The Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale in Jackson Hole Reveals Award Winners, Strong Sales and Attendance at 27th Annual Show
The 2019 Western Design Exhibit + Sale announces a successful 27th year, distributing more than $20,000 to 24 award-winning artists, including $5K for Hamilton Forge's "best in show" customized sheep wagon. This year the September event held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, drew almost 5,000 attendees to enjoy the finest in Western and contemporary functional art from furnishings to fashion.
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo., Sept. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- If this year's Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale (WDC) in Jackson Hole – dispensing more than $20,000 in cash awards and welcoming more than 4,500 guests – seemed better than ever, that's by design, explains Executive Director Allison Merritt. "By far this was one of the strongest Exhibit + Sales, as we work year-round on this event and want to stun those in attendance each year," Merritt says. "The level of craftsmanship on display this year created a sense of accomplishment and energy that was felt by all. Many artists experienced very high sales and exhibitors were collaborating and discussing their work and future commissions with buyers – and even buying from one another."
Celebrating its 27th year, the Western Design Exhibit + Sale, held at Snow King Event Center in Jackson, Wyoming, shares the finest in Western contemporary and cowboy craft with its guests. This year's thousands of visitors explored handcrafted work by 105 juried artisans, enjoying the opportunity to talk with and shop directly from the makers. The WDC takes no commission from its exhibiting artists, selected by a jury of experts, and annually awards cash prizes from the show's sponsors in a variety of categories.
This year's Design Excellence awards were given out to 24 artists, with a Hamilton Forge Sheep Wagon winning the coveted Best of Show honor and receiving the $5,000 award for its customized, fun and functional "camps." Built by modern-day Wyoming blacksmith Les Hamilton with aircraft-grade aluminum shells and detailed oak interiors, the wagons embrace Western heritage and are prized for outdoor tiny living or as guest quarters.
With so many fashionable pieces this year, the Best Artist award in the Art to Wear Fashion Category went to Misty M Designs from California for a show-stopping handbag collection, a hit both on the runway during the live fashion show at the Opening Preview Party and in the showroom. And Mountain Jewelry Designs from Casper, Wyoming, took home Best Artist in the Best Art to Wear Jewelry Category for sculptural silver jewelry that uses natural gems and minerals to create landscapes of the West.
The Best Artist award in the Accents category brought $1,000 to Game Trail Gatherings of Jackson, Wyoming, for its furniture, lighting and collectibles individually constructed from such found Western materials as antlers, skulls and unusual, sculptural tree branches and burls. The Best Artist award in the Mixed Media Category went to returning WDC artist, Wyoming-based Shawn Rivett Designs for his exquisite lighting pieces and sculptures created from naturally shed infused elk and deer antlers; and the Best Artist in the Leather Category went to Montana-based Shooting Star Saddlery. In the highly popular category of woodworking, with several extraordinary artists exhibited, the Best Artist in Woodworking Contemporary Design went to fine furniture maker Hughes Woodworks of Huson, Montana, while the Best Artist in Woodworking Historical Design award went to Chad Parson of Missoula, Montana.
Another important award, the Exhibitor's Choice award, voted on by the participating artisans, went to returning WDC artist Supaya Gray Wolfe of Many Tears for her remarkable handmade horse mask. The Best Interior Design award, chosen from participating designer-created rooms in the Designer Show House, went to North Carolina-based designer Anne Buresh for her warm and soothing living space, integrating Western art and handmade pieces with clean contemporary lines. For a complete list of this year's winners visit: https://westerndesignconference.com/featured-artists/awards/
Exhibitors enjoy the opportunity to personally connect with visitors. "The Western Design Conference is indeed a pleasure to be part of. It is elegant, sophisticated and diverse and I appreciate the attention to every detail," says Ewka Suede of Santa Fe, New Mexico. "The unpretentious approach and kindness struck me the most," she adds. And Texas jewelry artist Mirta Tummino enjoyed success at this year's event: "This was my fifth year exhibiting at the Western Design Conference and my best sales ever," she says. "The repeat clientele is remarkable."
Executive Director Merritt is pleased with the 2019 outcome and is already looking ahead with plans to grow the excitement for the 2020 show through social media and beyond. "Our goal is to showcase the best of the best and unite patrons directly with the exhibiting artists for sales both at the Western Design Exhibit + Sale and throughout the year," she says. Merritt's advice to new attendees? "Don't let the word 'Western' throw you. While the West is beautifully represented at the WDC, the art on display includes rustic and elegant – and at every price point."
About the Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale:
The annual Western Design Exhibit + Sale is a four-day, multimillion-dollar event that brings together craftspeople, collectors, interior designers, architects and fashion designers with a love of the West. The Western Design Conference was founded 27 years ago in Cody, Wyoming, to promote contemporary artists working in historical American craft methods. The Western Design Exhibit + Sale moved to Jackson in 2007; Allison Merritt continues the strong commitment to Western arts in Wyoming while expanding the reach of the show. Additional information, including schedules and tickets, is available at http://www.westerndesignconference.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
SOURCE Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale
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