Living in the shadow of the Tetons provides endless inspiration for Teton Valley artists, and the area is a hub for all sorts of art aficionados. The community is so creative that even outhouses are graced with beautiful artwork. December is a great time to appreciate the local art scene and support local artists while holiday shopping. Below is a quick guide to Teton Valley’s art scene, including local events, places to purchase art, and ways to make your own creations.
Shopping for Teton Valley Art
Every December, the Driggs Art Tour typically offers a special opportunity to venture into the studios of local artists and watch them create. The event wasn’t held in 2020, but Teton Valley artists are still selling their locally-made creations (contact each artist to find out how to purchase). Check out the work of glassblowing artists Ralph Mossman and Mary Mullaney, who are the owners of Heron Glass. Alexandra Paliwoda’s Backcountry Blacksmith is another wonderful Teton Valley art highlight. Paliwoda and her team of blacksmiths create everything from custom-designed railings to horseshoe-inspired wine racks, cheese knives, metal flowers, and more.
The Local Galleria in Driggs is a place to explore the work of a variety of local artists. Run by Teri McLaren, a professional artist for 30 years, it is a community hub for art, and people can purchase locally made paintings, jewelry, clothing, furnishings, ceramics, sculptures, and more. The shop also sells a good selection of art supplies to create your own masterpieces, as well as classes for kids and adults.
Horn Mountain Living in Tetonia is another great stop for hand-crafted masterpieces. It features works made of wood, stone, and iron, ranging from elaborate furniture to small decorative pieces.
Mark Your Calendar – Art Events
In the summer, the Teton Valley Farmers Market is packed with local artists selling their custom creations, from photography to paintings to ceramics, jewelry, wood crafts, and more.
During the summer, Teton Valley hosts the Driggs Plein Air Festival. This event brings artists outside to paint in nature, using Teton Valley as inspiration. Spectators can watch painters create while learning about their work, and then later purchase their one-of-a-kind creations.
The Greater Yellowstone Crane Festival in September includes a number of opportunities to appreciate cranes through artistic mediums like dance, poetry, and photography.
Be sure to check out Teton Arts Council’s Souper Bowl fundraiser each October where you can enjoy delicious soup and bring a handcrafted bowl home with you.
The December Driggs Art Tour (canceled in 2020) typically offers a wonderful opportunity to watch local artists at work. Check in 2021 for dates and details for the next event.
Make Your Own Art
Teton Arts Council offers a variety of events and art classes for kids and adults in topics like ceramics, drawing, and printmaking.
Tribe Artist Collective in Tetonia features lots of different classes including papermaking, stained glass, natural dyes, woodblock printing, and more.
Valley of the Tetons Library offers Maker Space opportunities to create, and the library also features a tool library that allows people to borrow everything from a rake to a reciprocating saw.
