• National Forest Creations Art Auction Party: In-person and Virtual Bidding Fundraiser

Shannon Wendricks of Alpine, and 29 year old Lindsey Paige of Bedford are among fourteen artists who have created works of art to raise funds for Friends of the Bridger-Teton on February 29 at the Sublette County Library, in Pinedale, from 5-8 p.m.

The bidding of the items will be virtual, so if you cannot attend in-person, you can still bid beginning Monday, 2/26 at 8 a.m.

Jennifer Ricupero, representing Friends of the Bridger-Teton, revealed that the event was inspired by a 138-year-old pine tree in Pinedale, which unfortunately had to be felled. Through collaboration with the US Forest Service, slices of the tree, known as “wood cookies”, were fashioned into canvases for artists to craft their pieces representing the Bridger Teton area. All the wood cookies were quickly claimed within four hours of the announcement.

“The artwork has shocked me,” exclaimed Ricupero. “They are very talented.”

The finished pieces are currently on display in the Sublette County Library and will remain there until the auction is over. Attendees can enjoy live music, refreshments, mochtales, and various activities for all ages throughout the three-hour event.

Friends of the Bridger-Teton is five years old and this will be their first event to help their cause in supporting the 3.4 million acres of the BTNF and encourage people to appreciate nature.

Ricupero is excited to see the event continue annually and rotate locations throughout areas that include the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF), including Star Valley. The hope is that it will help “bring collaboration around all areas of the BTNF.”

For details and mobile bidding information, please visit BTFriends.org/events.