Moose, Wyoming – From October 9 to 11, Teton Science Schools will open the historic Murie Ranch in Grand Teton National Park for a community‑focused art festival. The three‑day event invites local families, artists and nature lovers to explore how creativity and conservation intersect.
Free festivals, low‑cost workshops
All festival activities are free to the public, while artist‑led workshops cost $35 per participant. The fee covers all supplies and includes a commemorative festival t‑shirt. Organizers encourage advance registration for the limited‑space workshops.
Honoring Olaus Murie’s legacy
“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.”
The festival draws inspiration from Olaus Murie, a pioneering wildlife biologist and painter whose research on the Jackson Hole elk herd helped expand Grand Teton National Park to protect critical migration corridors. Murie’s field guide to animal tracks and his vivid wildlife paintings continue to educate and inspire new generations.
Featured artist in residence
Watercolorist Sarah Yeoman serves as this year’s Artist in Residence. With more than 35 years of experience, Yeoman is known for her storytelling ability and her skill at capturing fleeting light. Her background as a singer‑songwriter informs the lyrical quality of her paintings. Festival attendees will have multiple opportunities to watch Yeoman work in the Murie Studio, meet the artist and learn about her creative process.
Program highlights
- Friday, Oct. 9: Specimen painting with watercolorist Andy Taylor, a community painting session with Sarah Yeoman, a nature‑button activity hosted by the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and a nature‑writing workshop titled “Celebrating the Unremarkable Wild” led by Matt Daly and Jackson Hole Writers.
- Saturday, Oct. 10: Plein‑air oil painting with Andy Taylor, family‑friendly activities, live demonstrations of Yeoman at work, and a historical presentation on the American West by historian Bill Deverell.
- Sunday, Oct. 11: Art and food vendors, student artwork from Mountain Academy, nature block‑printing with Katy Ann Fox, children’s activities, additional demonstrations and tours, followed by a closing reception featuring music, food and readings from the writing workshop.
Community partners and support
Local organizations add diverse perspectives to the weekend. Partners include the National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson Hole Writers, Mountain Academy and the Teton Plein Air Painters, a collective of regional artists who capture the changing seasons and iconic landscapes of the Tetons.
The festival is made possible through funding from Visit Jackson Hole and the Grand Teton Association. For more details, registration information and a full schedule, visitors can consult the Murie Ranch Art Festival webpage.
Why the festival matters
Beyond offering hands‑on art experiences, the festival reinforces the community’s stewardship ethic. By gathering families and creators in a setting that inspired early conservation work, the event underscores the enduring connection between artistic expression and the protection of Wyoming’s natural heritage.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
