"Jukeboxes & Jackalopes: A Photographic Companion to Wyoming Bars & Backways" was hot off the presses when Julianne and Ron sidled into the WAC. The large format book features Ron's color photos of the state's distinctive bars, accompanied by Julianne's captions. It's published by the Wyoming State Historical Society, and features an intro by noted historian Phil Roberts.
This is a follow-up to Julianne's "Jukeboxes & Jackalopes: A Wyoming Bar Journey," published by Pronghorn Press in Greybull. It features a lone photo of each out-of-the way bar with essays by Julianne. I've heard Julianne read several of these essays. The bars serve as catalyst for the essays, as her writing begins at the watering holes but ranges further afield into history and geology and her own life. She received an Individual Artist Professional Development grant to help defray costs of research and site visits. Now don't laugh. Research can take many forms, especially when you're dealing with small-town Western traditions such as saloons and bars -- and their patrons. As Julianne notes in the intro to the new book:
As another traveler once said, "A town in Wyoming consists of a post office, a gas station, and a bar."
In some of the locales chronicled by Julianne and Ron, a bar is all that remains. Just take a look at Steelman's Brite Spot in Hiland. It includes a bar and convenience store, the only shops in this town of 10 residents.
Just take a look at the Longbranch Saloon in Hawk Springs. You can't, not in person anyway, because it burned down after Julianne's visit for her first book. Rebuilding plans are supposed to be underway.
I urge you to take a look at the book. You can buy it in Cheyenne at City News and the Wyoming State Museum Store. You can order copies from Julianne and Ron's Horse Creek Studio. Get more info at http://www.myspace.com/wyojulianne
And here's a terrific idea. Bring Julianne and her books and her expertise to your community for a presentation. You can do this through a WAC Arts Across Wyoming grant. Julianne is one of our fine roster artists. An AAW grant can help pay her fee and travel costs. Why not do that now, while it's fresh on your mind. Go to http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/Grants/EApps.asp
--Michael Shay
