Lost Creek Ranch

Last summer, Dustin had the rare privilege of spending time at Lost Creek Ranch, tucked quietly in the upper reaches of Jackson Hole near Moran, Wyoming. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try to impress, it simply is. Timeless, grounded, and steeped in Western history, Lost Creek Ranch carries the soul of the early American West in a way few places still do.

Founded in the early 1900s, Lost Creek Ranch is one of the oldest operating guest ranches in the Jackson Hole Valley. Long before Wyoming became a destination, this land was shaped by ranching families, horsemen, and homesteaders who relied on grit, weather, and the land itself. Over the decades, the ranch has remained remarkably true to its roots, preserving original cabins, honoring horsemanship traditions, and maintaining a pace of life that feels increasingly rare in the modern world. Generations of guests have returned year after year, drawn not by luxury, but by authenticity.

For Dustin, being invited as a guest artist to Lost Creek Ranch was deeply meaningful. As a sculptor whose work is rooted in Western heritage, the opportunity to demonstrate his process in a place where that history is still lived, not staged, was a true honor. Working in clay while surrounded by open meadows, horses, and the Tetons in the distance created a natural dialogue between art and environment. The ranch itself became part of the creative process.

Throughout the visit, Dustin shared live artist demonstrations with guests, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how a bronze sculpture begins; gesture, anatomy, movement, and story all taking form by hand. These moments weren’t performances; they were conversations. Conversations about legacy, craft, and why preserving Western culture still matters.

Dustin left Lost Creek Ranch with a deep sense of gratitude for the hospitality, and for the chance to be welcomed into a place that values tradition as much as creativity. Being able to create and share his work in such an authentic setting was a reminder of why he does what he does: to honor the people, places, and stories that define the American West. Special gratitude to Seth and Jasmine Stidham for the invite; we look forward to visiting again soon.