our mission
Center of Wonder is a 501(c)3 support organization dedicated to the arts and creative education in Jackson. We nurture leaders and cultivate initiatives to bring cultural organizations together. We passionately advocate for a collaborative vision inspired by the vibrancy of our creative community.
our vision
Center of Wonder views Jackson Hole as a unique creative community that can inspire the world. We consider Jackson to be a vibrant cultural hub. We value the transformative power of creativity and partnerships to produce collective impact. We believe in inspiration, vibrancy and excellence.
founding story
Center of Wonder was founded in 2007 by Gary and Veronica Silberberg, who had moved to Jackson from New York City in 2000. The magic of the Tetons had crystalized in them a sense of wonder with our natural world, and Center of Wonder was founded with the intention of reconnecting us all through art and unique experiences. Explore, discover, imagine and collaborate were the goals of the original experiential programs that were offered.
In 2012, Center of Wonder launched a new grants program, Collaborating for a Creative Community (C3), as a natural outcome of their previous programming. Seed funding from the founders, combined with matching gifts from other individuals and foundation donors, enabled C3 to expand its reach into our community. C3 was started with specific guidelines to encourage non-profits to collaborate and create new partnerships. It harnessed existing connections, nurtured the creative talent, and enhanced funding resources for those organizations interested in collaborating. These collaborative grants would bring artists and cultural organizations out of isolation, working together across disciplines to generate new programs and relationships.