“Sweetwater Ranch Life, The Paintings of Jack Corbett” opens January 24 at the Lander Pioneer Museum.
The new exhibit premiers to the public the work of a Fremont County rancher and Artist. Ribbon cutting and opening reception January 24, 3 to 5 p.m.
Ranch life is hard, with dawn to dusk work during all seasons and in all kinds of weather. With the work load it is hard to imagine time for creative outlets, yet many ranchers played music, wrote or created art. Jack Corbett, who ranched along the Sweetwater River in Fremont County painted – capturing the ranch life of his family and friends on canvas. The work has never been seen by the general public, but will get a premier at the Lander Pioneer Museum January 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the museum’s main gallery.
A reception with appetizers and a brief talk by members of the artist’s family Following will be a ribbon cutting for the exhibit. The public is invited to come and enjoy the afternoon. The art will then be on display through 2026.
“Over the last few years, we have featured nationally famous art and artists of the American west like Joe Scheurle, Frederick Remington and J.K. Ralston,” said Museum curator Randy Wise. “We also are proud of show the work of local artists.” A recent exhibit at the museum by Arapaho artist Al Hubbard presented a contemporary Indigenous artist’s vision. The year before Hudson painter Jerry Antolick had a painting display at the museum. “We are thrilled to be able to showcase the excellent work of another local artist,” said Wise. “It’s very exciting that the public will be able to see this work for the first time.”
John (G) Corbett was born December 16, 1938 in Lander, Wyoming to Thad and Mary Noble Corbett. He was the eldest of seven children and worked on his great Uncle Sanford Mills’ Red Bluff Ranch as a young kid. Jack then began working for Sweetwater area ranchers in the summer of his teenage years. Later Jack settled with Albert and Barbara Myers on their ranch on the Sweetwater for thirteen years, breaking horses for the Myers’ and various other ranchers. He married Jean Ann Rogers, and they continued at Myers; and leased the Walt Hurner Ranch on Long Creek.
After moving to the ranch on Long Creek, they had two children, Troy and Stacie and later purchased the Hurner Place. In 1979, Jack and Jean leased the JJ Ranch on Sweetwater and later added the lease of the Hoffmeister Ranch, all of which the family continue to operate.
Jack became a Brand Inspector in 1970, as well as board member on the Popo Agie Conservation District. He served on the Jeffrey City School Board for several years in the 1980’s. Jack was also involved in the Sweetwater Roping Club and Sweetwater Firefighters.
He became an artist at a young age and painted a good many oil paintings that showed the life on the ranch and painted pictures of his neighbors doing their work.
Jack enjoyed his horses, still riding young horses and working with his eight grandsons doing what he had always done, with his neighbors and his cattle.
“Sweetwater Ranch Life” kicks off a packed 2026 at the museum. The museum will offer its very popular events like Sheep Shearing Day, and Apple Fest, Halloween Night at the Museum and the always exciting Trek, Speakers and Children’s Programs throughout the year.
For more information visit the museum website at www.fremontcountymusuems.com, on Facebook at Pioneer Museum Lander Wyoming or call 307-332-3373.
Press contact Randy Wise, 307-332-3373 or randywisepioneermuseum@gmail.com
