

My work is about memory, protection, and the stories we carry—both seen and unseen. I use layered textures, found fabrics, abstract shapes, and handmade marks to create pieces that feel like relics or talismans. They hold emotion, history, and a bit of mystery. I created a protection garment for this exhibit. A sigil representing community is stitched on the front of the dress. Sigils in the simplest terms are symbols that are believed to have magical power. Sigils are used for various purposes, such as protection, attraction, or manifestation. I build my pieces through a process of layering and revealing. Paint and materials are added, then scraped away or stitched over—like memories surfacing over time. I often repeat certain shapes and marks, almost like a chant or prayer, letting them evolve into a kind of personal language. Binding and wrapping are important in my work. They suggest both care and restraint—holding something together while also protecting it. I use old textiles and hand-stitched elements not just for their texture, but for the emotional weight they carry. Sewing becomes a form of healing—each thread a quiet act of repair. Through this process, I reflect on what it means for our community to protect, to grieve, and to transform.

This community of Jackson Wyoming is a tale of people and the land. The beauty of the mountains attract people to celebrate weddings at the Wedding Tree. And the open valley encouraged our community to save room for our elk to winter safely . We hope our community continues to keep open space for ceremonies and wildlife.

This community of Jackson Wyoming is a tale of people and the land. The beauty of the mountains attract people to celebrate weddings at the Wedding Tree. And the open valley encouraged our community to save room for our elk to winter safely . We hope our community continues to keep open space for ceremonies and wildlife.

A community is shaped by countless moments, places, and relationships that, over time, become the foundation of home. For more than forty years, Jackson has been that place for me. Together, these works are a portrait of the simple, yet meaningful experiences that create a sense of belonging. They celebrate the everyday moments that weave individuals into a community and transform a place into home. “Evening Walk” captures the quiet beauty of the day’s end—the familiar sights and sounds that invite reflection and remind us to slow down and appreciate where we live. “Coffee with Friends” is a collection of functional ceramic pieces that celebrates something much deeper than the beverage itself. What matters is gathering with friends, both new and old, sharing laughter, struggles, and everyday moments. These connections remind us that community is built through acceptance, appreciation, and the comfort of being known—quirks, imperfections, and all. “After the Hike” reflects the satisfaction of returning from time spent outdoors, where shared adventures and the landscape itself strengthen our connection to one another and to the place we call home.

A community is shaped by countless moments, places, and relationships that, over time, become the foundation of home. For more than forty years, Jackson has been that place for me. Together, these works are a portrait of the simple, yet meaningful experiences that create a sense of belonging. They celebrate the everyday moments that weave individuals into a community and transform a place into home. “Evening Walk” captures the quiet beauty of the day’s end—the familiar sights and sounds that invite reflection and remind us to slow down and appreciate where we live. “Coffee with Friends” is a collection of functional ceramic pieces that celebrates something much deeper than the beverage itself. What matters is gathering with friends, both new and old, sharing laughter, struggles, and everyday moments. These connections remind us that community is built through acceptance, appreciation, and the comfort of being known—quirks, imperfections, and all. “After the Hike” reflects the satisfaction of returning from time spent outdoors, where shared adventures and the landscape itself strengthen our connection to one another and to the place we call home.

A community is shaped by countless moments, places, and relationships that, over time, become the foundation of home. For more than forty years, Jackson has been that place for me. Together, these works are a portrait of the simple, yet meaningful experiences that create a sense of belonging. They celebrate the everyday moments that weave individuals into a community and transform a place into home. “Evening Walk” captures the quiet beauty of the day’s end—the familiar sights and sounds that invite reflection and remind us to slow down and appreciate where we live. “Coffee with Friends” is a collection of functional ceramic pieces that celebrates something much deeper than the beverage itself. What matters is gathering with friends, both new and old, sharing laughter, struggles, and everyday moments. These connections remind us that community is built through acceptance, appreciation, and the comfort of being known—quirks, imperfections, and all. “After the Hike” reflects the satisfaction of returning from time spent outdoors, where shared adventures and the landscape itself strengthen our connection to one another and to the place we call home.

I’ve heard professional artists say to their students that when painting a landscape, you should attempt to capture the essence of the place and not be too concerned about copying that exact tree or rock…”you are not painting a portrait”. While I think that can be good advice, when painting iconic and recognizable places, I would argue that actually, you are painting a portrait! That’s not just a pine tree, it’s The Wedding Tree! That’s not just a barn, it’s the Moulton Barn. And that mountain is The Grand Teton. In Jackson Hole, the landscape is inseparable from the people who live here. These paintings represent scenes of places that shape local identity. The Snake River is one of the defining features of the valley; it connects recreation, ecology, tourism, ranching history, conservation, and daily life. Many of us have personal memories associated with it, so the painting becomes a portrait of a shared place. The mountains, historic homesteads, quiet waters, and changing seasons are woven into the lives of the people who call Jackson Hole home. They reflect the memories, resilience, and love of place that connect this community.

I’ve heard professional artists say to their students that when painting a landscape, you should attempt to capture the essence of the place and not be too concerned about copying that exact tree or rock…”you are not painting a portrait”. While I think that can be good advice, when painting iconic and recognizable places, I would argue that actually, you are painting a portrait! That’s not just a pine tree, it’s The Wedding Tree! That’s not just a barn, it’s the Moulton Barn. And that mountain is The Grand Teton. In Jackson Hole, the landscape is inseparable from the people who live here. These paintings represent scenes of places that shape local identity. The Snake River is one of the defining features of the valley; it connects recreation, ecology, tourism, ranching history, conservation, and daily life. Many of us have personal memories associated with it, so the painting becomes a portrait of a shared place. The mountains, historic homesteads, quiet waters, and changing seasons are woven into the lives of the people who call Jackson Hole home. They reflect the memories, resilience, and love of place that connect this community.

I’ve heard professional artists say to their students that when painting a landscape, you should attempt to capture the essence of the place and not be too concerned about copying that exact tree or rock…”you are not painting a portrait”. While I think that can be good advice, when painting iconic and recognizable places, I would argue that actually, you are painting a portrait! That’s not just a pine tree, it’s The Wedding Tree! That’s not just a barn, it’s the Moulton Barn. And that mountain is The Grand Teton. In Jackson Hole, the landscape is inseparable from the people who live here. These paintings represent scenes of places that shape local identity. The Snake River is one of the defining features of the valley; it connects recreation, ecology, tourism, ranching history, conservation, and daily life. Many of us have personal memories associated with it, so the painting becomes a portrait of a shared place. The mountains, historic homesteads, quiet waters, and changing seasons are woven into the lives of the people who call Jackson Hole home. They reflect the memories, resilience, and love of place that connect this community.

The last few years have held great change. Often, I find that my emotions about such change manifest most deeply in my most abstract work. These stones were carved as a way to process grief, joy, and transformation. Together, they create a portrait in time of a particular moment, place, and feeling.

The last few years have held great change. Often, I find that my emotions about such change manifest most deeply in my most abstract work. These stones were carved as a way to process grief, joy, and transformation. Together, they create a portrait in time of a particular moment, place, and feeling.