Featured News | July 14, 2015
This press releases comes from Anne M. Parsons, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations:
Known for innovative and environmentally responsive modern architecture that takes its cues from the ruggedly beautiful and often challenging landscape of the West, Jackson Hole’s Ward + Blake Architects has been a long-time supporter of the talented artisans of the Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale (WDC) who similarly look to the West’s storied heritage, culture and natural world for inspiration in creating their one-of-a-kind pieces. For the WDC’s 23rd year, award-winning Ward + Blake will be taking on a new role as title sponsor for the WDC Fashion Show, a highly anticipated event that occurs during the Western Design Conference Opening Preview Party on Sept. 10 at the Snow King Sports & Events Center in Jackson, Wyo. The WDC Exhibit + Sale will continue at Snow King Sports & Events Center Sept. 11 – 13, 2015.
“We have a great passion and respect for the West, which we see mirrored in the remarkable craftsmanship by these top artists,” says Ward + Blake Architects principal Tom Ward. “We appreciate the Western Design Conference’s philosophy of presenting finely made functional art that provides fresh perspective on what’s ‘Western’ to attendees from around the world. As a measure of that appreciation, we’re pleased to be the WDC’s first title sponsors, supporting the opening night fashion show – an event known for its live performance excitement and the enthusiastic involvement of the Jackson community.”
The Opening Preview Party, a much-anticipated night for visitors and locals alike on Thursday, September 10, provides early entry into the Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale. This gala celebration begins at 6 p.m. with an opportunity to shop and meet over 130 artists and designers. Guests view one-of-a-kind creations while sipping signature cocktails and enjoying gourmet bites by Café Genevieve. A captivating addition this year is the Designer Show House where juried artists’ creations and custom interior design come alive by integrating one-of-a-kind objects into a home environment.
A highlight of the sold out evening is the always stunning Fashion Show. Designers’ innovative couture collections are modeled in an intimate runway format, where Jackson locals often appear as models in the event. The collections of handmade clothing, jewelry and accessories are typically accompanied by fabulous themes and great music, making for a highly visual and fun experience. A Winners’ Circle Art Auction precedes the Fashion Show, where guests bid on new works by a select group of top award winners from previous years. Tickets for the Opening Preview Party, Live Auction and Fashion Show are $50/person; $125/person for limited reserved seating. To purchase tickets, visit http://
westerndesignconference.com/ events/. Founded by principals Tom Ward and Mitch Blake, Ward + Blake Architects has been creating homes and public spaces that capture the independent spirit of the West since 1996 out of its office in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Ward + Blake designs reference the land and the history of the region while also embracing cutting-edge construction materials and techniques. The firm was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal for the design of an extraordinary private residence in Squirrel, Idaho.
“Tom and Mitch have been long-time supporters of the Western Design Conference and I am thrilled have them as title sponsor of the fashion show this year,” says Western Design Conference Executive Director Allison Merritt. “The lineup for this year’s fashion show is outstanding and the event is sure to impress as well as being a crowd-pleaser.”
The Wyoming Arts Council believes that experiencing the arts should be accessible for all, including people with mental and/or physical disabilities, older adults, military/veterans, people living in institutions and those who lack access to the arts due to geographic isolation, cultural difference and economic hardship.
