Julie Ellison presents a series of her photographs and the stories and voices that correspond.

Like much of the mountain West, winters in Teton Valley are long and snowy, springs are muddy, falls are fleeting, and summers are sweet but oh-so-short. The unforgiving seasons and rugged terrain breed self-reliance and individualism, but there’s also a pronounced sense of community. People with vastly different backgrounds and views all call this special place home. The Women of the West photo series tells stories of women who were drawn to this spot, women who dismissed the paths laid out for them by society, and instead chose to pave their own way. Through documentary photo essays and short stories read aloud by the photographer and the subjects, the audience will experience the intrepid lives, jobs, and hobbies of women who dwell in these harsh but beautiful mountain landscapes. From a horse trainer to a hunter, a glassblower to an adventure mom, this presentation aims to increase the visibility of independent, fearless women, and in turn inspire more ladies to write their own story.