Jackson Hole Giant "Buffalo Trail" Sculpture Installation Celebrates 25th Anniversary National Museum of Wildlife Art Western Visions

Jackson Hole, Wyoming – August 21, 2012 – In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the National Museum of Wildlife Art and its 25th annual Western Visions® events, "Western Visions" Featured Sculptor Richard Loffler will unveil his heroic-sized bronze "Buffalo Trail" in a commemorative ceremony on the Jackson Hole, Wyoming-based museum's new Sculpture Trail. The 64-foot-long bronze features five adult bison and two calves, all created at one-and-a-half actual size. As part of his presentation at 10 a.m. on September 13, 2012, Loffler will discuss the sometimes grueling process of creating the sculpture, more than four years in the making from conception to full casting and installation. The event is free and open to the public.

This year marks the 25th offering of "Western Visions," the month-long Jackson Hole art celebration and main fundraiser for the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The 2012 "Western Visions," August 18 – September 26, combines lectures, hands-on workshops and fabulous artsy parties with the chance to see and purchase the best of Western contemporary art. As part of his featured sculptor role for 2012, Richard Loffler has donated a smaller-scale replica of the last bison in "Buffalo Trail," titled "Making a Stand," available for auction as part of the "Western Visions" Miniatures and More Show & Sale.

Also on September 13, the 2012 "Western Visions" Featured Painter Tucker Smith will join guests for lunch and a chance to see the world through his artist's eye on a horseback ride at Spring Creek Ranch. Smith donated several pieces for this year's event, including a large-scale painting titled "Through the Aspens."

For more information on "Western Visions," including a complete calendar of events and an online auction catalogue of pieces available for sale, visit www.westernvisions.org.

A member of the Museums West consortium and accredited by the American Association of Museums, the museum, officially designated the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States by an act of Congress in 2008, provides an exciting calendar of exhibitions from its permanent collection and changing exhibitions from around the globe. A complete schedule of exhibitions and events is available online at www.wildlifeart.org. The museum is also active on Facebook at wildlifeartjh and on Twitter at @wildlifeartjh.

Media Contact: Ponteir Sackrey National Museum of Wildlife Art, 307.732.5444, psackrey@wildlifeart.org.