Art Fair in Jackson

7/20/08

The past week was every bit as hectic and chaotic as we feared it would be, but we survived it. We even managed to create another new jacket which is drew rave reviews from customers at our first show.

Mother Nature has been kind to Jackson Hole this weekend, offering up mild temperatures, sunny skies and gentle breezes, all of which make doing an outdoor art show a pleasure. Dealing with downpours, violent winds, or sweltering temperatures- all common occurrences in the life of an artist exhibiting in summer outdoor shows- would drive saner people into another line of work.

In spite of the spectacular weather, attendance at the Jackson Art Association’s July art show remained “light,” in the estimation of those of us familiar with dynamics of art shows. However, there is a wonderful core of art supporters in Jackson who come every year and who do support the artists, making the show a successful one for most exhibitors. Apparently high gas prices were not sufficient discouragement to keep artists from traveling from as far away as Georgia, Florida and Delaware to attend the show.

We have a new look to our booth this year. We hope it shows off our clothing better while allowing us to work more pleasurably with our clients as we measure them and discuss customizing options of their orders.

During a break from working in our booth, Fred was lucky enough to drop by the entertainment tent and catch a few numbers performed by the Jackson 6, a local Dixieland jazz ensemble. They are a tight bunch who played with verve and the joyful spirit Dixieland needs to sound its best. Fred looks forward to catching a whole performance by them in the future.

For dinner after the show yesterday we drop by Teton Thai, a highly recommended small eatery favored by locals for great food at reasonable prices. The place has about a dozen outdoor tables on a deck at the end of a dead-end pedestrian shopping walkway. The émigré Thai staff works wonders in its crowded kitchen while the wait staff of appropriately scruffy mountain jocks serves tired climbers back in town from a day in the mountains, young workers relaxing after a long day in the shops or construction sites in Jackson and a few tourist families with kids in tow. Yogi, the world’s most relaxed golden retriever, lays in the shade of an unused table keeping a sleepy eye on the staff and his other eye out for dog loving kids. The only sour note was the choice of music playing while a deejay was setting up for his stint. The twenty some-things probably liked it. We highly recommend the Laab Salad and the Pad Thai.