Inspired by the Tetons

A new gallery features the work of dozens of local artists.

// BY JIM MAHAFFIE

Thousands of visitors coming through the Moose entrance of Grand Teton National Park turn into the Dornan’s complex to grab a sandwich, rental bike, tank of gas, bottle of wine, and pizza, all with the fabulous view of the Grand. Thanks to ArtShop, which opened last May, Dornan’s visitors can now also find a creative keepsake from a local artist or maker. “I know from working at galleries in Jackson visitors say they seek out local art and out-of-the-way places like us,” says ArtShop owner Alex Pope. “And we’re right there in the moment that they’re in their Grand Tetons experience.”

As soon as she heard the building at Dornan’s that had been occupied by the gear shop Moosely Seconds Mountaineering for almost 40 years was available, Pope, who spent seven years at Tayloe Piggott Gallery (first as director of art and then director of the gallery) and was project coordinator at Jackson Hole Public Art, knew what she wanted to do with the space. “I’ve watched as galleries and events became more exclusive, shutting out many local artists and makers that often have other jobs and a unique medium,” she says. “Anyone that works around town knows it’s expensive to be here, so we have all these artists with nowhere to show. We also have thousands of tourists coming into that park entrance who may want to buy something more commemorative than a t-shirt or a hat.”

ArtShop has a rotating collection of work from about 50 local creatives. “We have some wonderful larger pieces, but we’re also thinking of what fits in your suitcase and is easy to get home,” Pope says. Prices range from around $60 to $250.

• Top rated Wyvern and AR/GUS Gold and Platinum Aircraft and Crew.

• Competitively priced “on-demand” charters.

• No long-term contracts or costly memberships.

• Locally owned and operated.