2019 Artwork The Day I swam with a bear

Each year, we partner with a local artist who is as inspired by the natural beauty of Jackson Hole as we are to serve as the visual theme for the season. 

By Wendell Locke Field

“It was a hot smoky day last summer when I planned to paint Mt. Moran from between Leek’s Marina and the AMK ranch but it was just too smoky. In the mean time; no one was around, the day was hot, the water warm, the lake calm so I figured I’d go for a skinny dip and cool off.  About the time I got in up to my belly button a mama black bear and her cubs trotted out of the woods.  No bear spray, no cloths, no place to go but for a swim. I tried a little telepathy to say “no ill will, just going for a swim”.  It seemed to work.  The mama joined me for a nice long swim and a good drink of water while the cubs played and wrestled on the shore.  All the while I was thinking;  I’m swimming with a bear!  They left, I got out and went down the road and found another painting!”