Change at Ciao, one-of-a-kind jewelry for Haworth

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

By Kate Balog

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-March 1 will mark the one-year anniversary of Ciao Gallery, the art cooperative that has proudly supplied Victor with culture and revelry on its Main Street and simultaneously lured Jacksonites over The Pass for its art openings. And so the recent announcement that the gallery plans to move to Wilson came as a surprise, evoking the anxious, mixed feelings that usually accompany transition and change. A new beginning, in a new space, in a different town, made the owner feel guilty - but it was not exactly her idea to relocate.

“It is bittersweet,” explained Michele Walters, Ciao’s sole proprietor. “We’re in a funky situation right now. Last week our landlord gave us until the end of the month to get out of the space. We had brought up the heating issues and I suppose we were just too much trouble.” Walters could not find a place in Victor or Driggs that would meet their needs.

“So I said, let’s give Jackson a try. Christian Anderson gave us an exceptional offer on a space on Teton Village Road [in Wilson],” she said. The new space is 500 square feet smaller, requiring the gallery to carry fewer members (16) but the change will bring new energy and possibly more revenue. “I have always appreciated the Jackson art scene and the support we’ve received from artists, the newspapers and especially the Art Association. The Jackson scene has really kept us going this year.”

Teton Arts Council, the nonprofit over the hill, has been less supportive of her gallery and rarely returns her calls. “People tell me ‘Victor needs you’ but I’m not a non-profit. I have to survive.” And the responsibility lies with her alone, now that co-owner Heather Keller has left Ciao to focus on her dancing.

Walters grew up in Northern California Gold Country, fell in love with Jackson at the age of 19 when she worked at Yellowstone, lived in Jackson for eight years and in Driggs for the past year. She’s excited to return to Jackson, but hopes to bring her gallery back to Victor one day. “[The arts] support is just not there yet,” Walters said. Walters is an artist herself and founded her cooperative after feeling frustration over her venue options. “I wanted a place for wayward wanderers who didn’t fit in to show their work.”
Inspired by surrealist Salvadore Dali, Walter’s work might not physically fit into the smaller space in Wilson, but she is happy to report her upcoming March show in a Manhattan Tribeca gallery. After returning from that opening, she will throw the Ciao grand re-opening party on March 29th in the new space.

Ciao also has something special in the works for their last party in Victor. “I want to give [Victor] something to remember us by,” Walter said. On Valentine’s Day, her gallery will host their first annual “Naturally Nude” collection of figurative works. Fifteen works, some national, representing many media and styles, were selected for the exhibition, and the top three were selected by a jury panel.

A national entry from Delaware titled “Water Study” by Steven Billups won first place. Our own Andrew Wyatt took second with his photo “#5,” and local John Slaughter won third for his “Amanda.” All three winning works were photography. The show and party promise to be romantic, provocative and fun, and will have a chocolate fountain, other treats and music. The reception for “Naturally Nude” will take place from 6-9 p.m. on February 14th at Ciao Gallery, 145 N. Main Street, Victor. For more information call 208-787-4841.

It’s too late to order an online gift for your loved one for Valentine’s Day, and trust me, she doesn’t want another box of See’s. Thankfully, local jewelry designers Alyssa Beck and Jill Tattersall will present their original and unique jewelry this Saturday at Haworth Gallery in Victor. This is the first show for silversmith Alyssa Beck. Her contemporary designs of pendant necklaces, rings, short and long earrings, and bangle bracelets are one-of-a-kind, hand hammered and shaped.

Tattersall said, “I know many people would appreciate Alyssa’s one of a kind designs and they would make a timeless gift. This is her debut show and one not to miss.” Tattersall’s jewelry pieces are unique combinations of glass pendants hand-blown by a Teton Valley glassblower, and semi-precious stones. Alyssa Beck Designs and Lah Di Dah Jewelry by Jill Tattersall will be displayed and available for purchase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Haworth Gallery, 140 South Main Street, Victor. For more information call 413-6237.

Courtesy
“Water Study” by Steven Billups.

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Change at Ciao, one-of-a-kind jewelry for Haworth | Planet JH News Article: Arts Beat

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