Turpin Gallery: Creations Studio's Newest Venue

Western Lighting by Creations Studio

       Turpin Gallery is nestled into the cozy and highly fashionable town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Both of Turpin Gallery’s locations in the heart of Jackson showcase the works of many Western favorites, including Howard Terpning, a prolific artist of epic proportions of American west scenes, specifically Native American scenes.  Turpin Gallery is a family business, owned and operated by several generations of Turpins.  Their galleries incorporate the vivid feeling of the Old West with the imagination and creativity of a handful of talented artists.  Turpin Gallery retains a western feeling, keeping in touch with the town of Jackson, but the art inside isn’t limited to scenes of cowboys and Indians.  Artists’ subjects vary from hyper-realistic paintings of wine bottles to detailed nature imagery on scratchboard.  There are colorful abstract animal paintings and some handmade antler furniture tucked in here and there.  Subtle paintings capture the beauty of a woman’s body next to vibrant and ethereal nature scenes.  Any art enthusiast would go home pleased after a visit to one of the Turpin Gallery locations, as there is something to suit every taste.

                Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the gallery is located in a western art Mecca named Jackson Hole.  It is a gorgeous small town located in Wyoming between two National Parks- Yellowstone and Grand Teton.  Opportunities for recreation abound for outdoor enthusiasts and fine art connoisseurs alike.  The scenery provides an endless backdrop for fisherman, hikers, and campers.  Meanwhile, artists flock to the area to try and capture the natural beauty.  Many of the resulting paintings, sculptures, and photographs end up at Turpin Gallery, or at the renowned Western Design Conference which happens annually in Jackson.  Western artists gather each year in September to view the latest trends and fine craftsmanship of western design masters from around the country at the Western Design Conference. 

One artist that graces the Conference is Dean Grommet, out of Whitefish, Montana.  A strong supporter of the troops, Grommet owns Creations Studio, an online store for western art and furniture that features several other western artists.  Creations Studio has expanded over several years from its humble beginnings of a Vietnam era Marine veteran selling his handiwork into a multi-artist collaboration with a world-wide presence.  Although he has shown at many art shows and galleries across the country, he is opening his very own studio and gallery for the first time in Whitefish, Montana.  Just off the route to Glacier National Park, Creations Studio will share a building with Acutech Water Jet Cutting & Fabrication.  Sharing the building with Acutech gives Dean the space and manpower to work on hand-forging iron, an especially important aspect of his newest lighting fixture line.  Grommet and Acutech owner Josh Boyce spend hours hammering metal and shaping iron into feathers or an ornate western chandelier, making each piece unique.  The Creations Studio chandeliers and lampshades turned out to be a hit this year at the Western Design Conference and continue to be appreciated at the Turpin Galleries.  Now, Dean and Josh have begun work on pieces for next year’s show and are looking towards the future. 

The future looks golden, as far as Creations Studio is concerned.  Pamela Mougin, a world renowned photographer and artist is now a part of the Creations Studio mix as well.  She has become famous for her grandiose portraits that mix the art of photography with painting.  Her mixed media pieces wowed Western Design Conference attendees this year.  Grommet and Mougin are currently collaborating on a project to create western art like no one has seen before.  But if you simply can’t wait to see what they will create, you can find Grommet and Mougin’s work at Turpin Gallery and Mougin Design Studio, respectively.  Be sure to stop in the gallery next time you are in Jackson Hole or if you are in Whitefish, drop by Creations Studio at 3816 Highway 40.