31 Jul Round Up: Agenda: Art Events of Note

Museums, galleries, and curated art events celebrating the artists of the Northern Rockies offer an intimate glimpse at life in the American West. Here are some upcoming calendar highlights:

Ongoing

Through August 23

Bison-tennial: From Colonization to Rematriation

National Museum of Wildlife Art | Jackson, WY | wildlifeart.org

Coinciding with the nation’s 250th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of the bison’s designation as the U.S. National Mammal, this exhibition features works by contemporary Indigenous artists as well as the late Charles M. Russell and Albert Bierstadt, among many others, to celebrate artistic traditions and new perspectives on one of America’s most enduring stories.

Through September 8

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks

Various Venues | shakespeareintheparks.org

Montana State University’s College of Arts and Architecture continues its annual Montana Shakespeare in the Parks productions, offering free, quality performances. Now in its 54th season, the traveling acting troupe will perform William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” and “Much Ado About Nothing” in 65 rural communities in Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.

Through September 21

11th Annual Bighorn Rendezvous

The Brinton Museum | Big Horn, WY | thebrintonmuseum.org

This annual exhibition features more than a dozen nationally recognized, award-winning artists and their works in oil, pastel, and bronze. The show opens with a First Look Sale on July 31, offering an early opportunity to preview and purchase available artwork while meeting participating artists. On August 1, artists will gather on the grounds of the historic Quarter Circle A Ranch for the annual Quickdraw, followed by the ticketed Brunch & Art Auction.

Through October 25

Chisel + Razor, Act I: The Artistic Legacies of Edmonia & Samuel Lewis

Tinworks | Bozeman, MT | tinworksart.org

This exhibition unites the stories of siblings Mary Edmonia Lewis, the first internationally acclaimed neoclassical sculptor of Black and Anishinaabe descent, and Samuel W. Lewis, a Bozeman-based performer, entrepreneur, and community leader. Presented as a play, art installation, storytelling, and 3D mapping film, the show expands beyond the Tinworks campus at venues such as the Rialto Theatre and Museum of the Rockies.

Through December 19

In Company

Ucross Art Gallery | Clearmont, WY | ucrossfoundation.org

In this exhibition exploring relationships and connections, seven former Ucross artists-in-residence will showcase their work alongside artists who have impacted their creative processes, weaving together literature, music, and film among paintings, photographs, sculptures, and installations to encourage viewers to consider how meaning is shaped both individually and collaboratively.

Through January 9, 2027

Embedded in the Overlap

Yellowstone Art Museum | Billings, MT | artmuseum.org

A presentation of 22 vessels, 45 prints, and two tumbleweed sculptures produced by artist Rebecca Hutchinson, this exhibition traces archaeology and explores Indigenous presence, settlement, and modernization.

Through February 13, 2027

Visions of America: The Spirit of Independence

Yellowstone Art Museum | Billings, MT | artmuseum.org

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, this showing of the 1974 Kent Spirit of Independence Bicentennial Portfolio includes 125 lithographs or serigraphs produced by 12 artists responding to the prompt, “What does independence mean to me?”

Embedded in the Overlap by Rebecca Hutchinson is on view through January at the Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings. COURTESY OF YELLOWSTONE ART MUSEUM

Upcoming

August 1 – 31

The Living Invisible

Old Main Gallery | Bozeman, MT | oldmaingallery.com

Moving beyond the scale of landscape art, the work of Sara Mast explores the cosmic, cellular, microbial, and galactic. The Living Invisible, with an artist reception on August 14, reveals the energetic aliveness that permeates all matter.

August 3 – September 5

Wild Lore

Turner Fine Art | Jackson, WY | turnerfineart.com

From intimate wildlife portraits to sweeping Western landscapes, this exhibition celebrates the beauty, mystery, and enduring presence of wildlife with the work of artists Paul Rhymer, Gunnar Tryggmo, and Renso Tamse.

August 6 – 9

Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale

Brick Breeden Fieldhouse | Bozeman, MT | westerndesignconference.com

This premier exhibition and sale brings together artisans, artists, collectors, interior designers, architects, and others, with works on display in an open showroom, a fashion show, daily happy hours, and curated spaces by some of the best regional interior designers. After 18 years in Jackson, Wyoming, the event is relocating to Bozeman, where it will continue to provide an elevated experience dedicated to Western home, lifestyle, fashion, and design.

August 7 – 9

Sweet Pea Festival

Lindley Park | Bozeman, MT | sweetpeafestival.org

Returning for the 49th year, this iconic summer celebration is filled with live music, dance, theatre, visual arts, children’s activities, local food, and more. In addition to a juried art show and curated Artists’ Marketplace, this year’s festival will include a preview of Opera Montana’s operatic adaptation of Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It on August 8.

An Invisible Bee from The Living Invisible, a solo exhibition by Sara Mast, is on view this August at Old Main Gallery in Bozeman.

August 14 – 16

Art Fair Jackson Hole

Art Association of Jackson Hole Campus

Jackson, WY | artassociation.org

As the largest fundraiser for the Art Association of Jackson Hole, this annual juried show and sale celebrates more than six decades of the arts. The event showcases a range of local and national artists who will be on site presenting their ceramics, paintings, furniture, photography, and more.

August 14 – 16

Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival

Atkinson Park | Ketchum, ID | sunvalleyartsandcraftsfestival.com

This annual outdoor juried event showcases fine arts and crafts from local and national artists, offering activities for kids, food vendors, and a picnic area with live music.

August 21 – 23

Artist Studio Tour of the Wood River Valley

Various Venues | Wood River Valley, ID | artiststudiotour.com

For this annual celebration of the arts, 40 professional artists from Idaho’s Wood River Valley open their art studios to visitors and share about their inspirations and techniques.

August 21 – 31

Wildlife Masters

Astoria Fine Art | Jackson, WY | astoriafineart.com

Featuring new works by Ken Carlson, Mark McKenna, Kyle Sims, and Adam Smith, this group exhibition honors the wildlife of the region.

August 28 – 30, October 2 – 4, & January 8 – 10

Cheyenne Home Show

Cheyenne Ice & Events Center and Event Center at Archer | Cheyenne, WY | cheyennehomeshow.com

Featuring the latest in home improvement trends, this show includes displays and live demonstrations highlighting new home technologies, interior and exterior designs, remodeling tips, and more.

September 1 – 15

Rocky Hawkins & Stephanie Revennaugh

Altamira Fine Art | Jackson, WY | altamiraart.com

Pairing painter Rocky Hawkins with sculptor Stephanie Revennaugh, this exhibition showcases the contemporary Western narrative, with a reception on September 4.

September 4 – January 9

Futuristic Time Keepers: Star WallowingBull

Yellowstone Art Museum | Billings, MT | artmuseum.org

Star WallowingBull (White Earth Ojibwe/Arapaho) merges Indigenous cultural references with American pop culture, autobiography, and mechanical systems. Working with colored pencil on paper and acrylic on canvas, the artist builds densely layered compositions where figures, symbols, and environments interlock in indeterminate time structures.

September 5 – 27

Western Visions 39th Annual Art Show + Sale

National Museum of Wildlife Art | Jackson, WY | wildlifeartevents.org

A signature of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, this 39th annual exhibition showcases the works of more than 170 artists in the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s largest and longest-running fundraiser. The art sale and awards presentation take place on the evening of September 17.

September 9 – 20

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival

Various Venues | Jackson, WY | jacksonholechamber.com

Honoring art in the Tetons, this annual event showcases Western, wildlife, and landscape artists with a series of over 50 immersive events held over multiple days across various Jackson venues. This year marks the 42nd season, with acclaimed painter Ben Steele being recognized as the 2026 featured artist.

September 11

Warrior Taste Fest

The Commons | Bozeman, MT | warriorsandquietwaters.org

Remember the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with Bozeman nonprofit Warriors and Quiet Waters during the eighth annual Warrior Taste Fest, which recognizes the resilience and sacrifice of those who have served our country. The evening features a quick-finish live auction with 10 artists, live music, contests for best food and drink, and more.

September 14 – 19

Rendezvous Royale

Various Venues | Cody, WY | rendezvousroyale.org

A collaboration between the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, By Western Hands, and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Rendezvous Royale is an annual weeklong arts invitational featuring workshops, lectures, classes, studio tours, and more. The 45th Annual Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale returns with the live auction of original Western art on September 18 and the Quick Draw brunch and auction following on September 19.

Untitled, a diptych by Star WallowingBull (White Earth Ojibwe/Arapaho), is featured in the artist’s exhibition at the Yellowstone Art Museum this fall. COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND BOCKLEY GALLERY, PRIVATE COLLECTION

September 17

Artisan Meet & Greet

By Western Hands | Cody, WY | bywesternhands.org

By Western Hands will host its annual Artisan Meet & Greet, where visiting artisans will be available to speak with patrons and share the stories behind their work.

September 19 – 27

ArtWeek Park County

Various Venues | Park County, MT | artweekpc.com

The Ucross Foundation’s biennial gala will take place this fall in Clearmont, Wyoming. COURTESY OF UCROSS

An annual event organized by the Livingston Depot Center, Danforth Museum of Art, and Livingston Center for Art and Culture, ArtWeek Park County is a county-wide celebration of the arts with events that showcase a range of art forms and provide local artists opportunities to connect with the community.

September 24

A Place in Time: The Ucross Gala

Ucross Foundation | Clearmont, WY | ucrossfoundation.org

In celebration and support of its acclaimed artist residency program, art gallery, and 20,000-acre ranch, the Ucross Foundation will hold its biennial gala this fall. Activities include a cocktail reception, seasonal dinner, performances by artist-alumni, and a lively auction held within a heated tent in Ucross’s historic Big Red Ranch Complex.

October 1 – 3

Livingston Songwriter Festival

Various Venues | Livingston, MT | livingstonsongwriterfestival.org

The third annual Livingston Songwriter Festival, an event organized by the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Songwriter Festivals and a sister event to the Red Lodge Songwriter Festival held in June, returns to Paradise Valley north of Yellowstone National Park to bring together songwriters and music lovers for intimate performances and storytelling. Turn to page 160 to learn more.

October 9 – 10

Charlie Russell’s Legacy: Celebrating 100 Years

Various Venues | Great Falls, MT | cmrussell.org

Marking a century since the passing of artist Charles M. Russell, this event brings together those who have been moved by his works and includes a parade, live music, cowboy poetry, Native games, and more.

Looking Ahead

March 18 – 20, 2027

Out West Art Show & Sale

Heritage Inn | Great Falls, MT | outwestartshow.net

A highlight of Western Art Week in Great Falls and a major fundraiser for the Out West Art Foundation, this show features painters and sculptors from across the U.S. and Canada. It includes quick-draw events, live music, and an awards ceremony for the Young Masters Program, an artist-run mentorship for Montana high school students.

March 18 – 20, 2027

The Russell: A Western Art Experience

Various Venues | Great Falls, MT | cmrussell.org

Celebrating renowned artist Charles M. Russell and benefiting the C.M. Russell Museum, this event-filled weekend offers something for every age and Western aesthetic, including auctions, Art in Action, and an educational symposium.