WEBCAMS
Every Fall Arts Festival begins with a single image—one artwork that captures the spirit of Jackson Hole and sets the tone for one of the nation's premier Western art celebrations.
For the 2026 Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, that honor belongs to contemporary Western artist Ben Steele, whose signature blend of pop realism and Western imagery offers a fresh perspective on one of America's most iconic destinations.
For Steele, being selected as the Festival's Featured Artist is both exciting and deeply meaningful.
"It's really an honor," he says. "To have your artwork become the image that promotes Jackson and the Festival—it's pretty special."
A Different Take on the American West
Based in Helper, Utah, Steele has developed a style that is immediately recognizable. Combining photorealistic painting with nostalgic Americana, bold color, and graphic design elements, his work reimagines familiar Western icons in unexpected ways.
His artistic journey wasn't entirely straightforward.
Growing up, art was always present thanks to his father's background in art school, but Steele initially pursued another passion—golf. After realizing a professional golf career wasn't in the cards, he returned to what had always interested him most and enrolled at the University of Utah to study art. That decision eventually led him to Helper, Utah, where workshops with retired art professors shaped both his career and the community he now calls home.
Today, Steele's work can be found in galleries throughout the West and beyond, but Western themes remain central to his work.
"I call it pop realism," Steele explains. "The style stays consistent, but I like adapting the subject matter to wherever I'm showing."
Creating 26 Old West Colors
When it came time to create the official Featured Artwork, Steele knew he wanted to remain true to his artistic voice while honoring Jackson Hole's rich artistic tradition.
The result is 26 Old West Colors—a playful yet thoughtful composition built around one of his most recognizable subjects: a vintage-inspired crayon box.
Working closely with Fall Arts Festival organizers, Steele looked back through decades of Festival posters before developing his concept.
"I wanted something that looked unmistakably like my work," he says. "But I also wanted to respect the tradition of the Festival and represent what people love about Jackson."
The painting combines classic Jackson Hole imagery with Steele's unmistakable visual language.
The Grand Tetons provide the backdrop while the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar sign anchors the center of the composition. Surrounding it are references to Town Square, the famous elk antler arches, Yellowstone, the Snake River, and countless details longtime locals and visitors alike will recognize.
Finding the Hidden Details
One of the most enjoyable aspects of 26 Old West Colors is discovering the artwork's many hidden references.
Much like the familiar names found on a Crayola crayon wrapper, Steele created custom "Old West" color names inspired by Jackson Hole and the Greater Yellowstone region. Throughout the painting, viewers will also discover subtle nods to local landmarks, and Wyoming traditions.
"For me, it's about seeing how many little Easter eggs we can hide in there," Steele says. "It's like putting together a puzzle—working in all the iconic things people associate with Jackson without it feeling forced."
The result invites viewers to spend time with the piece, discovering something new each time they look.
A Place That Inspires Artists
Steele has exhibited in resort communities throughout the West, yet Jackson Hole continues to stand apart.
Upon learning Jackson Hole had recently been named America's most arts-vibrant community by SMU DataArts, Steele wasn't surprised.
"It doesn't shock me," he says. "Jackson feels like the most vibrant of the Western art communities. It's an amazing place, and every time we come here it's a treat."
This September, he'll have the opportunity to experience the Festival from a new perspective.
Along with participating in Festival events, poster signings, and artist receptions, Steele and his wife plan to spend several days exploring Jackson Hole at a slower pace while unveiling new Jackson- and Yellowstone-inspired works created specifically for the occasion.
Experience the Festival
The 42nd Annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival returns September 9–20, 2026, celebrating the very best in Western, wildlife, and contemporary art.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Ben Steele throughout the Festival, view 26 Old West Colors in person, attend artist events, and experience signature celebrations including the Western Visions® QuickDraw, Palates & Palettes, Arts on the Green, gallery walks, and much more.
Whether you're a longtime collector or discovering the Festival for the first time, Steele's Featured Artwork perfectly reflects what Fall Arts Festival is all about: honoring Western traditions while celebrating the artists who continue to shape its future.