Sunday, January 31, 2010

Vermont artists imagine the future

“Working Vermont Landscape: Variation 1” by artist John M. Miller of Coventry

Great idea from the Vermont Arts Council:

Art of Action is a multi-faceted art project funded by philanthropist Lyman Orton, owner and proprietor of the Vermont Country Store in Weston.

The exhibit recently closed after a six-week run at Burlington International Airport; another will open Monday at the Staart Gallery in St. Albans.

The project was conceived and organized around four goals, said Elaine Scolaro, communications and development director for the Vermont Arts Council, the Montpelier-based nonprofit that serves as the project administra­tor: To create visual interpreta­tions, by commissioned artists, from a report that describes Vermonters’ concerns about the future, the issues that are impor­tant to the state.

To exhibit the artwork, 105 works created by 10 artists, around the state.

A nine-month tour, that will end in July, will bring the artwork to 27 towns. Exhibit spaces include (or have included) galleries, town halls, libraries, a car dealer showroom, and Burlington International Airport.

The exhibit will travel to Washington, D.C., in April, where artwork will be on display in the Rus­sell Senate office building.

FMI: http://www.vermontartscouncil.org/

Friday, January 29, 2010

Turtle Island Quartet at UW Feb. 5

From a UW press release:

The award-winning Turtle Island Quartet will return to the University of Wyoming for a Cultural Programs concert Friday, Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center concert hall.
The group will be joined by Mike Marshall, a master of the mandolin, banjo and guitar. Tickets cost $25 for the public and $21 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the Fine Arts Center box office, the Wyoming Union information desk or online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts/.

The Turtles, as they call themselves, fuse classical string quartet aesthetic with contemporary styles, combining jazz, folk, bluegrass, be-bop, funk and R&B. They have won two Grammy Awards for best crossover album, have been featured in Newsweek and People magazines, and appeared on National Public Radio's Prairie Home Companion, All Things Considered and Morning Edition.

"TIQ ... is a unified voice that truly breaks new ground -- authentic and passionate -- a reflection of some of the most creative music-making today," says world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Photo: The Turtle Island Quartet and master musician Mike Marshall perform Friday, Feb. 5, at the University of Wyoming.

Page Lambert's "Sweetgrass Seminar Series"

Page Lambert sends this announcement:

The 2010 Spring Sweetgrass Seminar Series is designed to re-awaken, through the arts and the outdoors, your link with the Natural World.

What does it mean to be wild? How has domestication affected animals, humans and the land? How does Nature enhance our creativity?

This series of four progressive get-togethers at Mt. Vernon Country Club (20 minutes from Denver, Colorado) will explore these questions, and more, through literature, journaling, hiking, and a field trip to attend the Denver screening of the award-winning documentary
SWEETGRASS.

We will also be using Craig Child's collection of stories "The Animal Dialogues" to guide us.

You may sign up for the entire series, or for a single event.

Click here for complete NEWS FLASH details and downloadable pdf.

Dates: March 13, April 17, May 14, May 15, 2010

SPACE IS LIMITED.

PAGE LAMBERT
, (303) 842-7360, PAGE'S BLOG

The Happy Jacks present a free concert tonight at Cheyenne East

"The Happy Jacks," the University of Wyoming men's a capella group, will perform at East High School in Cheyenne on Friday, Jan. 29 (Tonight!) at 7 p.m.

The concert is free, but they will have a donation bucket for donations to the Happy Jacks to help with travel expenses, etc.

"The Happy Jacks" are spending the day today performing at Laramie County elementary schools.

Annual conference and membership details from Wyoming Writers, Inc.

The annual conference for Wyoming Writers, Inc., will be held in Cody June 4-6. Presenters include novelist and Wyoming Poet Laureate Emeritus Bob Roripaugh of Laramie, award-winning poet and University of South Dakota writing prof Lee Ann Roripaugh (Bob's daughter), Western novelist Max McCoy from Kansas and editors and agents TBA soon.

You don't have to be a member to attend the conference -- but it's less expensive if you are.

Here are some details on WWInc membership:

Membership in Wyoming Writers is open to anyone interested in writing or writers. We currently have almost 200 members, writing in many genres: fiction, non-fiction, children's, poetry, romance, mystery, science fiction, technical, and many other categories.

Members of Wyoming Writers receive the following benefits:
◊ Electronic newsletter listserv
◊ Discount to the annual conference
◊ Notification of writing opportunities
◊ First-rate workshops
◊ Chance to meet with others of similar tastes and ambitions

Annual dues are $25.

Get more info at the web site or here:

Pat Frolander
19652 U.S. Highway 14
Sundance, WY 82729
307-283-2813
pfrolander@rangeweb.net

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Arts Council's Camellia El-Antably honored by Wyoming Music Educators Assn.

The Wyoming Music Educators Association (WMEA) has presented its annual Meritorious Service Award to Camellia El-Antably, Deputy Manager and Arts Education Specialist for the Wyoming Arts Council.

Following is part of the narrative of the award which was presented at the All State Music Conference awards banquet in Cheyenne earlier this month:

"...She (Camellia) continually seeks to enhance and support the opportunities for arts education in Wyoming. Through her position with the WAC she has built relationships with organizations, associations and individuals in the artistic networks of the state and has had a positive impact on the membership of WMEA. She was instrumental in the implementation of the state Fine and Performing Arts Standards and has created professional development opportunities for art and music teachers statewide. Camellia is a true advocate for the arts. She maintains a strong relationship with the Department of Education, advocating for arts in the schools, providing technical assistance and managing the grants program.

WMEA has been well supported by Camellia through information she has provided the association. She has shared her expertise regarding the state standards, built networks with both music and art specialists and offered her help in whatever capacity is needed. Camellia believes 'that access to the arts for all ages is important' and she remains committed to working positions that create opportunities in the arts for the citizens of Wyoming. She is truly deserving of this recognition from our association."

One of the things that marks Camellia's service is her commitment to having a consistent and vigorous "presence" within all of the statewide arts education organizations' activities. Whether it be All-state Drama, the High School Visual Arts Symposium or All-State Music, she is always there, present and engaged. This award is certainly an acknowledgment of this aspect of her service as well.

Attention Wyoming stage designers, theatre directors and dance choreographers

Postmark deadline is a week from tomorrow -- Friday, Feb. 5 -- for the Wyoming Arts Council performing arts fellowships in theatre direction, dance choreography and design for the stage.

The WAC welcomes applications from Wyoming residents 18 or older who are not full-time students pursuing high school, college or university art-related degrees.

The WAC will award up to three fellowships of $3,000 each to honor the most exciting, creative work by Wyoming directors, choreographers and stage designers. Jurors for the competition are theatre director Eric Hayashi from Walnut Creek, Calif., and dancer and choreographer Lisa Wymore, dance professor at University of California, Berkeley.

The agency’s fellowships are on a four-year rotation schedule among music composition; theatre and dance performance; music performance; and theatre direction, dance choreography and design for the stage.

Printable fellowship applications are on the WAC web site at http://www.wyomingartscouncil.org. If you need an application or more info about the fellowships, contact Michael Shay at the WAC in Cheyenne at 307-777-5234 or mshay@state.wy.us.

Little Hands offers art, music and dance classes for little kids and their parents

Little Hands, A Family Program for Creative Inspiration, invites you to join its program:

Who: Children (ages 1 to 6) and their parents or caregivers

What: Exploration and expression through art - from visual art to dance and music – for small children and their parent(s) or caregiver(s).

When: Tuesday mornings, 10-noon, starting February 2, 2010

Where: First Baptist Church, 514 S. Beech - 5th & Beech, 1 block south of the Nic. (We have no religious affiliation but the church has generously donated space.)

Cost: FREE! But to first session, families should bring:
1) a bag of recycled “beautiful stuff” chosen by child and parent
2) a commitment to volunteer time with us, whatever your skills

How: Families can sign up for one or more 6-week sessions this spring, with the above commitment. See sign-up sheet on back.

For more information, please contact Kelleen Gilstad (265-5497) or Kate Schneider (247-0726) or email us at LittleHandsWY@gmail.com

This program supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council. Support also comes from Mercer House and the First Baptist Church of Casper.

Reclusive author J.D. Salinger dies at 91

Reclusive writer J.D. Salinger died today. He was 91.

Salinger didn't publish much. But with him it was quality, not quantity. He wrote one of the best-selling novels of all time, "Catcher in the Rye," also one of the most-banned books in U.S. schools.

He also wrote one of the best American short story collections, "Nine Stories." As a young short story writer, I read each one of these over and over in an attempt to absorb their magic.

Here's what New York Times writer Charles McGrath had to say on the subject (images above also from NYT):

The stories were remarkable for their sharp social observation, their pitch-perfect dialogue (Mr. Salinger, who used italics almost as a form of musical notation, was a master not of literary speech but of speech as people actually spoke it), and for the way they demolished whatever was left of the traditional architecture of the short story — the old structure of beginning, middle, end — in favor of an architecture of emotion, in which a story could turn on a tiny alteration of mood or irony. Mr. Updike said he admired “that open-ended Zen quality they have, the way they don’t snap shut.”


--Mike Shay

Off to see the wizard in Wheatland

From the Wheaterville blog:

The drama and music departments of Wheatland High School will present L Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz" at the high school auditorium, 13th and Oak St., this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. There will be a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

FMI: Wheatland H.S., 307-322-2075

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Quilters mix it up with dinosaurs this summer

2010 Opportunity Quilt

From the Wyoming State Quilt Guild:

"Quilting is Dino-Myte"

You are invited to Dinosaurland at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs for the Guild's annual conference July 15-18.

Bonnie Brontosaurus will be looking forward to seeing you there!

Teachers -- submit your class outlines and photos now!

Featured teachers are Larkin Jean Van Horn, Barbara Broshous and Mary Lou Weidman.

FMI: http://www.wsqg.org/

Wild West Quilt Fest Feb. 6-7 in Riverton

Wyoming Star Quilt Guild presents the 8th annual Wild West Quilt Fest at Aspen Park Elementrary School, 1620 E. Sunset in Riverton on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6-7. Times: Saturday 1-7 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Event includes vendor mall, scissor sharpening, an array of beautiful quilts, silent auction tables. Alzquilt art pieces to be donated to the Alzheimers Foundation for reseach.

Free Admission, donations accepted. Peggy Albright, contact 307-857-3142

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

First Ever Talent Expression Show

The Tonya Jackson Talent Expression Program

Attention artist:

Must be a person with a disability or recovering from substance abuse

All forms of art; music, sculptures, paintings, photography, poetry, and more.

Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2010

Art Exhibition and presentation of winners is March 2, 2010.

For more information and registration form, contact:

Marcus Jackson
c/o 2607 Ames Avenue
307-635-3363
Or
Tammy L. Gamino
1623 Central Avenue, Suite 4
Cheyenne, WY 82001
307-432-4033

Broadway Showstoppers in Loveland

UP IN LIGHTS PRODUCTIONS INC. PRESENTS
Broadway Showstoppers
Friday, February 19, 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 20, 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 21, 2 pm
Friday, February 26, 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 27, 7:30 pm

Celebrate the last 10 years of Broadway in honor of Up in Lights Productions 10th Anniversary with scenes from Hairspray, Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Fiddler on the Roof, and more! From classic revivals to the hottest tickets on Broadway today, this musical journey will feature high energy dance numbers and powerhouse performances by some of the most well-known performers in Northern Colorado in one electrifying blockbuster show! Proceeds from this benefit will support future Up in Lighs productions coming to the Rialto Theater.

Tickets: $10 adult, $8 senior/student
(970) 962-2120

28th Governor's Arts Awards

28th Governor's Art Awards
Friday, February 12, 2010
Little America
2800 West Lincolnway
Cheyenne, Wyoming
This year's awardess
Don Butler, saddlemarker- Sheridan
Mayor Duane Evenson- Gillette
Naoma J. Tate, patron- Cody
Louise Wesswick, patron- Rock Springs
Wyoming Educators of Secondary Theatre, arts organization- statewide
Please RSVP by February 5, 2010

In memoriam: Sally Jo Rogers

Former Wyoming Arts Council board members Sally Jo Rogers, 61, died Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010.

She was born Nov. 7, 1948, in Topeka, Kan., the youngest of three daughters born to Merlin Charles “Babe” and Winifred Anne “Peg” Rogers. After brief transfers to Omaha and Denver, the family moved to Cheyenne in 1951 and then to Rawlins in 1955.

During her senior year in high school, she joined the international cast of Up With People and spent the year traveling with 150 young adults from multi-national and cultural backgrounds. The group’s goal was to make the world a better place by reaching across borders with gestures of peace, love, honesty, purity and unselfishness.

Ms. Rogers attended the University of Tulsa and University of Wyoming and graduated from California State University Long Beach.

She briefly taught school and had a long career selling real estate in Jackson Hole. She was the executive director of the Silver Buffalo Club, major gifts manager at Wyoming Public Radio in Laramie and was the vice president of Business Development at Rocky Mountain Bank for the last four years.

Sally was appointed to the Wyoming Arts Council Board of Directors. She served as president of the Teton County Republican Women, secretary of the Albany County Republican Central Committee and vice president of the University of Wyoming Alumni Association. She was a member of the Off Square Theatre Board, St. John’s Hospital Auxiliary, Rotary Club of Jackson Hole and charter member of the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole.

She was honored by the Rotary Club as the November 2009 Citizen of the Month.

Her interests included making friends all over the world, music, her friends and family, dancing, Wyoming and being a University of Wyoming Cowboys fan.

She is survived by her son, Chris Pierce; sister, Nancy and husband Larry Harris; niece, Valorie and husband Butch Smith; nephew, Sean Harris and companion Tamar Kummel; great-nieces, Annie and husband Dylan Cooper and Erin Brown; sister, Mary Kay Carr; cousins, Mary Ann Hille, Sid Moyers and wife Lynn, Leslie and husband Mark Hamrick, Sheila and husband CJ Laquerica, Maggie and husband Kajeer Yar and Shirley Moyers; and her best friend, Donn Dorsett.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Rawlins. A reception will follow immediately at Rawlins Elks Lodge No. 609.

Calender for Casper Music

Casper Music

FREE: Bach's Lunch Organ Recital features organ music by local and guest players at 12:15 p.m. EVERY WEDNESDAY in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, 302 E. Second St.

FREE: Weekly jam sessions, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAYS at the Lazy 8 Saloon, 13720 Highway 20-26 (the old Glenrock Highway). Audience members and musicians of all proficiency levels welcome. The group plays all kinds of music, including blues, jazz, rock and country. For more, call the saloon at 237-0032.

Natalie Goldberg: Winter Retreats


Natalie Goldberg

Writers Retreats

2010


April 12 with departure April 17

Bending to Light and Dark:

A Writing and Yogo Retreat (open to all)


July 19 with depature July 24

Doodling Hearts: Using Writing Practice to explore

Love and Relationships for the purpose of Memoir,

Fiction, Essays (open to all)


August 9 with departure August 14 or

December 6 with departure December 11

True Secret of Writing (for students who have studied with Natalie before)


Mabel Dodge Luhan House

240 Morada Lane

Taos, NM 87571


800.846.2235

575.751.9686

Call for entries: 2010 Custer Stampede Buffalo Art Auction

Patty M. Ressler from the Custer Stampede in Custer, S.D., sends this:

Get your application in today!

6th Annual Custer Stampede Buffalo Art Auction

Call to Artists for Table Top and Free Form Bison Art

Application Deadline - January 29, 2010

Applications available at www.custerstampede.org

FMI: 605-673-5955 or info@custerstampede.com

SPCR Commission meets Feb. 11-12

From a SPCR press release:

Members of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources Commission will meet Thursday and Friday, Feb. 11-12, in the Ballroom of the Historic Plains Hotel in Cheyenne.

The body will meet from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on February 11 and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on February 12.

During the meeting, the Commission will receive divisional updates and discuss a variety of State Parks and Cultural Resources issues, including the departmental budget request and proposed legislation for the upcoming budget session of the state legislature.

Also while in Cheyenne, the Commission will visit the Wyoming State Museum and attend the 28th Annual Governor’s Arts Awards being held Friday, February 12, at Little America.

The Commission has advisory responsibility for the Division of State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails, which involves the planning, acquisition, development and management of all state parks, state trails program, state recreation areas, state historic sites and archaeology sites. The Commission also advises the Division of Cultural resources, which includes the Wyoming State Museum, Wyoming Arts Council, the official State Records Center and Archives, the Office of the State Archeologist, historical research activities, the State Historic Preservation Office and the management of the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund.

Members of the Commission are: President Ernie Over, Pavillion; Dan Barks, Gillette; William Vines, Wheatland; Mary Hawkins, Devils Tower; Dudley Gardner, Ph.D, Rock Springs; Linda Fabian, Wheatland; Carolyn Buff, Casper; Karen Haderlie, Thayne; and Barb Vietti, Thermopolis.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Connie Norman blogs interviews with artists

Cheyenne artist Connie Norman sends this:

I've been doing a series of artist interviews on my blog. I thought it would be a great way to connect, and get to know other artists. I have 12 artists who have committed to the project so far. At this point I have posted three interviews. The artist of the week now is Lander's Matt Flint, recipient of a 2009 Wyoming Arts Council visual arts fellowship.

Go to http://connienorman.com/blog/

Call for entries: Non-fiction childbirth stories

Writer Jeffe Kennedy (formerly of Laramie, now in Santa Fe) sent this announcement from writer Kerri Nelson:

I'm writing a non-fiction book! Inspired by my current (and last of 3) pregnancies, I've submitted a project proposal to a publisher who has subsequently commissioned me to compile a book of real childbirth stories. For those of you who don't know, I was once upon a time a Certified Childbirth Educator (educated at Wake Forest University School of Medicine). So, I have both personal and professional experience in the field.

So, now I'm looking for stories to fill the pages of my first non-fiction project. Here's the deal:

1. Stories must be 10,000 words or less;
2. You can submit more than one story;
3. If your story is chosen for the book, you'll receive a flat rate compensation from the publisher (amount to be determined) but no royalties;
4. You may choose to use a pen name or pseudonym for your story if you don't want your "personal" details published;
5. All types of birth stories are welcome including c-sections, multiple births, etc...;
6. Deadline for birth story submissions is February 26, 2010;
7. The publisher is looking for real birth stories (non-fiction) so please keep that in mind although...the fact that some of you are fiction writers will definitely make your stories highly entertaining...I'm sure; and 8. Please submit your story directly to me with your real name, pen name (or name that you want to use on the story), contact e-mail address, final word count in the body of the e-mail (subject line: Birth Story Submission) and your story attached as a Word.doc. You will be contacted if your story is chosen and further details will follow.

If you have any questions, please contact me directly at kerribookwriter@yahoo.com

Lyn Dalebout has new web site & new book

Writer Lyn Dalebout of Moose has a new web site at http://www.earthwordskyword.com/.

She also has a new books coming out soon. It's "Earth is the Book" from Blue Bison Press. Here's an excerpt from the book's lead poem:

Here is the spine:
a fractal ridge, sturdy binding

Here is the page:
trumpeter swan, vellum feathers

Here is the print:
tracks each morning, visitors at night

Here is the text:
snowed in poems, released in spring

Call for entries: KEAG's "Heart on Art"



From Sarah Ramsey-Walters at the KEAG Gallery in Laramie:

KEAG Gallery is about to hang Hearts.

It is short notice, and meant to be a fun event. I know, I know everyone is busy, but if you feel like joining in here's the info. Deadline is VERY soon. If you have any questions, please contact us.

HEART on ART, KEAG Gallery, Feb. 6- Feb.27.

This is a short call for art, on your toes, creativity on demand. This is a call for SMALL WORKS. It must have a heart in the design…somewhere.

Media: almost any

Artists must be 18 or older

Dimensions: 2D, 11"x14" maximum; 3D, no more than 14" max. in any direction. Wall pieces must be framed and ready to hang.

We encourage artists to create works that can be retailed for $100.00 or less.

FEES: $5.00 entry for up to 3 works, $10.00 to enter 6.

KEAG Gallery will take a 30% commission on all sales

DEADLINE: Hand-deliver work to KEAG Gallery on Thursday, Jan. 28, between 3-5 p.m. or Friday, Jan 29, between 1-4 p.m. Artists whose works are included (or not) will be notified by phone Feb.1. Inclusion of works is at the discretion of the organizers: delivery of artwork is not a guarantee of inclusion in exhibit. Arrangements will be made to have not included works picked up by Feb. 3. Artists must insure their own artwork.

OPENING: Saturday, Feb. 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Invites will be word of mouth and email, so spread the word.

QUESTIONS: Call Dona @ 307-721-3983 or email: keaggallery.dona@gmail.com.

KEAG Gallery, 414 Grand Avenue, Laramie, http://keaggallery.blogspot.com/

Friday, January 22, 2010

Liberian-American spoken-word artist on stage tonight at MLK/DOD

A few more events on tonight's schedule for Martin Luther King, Jr., Days of Dialogue at UW in Laramie:

Movie and Discussion: “Higher Learning”6:30 pm • Wyoming Union Family Room

Spoken Word Open Mic with Liberian-American spoken-word artist e.g. bailey, 9 pm • Wyoming Union Gardens

Movie: “American Violet”9:00 & 11:30 pm • Wyoming Union Family Room.

All events are free and open to the public.Individuals with disabilities needing accommodations in order to participate should contact Kate Steiner at (307) 766-3296.

UW theater selected as regional finalist


The University of Wyoming's original production as "Six Songs from Ellis" has been selected as on of the four Region VII finalists for the 2010 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

Conceived and choreographed by professor Marsha Knight, it is an original work that uses dance, film, and audio interviews and actors reenactments to capture the voices of immigrants who represents a different stage of the immigration experience, and efforts were made to preserve the stories as originally told.

"Six Songs from Ellis' showcases many aspects of our program," says Knight. "We appreciate the opportunity to take this on, as it provides another occasion to work the piece and improve."

It was chosen as one of four regional finalists from a pool of approximately 50 productions. The Center's annual competition for student actors, directors and playwrights representing colleges and universities nationwide, will be Feb. 15-19 at the University of Nevada-Reno.

Two UW student playwrights have also been selected as finalists. They are Jaime Cruz of Laramie for "Cuarto # Cuatro" and Christopher Wolter of Denver, for "Veiled Inspiration"

A special public peformance of "Six Songs from Ellis" is tentatively scheduled. Proceeds will be used to offset costs of attending the regional festival.

When: 7:30 p.m. JAN. 29

Where: UW Arts and Sciences auditorium

Grand Teton Music Festival


Grand Teton Music Festival
The Grand Teton Music Festival has returned for its annual Winter Concert Series.
From classical chamber music, strings, woodwinds and piano to virtuosic brass, the festival promises a varied and exciting season. Performers this winter include musicians from Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and Houston.
The one-hour winter performances contribute to Grand Teton Music Festival's year-round educational programs, which involve bringing visiting artists into local schools.
Unless otherwise noted, concerts start at 7:30 p.m. in Walk Festival Hall, Teton, Village. Tickets are $10 adults, free for students ages 6-18.
Call 307-733-1128 or visit http://www.gtmf.org/ for more.
Feb. 12: String quartet convert, featuring musicians from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Houston Symphony. Hear the works of Mendelssohn and Debussy.
March 20: Free family concert at 4 p.m. Details to be announced.
March 26: Woodwind quintet with piano, with musicians from the Atlanta, Chicago and Detroit Symphony Orchestras, the Houston Symphony and the Chicago Chamber Musicians.

Lori Van Pelt in new anthology w/update

Saratoga's Lori Van Pelt joins Sue Grafton, Phillip Lopate, Kim Stafford, John Dufresne and Dorianne Laux as contributors to the new book "Writers and Their Notebooks." Lori's essay in the book is entitled "The Icebreaker." She won a 2009 poetry fellowship from the Wyoming Arts Council.

The book is being published Jan. 26 by the University of South Carolina Press. Hardcovers are $49.95 and softcovers, $24.95. Order from yoru favorite bookseller.

Lynn Z. Bloom, author of "The Seven Deadly Virtues" and "Other Lively Virtues," said this: “Writers and Their Notebooks is a lively collection of informal writings about journal-keeping. Its intimate glimpses of writing processes, travel, survival–and life itself–will give would-be writers a jump-start."

FMI: http://www.sc.edu/uscpress/

UPDATE 1/25/10: wyomingarts forgot to mention that Diana Raab is the editor and compiler of this collection. She also wrote the introduction. Diana will be panel moderator for “Writing Biographies: Making Someone Else’s Story Your Own” April 8 at the AWP Conference at the Denver Convention Center. Panelists include some of the contributors to "Writers and Their Notebooks." Get more info on Diana at http://www.dianaraab.com/

Calender for Casper Art

"Visual Virtuality"
A show by artist Tom Loepp, shows through JANUARY at Metro Coffe Co. Paintings are portraits, still-lifes and paintings of food at Plow's Diner, most of them new.

"Energy Behind the Doors to Wyoming's Future"
Is 5 to 8 p.m. THURSDAY at the Science Zone, 111 W. Midwest Ave. in the lower level of Mossholders Design Center. Features a silent auction of works by local artists depicting their visions of renewable energy and sustainability for Wyoming's future, painted on more than 20 doors. There will be beer, wine and hors d' oeuvers. Tickets: $20, available at the Science Zone, Nelico Equipment, River-Rail Community Federal Credit Union and First Interstate Bank.

Paintbrush Porcelain Artists
Club members will exhibit their work through FEBRUARY at West Wind Gallery, 1040 W. 15th St. The club organized in 2004 and has members of all ages and painting experience. They are studying with Bernadine Kuck on Mondays. Gallery is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. An artists; reception, along with an all-member show of Casper Artist Guild members, will be 2 to 4 p.m. FEB. 14 For gallery info, call 265-2655. For Paintbrush Porcelain Artists info, call Bernadine Kuck at 237-3838

University of wyoming Art Museum exhibition "The Red Desert, Photographs by Martin Stupich" is on display through FEB. 26 at the Natrona County Public Library. Since 2000, Martin Stupich has photographed extensively in the desert with an urgency to record it in the midst of its changing landscape.

Reception today at AVA in Gillette

The Campbell County Teachers Art Show will be up until January 29.

Featuring artwork by Chris Amend • Rede Ballard • Corina Crump • Irene Daly • LeAnna Given • Molly Heibult • Roxanne Hussey • Rita Lewis • Jason Linduska • Karyl Meyer • Kate Payne • Michael Plourde • Carol Shepherd • Linda Stewart • Deborah Tangen • Paul Waldum • John Werbelow • Melissa Wickwire.

Please join us for an Artists' Reception on Friday, January 22, from 6-8pm.

Learn More

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Puppet Show at WYO Theater in Sheridan

Visit Dreamworld with Roseneath Theatre's Rocket and the Queen of Dreams
Wednesday, February 3, 2010- 7:00 p.m
$15 Adult/ $13 Senior & Military/ $8 Student/ $5 12 and Under
Call the box office at 307-672-9084 for more inofrmation or visit http://www.wyotheater.com/

Part of the children's educational and family series

Rocket is a little boy with a problem: he's afraid of monsters. His father assures him that there are no monsters in his room, in his house or in his neighborhood and that he should turn off his light and go to sleep- but that is the problem, the monsters he's afraid of are in his dreams.

Through a brillant fusion of shadow theatre, traditional puppetry and live perfromance, Rocket and the Queen of Dreams takes us on a magical jouney into the ethereal world of dreamdom. Inspired by real stories of children's dreams, this magical and empowering production will delight, encourage and inspire. Sweet dreams at the WYO Theater.

Jesus Christ Superstar the Musical in Casper


Jesus Christ Superstar the Musical

Starring Ted Neeley

Live on Stage!

February 1st, 2010

Casper Events Center


Tickets available at Casper Events Center Box

Office at (307) 577-3030 or (800) 442-2256 or


Smithsonian

American Art Museum

To hold annual benefit,

ARTrageous!

The Smithsonian American Art Museum's annual benefit, ARTrageous!, will be held Saturday, February 27, from 8-11:30 p.m. in the museum's stunning Kogod Courtyard, and will feature live music and dancing, a catered buffet and a late-night deejay. This year's gala occuring on the heels of Fashion Week in New York City, will be fashion-centric and will feature the museum's new piece Reclining Dress Impression with Drapery by artist Karen LaMonte. The muesum is encouraging attendess to get in the couture spirit by ARTcessorizing with fabulous hats, handbags, ascots and footwear.

An exclusive pre-reception dinner, held at 7 p.m. and limited to the first 100 people to purchase tickes at the ARTthusiastic level and above, will feature a cocktail-hour conversation between artist LaMonte and curator Nicholas Bell, as well as a seated dinner in the museum's elegant Luce Foundation Center for American Art. Tickets at all levels can be purchased at

http://americanart.si.edu/support/benefit

Laramie Civic Chorus looking for new members

The Laramie Civic Chorus is now accepting new members.

Directed by James Bowyer, choral faculty member in the University of Wyoming Department of Music, the chorus will hold its first rehearsal Monday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. in Room 128 of the UW Fine Arts Center. Rehearsals are every Monday night and will conclude with the April 10 spring concert.

The course fee is $20 for non-registered chorus members. The group will perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with the UW orchestra in addition to masterwork choral pieces by Mozart, Haydn, Stravinsky, Schubert and others.

For more information e-mail Boyer at jbowyer@uwyo.edu.

Doris Knowles Pulis's new book




How It Looks Going Back

Growing up in the Montana Woods

By Doris Knowles Pulis

Published 2009 by Riverbend Publishing

Helena, MT

$12 softcover

When eigh-year-old Doris Knowles and her family embarked from their home in Californa on a summer vacation to Canada in 1949, little did they expect to wind up moving to a log cabin, perched on a fish-filled lake, in the sparsely populated Yaak Valley.

In her vivid and well-crafted memoir, Pulis tells about the six years her family spent their, minus electricity or running water. She, and eventually her little sister Bob (Barbara), attended a one-room schoolhous, and the author learned how to split wood, haul water, ride horses and survive through winters that sometimes swallowed most of the year.

The valley is brimming with eccentrics, like Gus, whose nose" was like the Yaak Road: bumpy and crooked," or the Seventh Day Adventist minister, the Rev. McCoy, who loves nothing more than his ongoing fueds (flint and steel and sparks flying") with Dee's dad, Darwin (named for the fathor of the theory of evolution).

Remarkably, Knowles descrives these experiences as though they happened yesterday instead of six decades ago, with sharp detail and a sense of humor and affection that's palpable.

Clem Work, a journalism professor at the University of Montana, notes that the author's "sweet and sassy memoir... shows that the spirit, guts, and grit are priceless qualites in any era."

The author, who now resides in Bend, OR, also spent 25 years in the Bitterrott Valley, where she and her husband raised Christmas trees.

-Kristi Niemeyer

Winter Workshops & Field Expeditions in Cody

At the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody --

Adult Workshops:

For registration and fee information, contact Megan Smith at megans@bbhc.org or 307.578.4028

Studion Art Class: Learning from the Western Masters with M.C, Poulsen. Develop artistic skills through study and duplication of the techniques of the great artists of yesterday.
Saturdays, January 9 and 30, February 20, March 20, 10 a.m. -5 p.m.

Winter Observations: Tracks and Signs, January 23

Winter Observations: Photographing Nature, February 27

Winter Ovservations: Nature Journaling, March 13

Historic Homes of Cody, March 27, 1-3 p.m. Take an informative tour guided by Lynn Houze, Buffalo Bill Museum Curatorial Assistant. As you travel, you will learn about the early history of Cody and tour the interiors of historic homes.

Natural History Field Expeditions:

For registration and fee information, contact Jennifer McDonald at jenniferm@bbhc.org or 307.578.4121

Winter Eagle Watch, January 16, 7:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

Owl Prowl, February 20, 5-10 pm

Discovery Field Trip:

For registration and fee information, contact Emily Hansel at emilyh@bbh.org or 307.578.4110

A Journey Through Snow, January 18

Children's Workshops:

For registration and information, contact Gretchen Henrich at gretchenh@bbh.org or 307.578.4061

Early Explorers, 10:30-noon, January 23, February 20, March 20, for preschool students and parents. Gallery exploration, art projects, games, stories, and other hands-on activites. $4 for members, $6 for non-members

Winter Wonder Workshops, January 23, February 20, March 20. Workshops in history, natural history, and art for children ages 4-13. $7 for members, $9 for non-members

720 Sheridan Avenue
Cody, Wyoming 82414-3428

All Laramie County Art Show!

All Laramie County Art Show
Sponsored by Wyoming Bank And Trust
March 1st though April 4th
124 W Lincolnway
Cheyenne WY 82001
10:00 am>6:00 pm
Monday through Saturday
Noon to 4:00 pm Sunday
View artwork of all styles sizes and media by artists
in Laramie County

"Jentel Presents" Feb. 2 at Sheridan Library

A new year brings together the six new visual artists and writers to the Jentel Artist Residency Program in Banner. Highlighting this month’s residents in an event open to the public, “Jentel Presents” will take place Tuesday, February 2, 2010, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., at the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library Inner Circle. This month’s presenters include a poet, fiction writer, collage/mixed media artist, printmaker, installation artist and a sculptor. “Jentel Presents” is a community outreach program that features visual presentations and readings by the visual artists and writers at the residency.

Presenters include: Carol Davis, Los Angeles, CA; A poet, Carol was born in California and lived in Europe as a child. She has spent the last ten years back and forth in Russia and the United States; Viet Dinh, Wilmington, DE; A fiction writer, Viet was 6 months old, when he escaped in the arms of his parents, on the last airplane out of Saigon as it fell to the Communists; Lisa Lindgren, Brooklyn, NY; A collage/mixed media artist, Lisa enjoys the contrast between urban living and roughing it in the woods, mountains or sea; Edw Martinez, Virginia City, NV; A printmaker, Edw (slowly) walked the Camino de Santiago eight years ago and finds the images and ideas showing up in his work; Alexandra Robinson, Kansas City, MO; An installation artist, Alex is a military brat who grew up all over. She likes places that seem one way but are actually another; Lee Emma Running, Grinnell, IA; A sculptor, Lee is growing a huge garden in Iowa and is working on a series of drawings about the natural world.

There is no admission charge for “Jentel Presents” and refreshments are available.

The Jentel Foundation offers dedicated individuals a supportive environment in which to further their creative development. While at Jentel, visual artists and writers have the opportunity to experience unfettered time to allow for thoughtful reflection and meditation on the creative process in a setting that preserves the agricultural and historical integrity of the land.

The Jentel Artist Residency Program accepts applications twice a year from visual artists in all media and writers in all genres for a one-month residency. A residency includes a comfortable accommodation; common living, dining and recreation areas; a private workspace and a stipend to help defray expenses during the program. For more information please visit www.jentelarts.org or call Jentel at (307) 737-2311.

"The Power olf Art" workshop in D.C.

The Lab School of Washington in Washington, D.C. will host its 17th annual workshop "The Power of Art: Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities" this spring. The Power of Art is a national competition which celebrates excellence in art education and innovative teaching methods. The Power of Art is held in conjunction with and generously sponsored by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation.
 
The one day workshop provides art teachers with a better understanding of learning disabilities, original ways to teach, and how art can be used to teach academic skills. The Rauschenberg Foundation kindly provides hotel accommodations and limited travel funds. Because the late Robert Rauschenberg, Master of Modern Art , was not diagnosed until adulthood with dyslexia, he wanted to iterate the importance and value of art education in the classroom, especially those students with learning disabilities. His son, Chris Rauschenberg an artist and photographer will attend the workshop and meet with the teachers. This is a fantastic once in a life time opportunity for art teachers nation-wide who have a large or small population of learning disabled students.
 
FMI: http://www.labschool.org/content/powerart

Apply now for WESTAF TourWest grants

WESTAF's TourWest grant program is now open and accepting applications at http://westaf.cgweb.org/. The application deadline is April 1, 2010.

TourWest is a competitive grant program that provides subsidies to arts and community organizations for the presentation of out-of-state touring performers and literary artists. Funds are available to organizations that sponsor performances within the 13-state WESTAF region.

Projects must take place between September 01, 2010 and August 31, 2011. All projects must have one public performance and one outreach activity.

FMI: Seyan Lucero, Senior Project Manager, WESTAF, 303.629.1166

Hynds Building Project seeks Artists

A group of people in Cheyenne is exploring the possibility of opening up the Hynds building, on the corner of Capitol and Lincolnway, as artist studio space.

Any kind of artist needing space is welcome to contact the organizers. The space will be clean but otherwise very basic in amenities.

If you are interested, please contact Rebecca Barrett at rebecca.barrett3@mac.com. In the next few weeks, there will be a meeting and tour of the building.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Hey ya'll -- Miss “V” in Georgia story

Here's a link to a Dec. 11 story and slide show on coastalsource.com out of Savannah, Ga., featuring Wyoming Arts Council roster artist Miss “V” the Gypsy Cowbelle from Cora, Wyo.

Jackson showcases area talent at 1/22 event

Aaron Davis wrote a story for Planet Jackson Hole about this Friday's "Jackson Hole Showcase."

The variety show was assembled and will be hosted by nomadic strummer James Booth. Booth has been super active in the arts scene the last several years -- more than 100 appearances at the JH Hootenanny as a singer-guitarist, host of KHOL’s Live in the Hole, as House Sound Technician at the Center Theater, and stagehand for Off Square Theatre Company, Jackson Community Theatre and Riot Act, Inc.

“When it came to inviting performers, I wanted a sampling of blues, bluegrass, rock, cowboy singer, comedy, dance, and theater … as much of a variety as possible in a two-hour show,” Booth said.

The stacked lineup of bands will feature up-and-coming bluegrass quartet Random Canyon Growlers, classical virtuoso and Jackson native Byron Tomingas, female singer-songwriter trio The Outskirts, fluid saxman Jason Fritts fronting jazz trio and the experimental hip-hop/nu jazz sextet The Outfit. What stands out with this particular lineup is that they are primarily composers, contributing a novel imprint to the airwaves.

The family-friendly Jackson Hole Showcase begins at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22, at the Center for the Arts Theatre.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The Many Performances of Bill Chrastil


The Many Performances of Bill Chrastil

Saturday, March 13, 7:30 pm

Bill is making his final appearance at the Rialto before opening his own theater in Branson, Missouri. Don'tmiss this high energy tribute to the king, Elvis Presley and other superstars Neil Diamond, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson and Tom Jones. Enjoy a fun evening of Rock and Roll, Country Western and guitar instrumentals.

Tickets:$12 adult, $10 senior/student

University of Wyoming Student Exhibitions


University Of Wyoming:

Please Join Us

for the opening of new exhibitions

including the

35th Annual Juried

University of Wyoming Student Exhibition

at the

University of Wyoming Arts Muesum

Friday, January 29, 2010, 6-8 pm

Annual Student Awards Ceremony, 6:30 pm


For information of those programs,

Michael Parker's Exhibition in Rock Springs

Michael Parker

January 2- February 19, 2010

Community Fine Arts Center
400 C Street

Rock Springs, WY

(303) 362-6212

Maurice Sendak illustrations come to National Museum of Wildlife Art

From a press release:

Show me wild new ways,” a wolfish Max commands in an early draft of Where the Wild Things Are. That early vision of the award-winning 10-line story that came to life as an $80-plus million Hollywood movie is just one of 30 original illustrations celebrating Sendak’s animal artistry on view in a new family-friendly exhibition, “Wild New Ways: Maurice Sendak’s Animal Kingdom,” at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyo., May 15-Sept. 19. Works for the exhibition, drawn from the Rosenbach Museum & Library’s collection of over 10,000 Sendak drawings, manuscripts and working materials, demonstrate the range of styles with which the artist captures textures of fur, feathers, and scales – from the precisely drawn pen and ink bats of The Bat-Poet to the soft watercolors of Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present.

From wild things to domestic animals, and mythical beasts to common farm animals, Maurice Sendak has included animals of some kind in almost every one of the 108 books he has illustrated. In addition to his nuanced rendering of the animals themselves, he famously delves into themes involving the wild and tame in all of us – in keeping with the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s mission of using original art to probe humanity’s relationship with nature.

Over a 60-year career that includes the classic 1964 Caldecott Medal-winning Where the Wild Things Are, Sendak has found that “each book demands an individual stylistic approach.” While his artwork references both artists of the past and pop culture, his driving motivation has always been to satisfy the child in himself.” One of the best-known creators of contemporary children's books, Sendak has won every important prize in children's literature, including the international Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Illustration (1970), the National Medal of Arts (1996), and a Library of Congress "Living Legend" medal (2000).

Media Contacts: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, 307.734.5335, darla@wordenpr.com; Zeenie Scholz, National Museum of Wildlife Art, 307.732.5437, zscholz@wildlifeart.org

AVA's "Art at the Derby" features exhibit, reception and formal fund-raiser


Soulfege on stage at UW on Jan. 20

From a UW press release:

The hip-hop/reggae/funk underground sensation Soulfege returns to the University of Wyoming in Laramie on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m. in the Wyoming Union ballroom as a part of Martin Luther King Jr./Days of Dialogue activities.

The free performance features Johnathan Gramling and Derrick Ashong (aka DNA). The "brothers in song" met while attending Harvard University and soon realized they wanted to take their good education and make some cash, which led to the formation of the band Soulfege.

The Student Activities Council sponsors the performance. Individuals with disabilities needing accommodations contact the Campus Activities Center at (307) 766-6340.

Casper Children's Theatre wins awards at National Festival

This just in from our friends at Ravenscroft Public Relations:

STUDENTS FROM CASPER CHILDREN'S THEATRE WIN TWO NATIONAL AWARDS AT THE 2010 JUNIOR THEATER FESTIVAL IN ATLANTA, GA., PRESENTED BY MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI)

Photo by Doug McKay

NEW YORK, January 18, 2010 - Students from Casper Children's Theatre have earned another national honor by winning an "Excellence in Technical Achievement" and an "Outstanding Achievement in Dance" at the invitation-only 2010 Junior Theater Festival taking place in Atlanta, GA on January 15-17, 2010.

The cast presented selections from the musical Disney's Mulan JR. for adjudication by Ken Cerniglia, dramaturg and literary manager for Disney Theatrical Productions, iTheatrics master teacher Cindy Ripley and Pat Briggs, the retired director of the Palo Alto Children's Theater.

The Junior Theater Festival is the world's largest musical theatre festival dedicated to groups working with elementary and middle school students and was presented by Music Theatre International and hosted and produced by iTheatrics and Atlanta's Theater of the Stars. The 2010 Festival was held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, GA and brought together more than 1,700 students, teachers, and Broadway professionals to raise their voices in celebration of on-stage and backstage excellence in musical theater.

Adjudicator Ripley said that their choreography really helped tell the story of Disney's Mulan JR. Ripley had seen the group perform at the 2009 festival and complimented the students, saying the students had brought their performance to another level.

Casper students Gabe Miller and Kegan Wells were selected to perform as part of the Broadway Junior All-Stars, a group made up of two students from each group who took part in an intensive theater workshop with Broadway performer and Talkin' Broadway host Seth Rudetsky. These "All-Stars" performed "Freak Flag" from Shrek! the Musical at the awards ceremony for all 1,700 attendees. Rudetsky was a festival guest of honor who also led a music master class for all festival attendees.

The festival attendees also contributed over $1,500 for Haiti relief efforts.

Drawing over 1,700 attendees from 50 schools and educational theater groups from across the United States and Canada, the Junior Theater Festival offered an enthusiastic environment for students and teachers to interact with thousands of others who share their passion for musical theater. Each group performed a 15-minute selection of a musical for professional adjudication by a panel of distinguished theater professionals. In addition, both students and teachers participated in interactive workshops led by Broadway and West End professionals, gained from professional development, enjoyed theatrical fellowship and attended a world-class professional
production of Annie at the fabulous Fox Theatre.

Bozeman's Werner Quartet performs at Wyoming Girls School in Sheridan

Casper Star-Tribune correspondent Judy Hagerott wrote this piece about the visit of the Werner Quartet to Sheridan’s Wyoming Girls School:

SHERIDAN -- The Werner Quartet of Bozeman, Mont., became a conduit of energy, inspiration and dedication to residents of the Wyoming Girls School on Friday night.

The cello quartet is comprised of four Werner siblings: Hele'ne', 20, a sophomore at Yale; Luc, 19, a freshman at Harvard; Mariel, 17, and Ande're, 16, both students at Bozeman Charter School. When not traveling the world making music, the gifted musicians often put their talent to good work, such as the Girls School performance.

The Wyoming Girls School is a therapeutic and educational facility for treatment of court-ordered delinquent girls ages 12 to 21. The program teaches youths to take personal accountability for their actions and develop socially responsible values in preparation for successful transitions back to their families and communities.

To read the entire article, go to http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/article_e61d9014-44b1-5dd4-a3bc-86741db5880b.html

Friday, January 15, 2010

Kevin Holdsworth reading in Cheyenne

Kevin Holdsworth of Green River will be giving a reading and signing on January 26th in Cheyenne as part of the Cheyenne Depot Museum's Downtown Entertainment Program.
Holdsworth is the author of Big Wonderful: Notes from Wyoming (Colorado, 2006) and was awarded a 2009 Wyoming Arts Council Fellowship in Creative Writing-Fiction. He has been selected as the guest poet for the 2010 chapbook Voicings from the High Country.
The reading will begin at 6:30 in the historic depot lobby. It is free and open to the public. For further information, contact the Cheyenne Depot Museum at 307 632-3905.

Winter 2010 Artscapes newsletter at the printer

(click for larger image)

The newsletter will be in the mail by end of January, but thought I'd give a preview here, and the PDF version can be seen on our homepage at http://www.wyomingartscouncil.org/. This issue features the 2009 Governor's Arts Awards recipients, as well as the Blanchan/Doubleday winners and runners'-up, the Folk Arts Mentorships awardees, and lots of other WAC news.

Other posts have talked about the GAA recipients, but they are saddlemaker Don Butler of Sheridan, Mayor Duane Evenson of Gillette, Naoma J. Tate of Cody, Louise Wesswick of Rock Springs, and Wyoming Educator of Secondary Theatre (WEST).

National Museum of Wildlife Art launches blog on the Huffington Post

News from the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson:

Jim McNutt, President and CEO of the National Museum of Wildlife Art, is authoring a new blog on the acclaimed Huffington Post. The blog, called People + Art + Wildlife, is committed to enlisting public perception of wildlife art as a transformative tradition and will continue to explore issues of how wildlife art in particular resonates with the people who experience it. McNutt is equally recognized for his scholarship in wildlife art, Western history and folklore.

A member of Museums West and accredited by both the American Association of Museums and the American Association of Museum Directors, the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States provides an exciting calendar of exhibitions from its permanent collection and changing exhibitions from around the globe and has been featured in media including the L.A. Times and The New York Times. A complete schedule of exhibitions and events are available online at www.wildlifeart.org, along with a coupon for $1 off admission.

Arts world rallies for Haiti earthquake relief

From Cornelia Carey at Craft Emergency Relief Fund:


Dear Friends,

A new decade is upon us and it begins with the hard tragedy unfolding in Haiti. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families as well as those who are on the front lines of the relief efforts there.

A number of you have written looking for suggestions about where to send contributions and aid. Our friends at Artist Trust in Seattle have put together this
list of aid organizations
helping in the relief efforts and this link to a New York Times article lists organizations providing aid. We will be back in touch with you if we have more suggestions to share with you.

In the meantime, please find a way to help out in this dire situation and please hold those in Haiti in your heart.

My best, Cornelia Carey

Thursday, January 14, 2010

In memoriam: Anne Rognstad

Wyoming Arts Council Board Chair Bruce Richardson sends this sad news from Casper:

"On a sad note, some of you know that long-time arts supporter Anne Rognstad died unexpectedly last Sunday night in her sleep. Anne was a key person in the Chamber Music Society, sustainer and planner for many humanities festivals, famous for in-house musical and literary parties, and author of a memorable book of puns about pears. She also curated her own "pear museum." She worked with international students at Casper College and was much beloved on the campus as well as everywhere else.

"There will be a memorial event with music from her son and brother on Friday at 3 p.m. at Durham Hall. I will be one of the speakers. She is survived by her long-time companion, Rainer Schwartkopf, an architect, musician and specialist in the repair of stringed instruments. This loss rips a hole my life and all our lives here in Casper."
Condolences from the Wyoming Arts Council go out to Rainer Schwartzkopf and all of Anne's family and friends. I knew Anne for her enthusiastic support of the Casper College Literary Conference and the Equality State Book Festival. She loved books and music and life.

--Mike Shay

WAC roster panel to meet in Cheyenne Jan. 21

The Wyoming Arts Council will hold its annual artist roster selection panel on Thursday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in the Arts Council Gallery, 2320 Capitol Ave., Cheyenne.

The meeting is open to the public.

Every year, the WAC invites applications for its roster. A panel of artists and arts professionals then convenes to review the applicants and select those that meet the criteria of “artistic merit of the artist” and “ability of the artist to successfully interact with an audience or in a public setting.”

Last year, the panel selected 13 new artists and arts groups, raising the number of talented Wyoming roster artists to 65. Any Wyoming arts organization, school or community can bring in any of these artists through an Arts Across Wyoming grant.

To view the current artists’ roster, or to get more information about grants, go to
http://wyoarts.state.wy.us

For more information about the panel meeting, please call the WAC at 307-777-7742.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Wyoming State Museum Spring 2010 Lecture Series

Jan. 14--Military Sites in Wyoming, 1700-1920 by Dr. Mark Miller, WY State Archaeologist. Dr. Miller will provide a brief survey of sites that were used to prepare for or exectute armed warfare. Will cover current understanding of 6 different property types represented during this period.

Feb. 11--Remembering Sunrise Mine and Its Community: Portrait of a Company Town by Mary Humstone and Sophia beck, UW American Studies Program. Humstone and Beck will use photographs to present a history of Sunrise Mine, its community, the economic and social impact of Sunrise, as well as ethnic relations, living conditions, and daily life in Sunrise.

Mar. 11--Wyoming's Great Forest Fire Tragedy: The Blackwater Fire of 1937 by Karl Brauneis. The worst firefighting tragedy in Wyoming's history, the Blackwater Fire changed the way many fires are fought today. Brauneis will talk about the men who died, hnow they fought the fire, and what caused the blow-up.

Apr. 8 -- New York to Charleston on O2 by Mark And Ardath Junge. Mark and Ardath have made five trips throughout the U.S. on behalf of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Mark rides his bicycle while Ardath is Chief of Logistics. Slides and music highlight their Atlantic Seaboard journey.

May 13 -- My Horse, My Gun, My Libraries by Lynne Swanson. In character as mabel Wilkinson, Swanson describes some of the adventures and difficulties of bringing libraries to Platte County and to the rest of Wyoming in the early 1900s.

Lectures are not held in the summer months of June, July and August, but resume each September. For more information, call Sarah Logocki, Curator of Education at 307-777-7021.

NEA U.S./Japan Creative Arts Program deadline approaching

Deadline reminder from Jennifer Kareliusson at the NEA:

The deadline for the U.S./Japan Creative Artists Program is fast approaching and I would greatly appreciate it if you would forward this funding opportunity to any and all professional creative artists on your email lists. Eligible applicants are architects, choreographers, composers, creative writers, designers, media artists, playwrights, visual artists, or solo theater artists who work with original material (including puppeteers, storytellers and performance artists). Multidisciplinary artists and artistic directors of theater or dance companies are also eligible.
 
The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission works cooperatively with the National Endowment for the Arts to sponsor The U.S/Japan Creative Artists' Program. The program provides support for up to five outstanding contemporary and traditional artists from the United States to spend a five-month residency in Japan to pursue their individual artistic goals. The next deadline for this program is February 1, 2010.
 
The U.S/Japan Creative Artists' Program is extremely competitive; applicants should have regional or national recognition and anticipate a highly rigorous review of their work. Artists should also present compelling reasons for wanting to work in Japan.
 
Selected artists will receive:
* A monthly stipend for living expenses and a housing supplement, as well as an allowance for professional support services
* Up to $6,000 for round trip transportation for the artist, domestic partner and/or dependent children, and a baggage/storage allowance
* A stipend for pre-departure Japanese language study in the United States
 
Additional information, including guidelines and the application, can be found at http://www.jusfc.gov/creativeartists.asp.
 
FMI: Jennifer Kareliusson, International Activities Specialist, National Endowment for the Arts, 202-682-5630, kareliussonj@arts.gov

"Gillette's Got Talent" Jan. 16 at CAM-PLEX

From a press release:

Here’s your chance to audition to SING ON STAGE in NEIL BERG’S 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY at the CAM-PLEX Heritage Center Theater in Gillette, Wyoming on Wednesday, January 27, 7 p.m.

All contestants auditioning in “Gillette’s Got Talent- the Search for Gillette’s Broadway Stars” will perform on stage Saturday, January 16, at 7 p.m. Contestants perform a 90-120-second audition in the afternoon at the CAM-PLEX on January 16. Audition tapes will be filmed and submitted on behalf of all contestants. Winners picked by the audience will be announced after the show.

To sign up, please e-mail the CAM-PLEX Heritage Center Theater Manager at jaymi@cam-plex.com. "Gillette’s Got Talent" is free to the public. Patrons will receive a discount coupon to Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway on January 27, 2010. Contestants should plan to bring friends and family, as the audience will vote to select one finalist!

Venue: CAM-PLEX Heritage Center , 1635 Reata Drive, Gillette.

FMI: 307-682-8802

Call for entries: Platte River Photograph Show

Helga Bull, executive director of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce, sent out this letter that was forwarded to us by Douglas photographer Richard Olveda:

I am forwarding this message for your information. There are no awards, but sales from the show are okay. Pricing is up to you. "Photography" includes digitally altered entries also. Hope to see you there.

Everybody is invited to join us at the First Annual Platte River Photograph Show at the Pioneer Museum on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. 5-7 p.m. We will be having an open reception on Wednesday and the show will be exhibited at the museum through Friday, January 22. If you would like to enter a photograph, it must be matted , framed and submitted to the Pioneer Museum by Monday January 18. You then need to pick up your pictures on Monday, January 25. An application is available at the Douglas Chamber at the Depot of the Railroad Interpretative Center.

This is an open show, of any subject and you may submit up to 4 pictures.

I hope if you are unable to submit a photograph that you can visit with us on Wednesday, January 20th or see the exhibit till Friday, Jan 22nd at the Wyoming Pioneer Museum. We have some very talented people in the area and I hope to see you there!

FMI: http://www.jackalope.org/Douglas/DouglasHome.html

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Take 6 to headline Kinser Jazz Festival Feb. 9

A cappella powerhouse Take 6 are the winners of 10 GRAMMY Awards, 10 Dove Awards, one Soul Train Award and two NAACP Image Award nominations. The influential sextet – Mark Kibble, Claude V. McKnight III, Dr. Cedric Dent, David Thomas, Alvin Chea and Joey Kibble – headlines the 2010 Kinser Jazz Festival at Casper College.

Their recent album. The Standard, showcases a new jazz-influenced approach for the group.

“While we sing lyrics that always exemplify our spiritual and moral convictions, what we really are at the core is a jazz vocal group,” says David Thomas, a member of the Take 6 lineup since 1985. “So we decided to do an album of jazz standards, a record that will stand up as the jazz vocal album for all time.”

Take 6 co-founder Claude McKnight also stands behind the ambitious claim. “We go into every project saying it will be the best,” he says. “At least the best we’ve ever done, and depending on the concept or the genre, it may be the best that’s ever been done by anyone. When we take on a project or step into a new phase of our career, we’re not afraid to say, ‘Hey, let’s move some mountains.’”

General Admission tickets to the Take 6 concert on Tuesday, February 9, 7:30 p.m., in the John F. Welsh auditorium at Natrona County High School are $15 each and are available by calling (307) 268-2021.

Bill Boycott on Kulak's Woodshed Jan. 21

Lander musician and Wyoming Arts Council roster artist Bill Boycott will be performing for a live podcast from Kulak's Woodshed in L.A. on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 21. For details and times, go to http://www.kulakswoodshed.com/. For more info about Bill, go to http://www.buffalobillboycott.com/

Here's some background info about this very unique venue in N. Hollywood, Calif.:

Kulak’s Woodshed is an acoustic music listening room, created for singer/songwriters who perform live on the world wide web in an intimate 49 seat listening room and video recording studio

We serve no food or drinks, and we have nothing to sell.

We are a labor of love, music, and community created in 1999, operated by volunteers and funded by audience donations.

The artists who perform here range from emerging independent talents to
number-one hit writers and Grammy winners.

Call for entries: 2010 Arbor Day Poster Contest (kids only!)

Wyoming State tree, the Plains Cottonwood (Salicaceae Populus deltoides)

February 26 is the deadline to send in your entries to the Wyoming Arbor Day Poster Contest for 5th graders to learn about the importance of trees and their role in the planetary life cycle of Carbon dioxide. Contest materials and rules: www.arborday.org/kids/postercontest. FMI: Info: Trish, 307-721-0072 or trish.penny@wy.nacdnet.net

Kemmerer book group reads about "the stuff that dreams are made of"

From the Lincoln County Public Library in Kemmerer:

Gastesi-Bezerra duo to perform at UW

From a UW press release:

The Piano Duo Gastesi-Bezerra will open the University of Wyoming Spring Piano Recital Series with a 7:30 p.m. performance Thursday, Jan. 14, at the Fine Arts Center concert hall in Laramie.

Tickets cost $5.50 for students and senior citizens and $7.50 for others. For ticket information, call the UW Fine Arts Box Office at (307) 766-6666.

The internationally-acclaimed duo has delighted audiences for more than a decade with programs of traditional and contemporary music for piano ensemble. They are the official piano-duo-in-residence at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida.

To learn more about the duo, go to its official Web site at http://www.duogastesibezerra.com/.

Alyson Hagy: "How to Start Your Novel"

"How To Start Your Novel," a workshop with Laramie fiction writer Alyson Hagy on Saturday, January 23, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Teton County Library in Jackson.

Description:

Most of us have great ideas for novels. And many of us begin writing those books only to find ourselves stuck or lost in the thickets of character and plot. What can we do to retain momentum when writing a novel? Join author and University of Wyoming English professor Alyson Hagy to discuss strategies for completing that important first draft. The session includes in-class brainstorming, plenty of discussion and a suggested reading list. Co-presented with the University of Wyoming MFA program and Jackson Hole Writers Conference. To register for this free workshop contact: Oona Doherty, 733-2164 ext. 135 or odoherty@tclib.org. For more information.

Line-up announced for June 24-27 Jackson Hole Writers Conference

Announcing the line-up for the 18th anual Jackson Hole Writers Conference

Join us - for a scribble of inspiration that lasts all year...

The Line-Up - June 24-27, 2010

Fiction: Janet Fitch; Louis Bayard; Craig Johnson; Patricia Smiley

Nonfiction: Winifred Gallagher; Tim Cahill; John Byrne Cooke

Magazine & Travel Writing: Tim Cahill; Jeff Chu; Katie Ives

Young Adult: Mackie D’Arge; Joni Sensel; Susan Juby; Patti Sherlock

Poetry: Kate Northrop; H.L. Hix; Kimberly Johnson; Jay Hopler; Laurie Kutchins

Editors: Marysue Rucci, Simon and Schuster; Ellen Edwards, New American Library/Penguin; Karyn Marcus, St. Martins; Katie Ives, Alpinist magazine

Agents: Meredith Kaffel, Sterling Lord Literistic; Alexandra Machinist, Linda Chester Literary Agency; Abigail Koons, Park Literary Group.

Register now to secure the early bird special of $355, including welcome cocktail party, BBQ with esteemed faculty and new friends, and conference goodie bag.

New York Times bestsellers and award-winning authors will lead you on an inspired weekend as they share their expertise and love of the written word. Learn more about each of these writers here.

Manuscript critiques have always been an integral part of the Jackson Hole Writers Conference.

Receiving one-on-one feedback about your work from three different faculty members is the fastest way to raise the stakes on your writing. With professional evaluation, critiques enhance your conference experience. We accept manuscripts as Word document attachments. Don't miss the deadline.

Learn more at http://www.jacksonholewritersconference.com/

American Life in Poetry: Column 251

BY TED KOOSER, U.S. POET LAUREATE, 2004-2006

The poet Lyn Lifshin, who divides her time between New York and Virginia, is one of the most prolific poets among my contemporaries, and has thousands of poems in print, by my loose reckoning. I have been reading her work in literary magazines for at least thirty years. Here’s a good example of this poet at her best.

The Other Fathers

would be coming back
from some war, sending
back stuffed birds or
handkerchiefs in navy
blue with Love painted
on it. Some sent telegrams
for birthdays, the pastel
letters like jewels. The
magazines were full of fathers who
were doing what had
to be done, were serving,
were brave. Someone
yelped there’d be confetti
in the streets, maybe
no school. That soon
we’d have bananas. My
father sat in the grey
chair, war after war,
hardly said a word. I
wished he had gone
away with the others
so maybe he would
be coming back to us

American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Poem copyright ©2008 by Lyn Lifshin, whose most recent book of poems is Persephone, Red Hen Press, 2008. Poem reprinted from Natural Bridge, No. 20, Winter, 2008, by permission of Lyn Lifshin and the publisher. Introduction copyright © 2009 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction's author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.