Current Portfolio
Jackson Hole Stills
Label Competition Entry
"When the Elk Returned"
Acrylic on Watercolor Paper
22"x22"
2023
The elk is often considered the noblest, and most magnificent largest animal in the world. When the elk returned to the Bighorns, after a significant decrease in population in the late 1940's; it became a historical testament of the foresight and vision of the area landowners, game wardens, and cowboys to bring them back. Once down to nearly 27 elk at the time, thousands of elk currently roam the Bighorn Mountains near Buffalo, WY where they and I call home.
Jackson Stills Label Competiton has been a 5-year dream, that has become a reality, a testament of my artist vision. It is a testament of the commitment to make art inspired by the history and stories of my fellow Wyomingites and all that inhabit our state.
I am very honored to present this piece of artwork for my submission entry into the Jackson Hole Stills Label contest in honor of my home and to all that live in Wyoming.
Nikki Smerski's Story
Nikki's grandmother immigrated to the US from Holland in 1946 after the Americans freed Holland from the Nazi occupation during WWII. When freed, her grandmother, her siblings and great grandmother immigrated and homesteaded in the U.S.
Nikki, while growing up was surrounded by her mother and grandmother. Both women being of strong will, stubbornness and grit. Her grandmother a medical school graduate in the early 1950's and her mother buying her Wyoming ranch with waitress and bartending tips.
Nikki at 17 received a full ride scholarship in Art at Sheridan College, in Sheridan, WY and began her journey to become a practicing professional visual artist and educator.
After receiving her B. A. in Art from the University of Wyoming, Nikki returned home to the Bighorn Mountains, near Sheridan and at the age of 26 built a homestead and ranch from the ground up, while building her art career and raising her very small children. Shortly thereafter Nikki returned to the University of Wyoming with her two children to obtain her master's degree in art education. After receiving her master's degree in education, she taught extensively for the State of Wyoming and the State of South Dakota. While teaching she and her students created many murals within the schools she taught in.
Nikki a converted introvert, once shy girl, has since grown into her skin, using her creativity and courage as her shield, to take the leap to begin her new adventure guiding business and continues to pursue her artistic business full time.