Friday, May 28, 2010

Ozy's "Good Riddance Winter" show


From the Ozymandian Theater's Facebook page:

Are you ready for an evening of pure sophistication and deep meaningful culture while sipping on expensive wine that nobody can pronounce? Does a night of sharing your favorite poetry and discussing modern art give you a serious case of "The Giddies"?

If your answer to any of those questions was "yes" than we wish you the best of luck...

For everyone else we are excited to announce that Ozymandian Theater is back with a brand new and all original sketch and improv comedy show!

Our show, "Good Riddance Winter," will run on May 28th, 29th, and June 4th and 5th at The Mary Godfrey Playhouse (on the corner of Windmill and Pershing, next to East High School in Cheyenne). The show starts at 7:30 p.m. The cost of tickets are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the door at 7:00 P.M. or purchased on our website: http://www.ozytheater.com/

As always, our show is rated PG-13.

Proceeds from these shows will provide for two $500 college scholarships. We are proud to be offering this scholarship for a third year.

Every ticket holder may enter the name a Cheyenne High School graduating senior into a raffle. Winning tickets will be drawn at the end of our shows on May 29th and June 5th. The winner need not be present to win.

Both lucky seniors will receive a check for $500 upon proof of college enrollment for the 2010 fall semester.

As always we are thankful for the Cheyenne Little Theater Players for their support and help in putting on these shows that benefit Cheyenne! For more info on all the amazing things happening at the CLTP please visit http://www.cheyennelittletheatre.org/

Sheridan Co. Museum holds open house June 5


The Sheridan County Museum will hold its annual "Community Appreciation Day" on Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Attend the open house for new and updated exhibits at the museum and to celebrate paying off the mortgage on the building as well as the 50th anniversary of the Sheridan County Historical Society. The entire community is invited. Free admission. Refreshments on the porch. Ten percent off museum memberships. Special discounts and sales in the Museum Mercantile.

FMI: www.sheridancountyhistory.org

"Quilting on the Green" June 3-5 in Green River

The 20th anniversary of "Quilting on the Green" will be held from Thursday, June 3, to Saturday, June 5. Thursday hours are 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. At the Expedition Island Pavillion in Green River. Admission is $2.

Trunk show will be held on Friday at 7 p.m. $15 admission.

FMI: Alyssa at 307-872-0580

Work by visiting Native-American artists on display at Colter Bay Indian Arts Museum

Check this out on your travels through GTNP:

Grand Teton National Park sponsors a program for visiting American Indian artists at the Colter Bay Visitor Center and Indian Arts Museum. Artists participating in the program represent tribes from across the U.S. Guest artists exhibit daily. Monday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. in the lower level of the Colter Bay Indian Arts Museum. Artists also offer their finished work for purchase.

Through May 30 -- Willie and Debbie LaMere, Shoshone, knapping, beadwork and flint

Admission to GTNP will be free on the weekend of June 5-6.

FMI: 3070-739-3393 and http://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Wilson Summer Festival Season





June 30 - August 14, 2010


The Grand Teton Music Festival has much in store for its 49th annual summer season! With even weeks of concerts carefully crafted by Music Director Donald Runnicles and featuring the great classical artists of today, the renowned Festival Orchestra takes the stage Friday and Saturday evenings in Walk Festival Hall. The finest of the chamber music repertoire, eclectic crossover concerts and recitals, and free community concert offerings - including Jackson's favorite way to celebrate the 4th of July, Music In The Hole - round out the summer season.
Of course Donald Runnicles and the Festival's musicians will journey from around the globe to Jackson Hole this summer, but where you let the music of the Grand Teton Music Fesival's 2010 Summer Season take you is limitless! Join us for seven weeks of exhilarating performances by the Festival Orchestra, or explore our other more unconventional programming during the week at Walk Festival Hall.
TUESDAYS - Inside the Music
Scratch your musical itch and satisfy your curiosity about classical music at our FREE concerts on Tuesday evenings! Only 75 minutes long, these casual performances are hosted by Festival Musician Roger Oyster and take you on an exhilarating and user-friendly journey into the music. Inside the Music concerts offer a sneak peek into the weekend orchestra concerts.
WEDNESDAYS - Spotlight Concerts
An ecclectic offering of jazz to bluegrass and beyond in the midst of the Festival's renowned classical fare.
THURSDAYS - Musicians' Choice Chamber Music Concerts
Thursday night concerts feature classical chamber music programs handpicked by Festival Musicians with unexpected appearances by special guest artists.
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS - Festival Orchestra Concerts
Weekends at the Grand Teton Music Festival showcase our Festival Orchestra together with Music Director Donald Runnicles and the finest guest conductors and soloists from around the globe.


Contact:
Grand Teton Music Festival
4015 W. Lake Creek Drive, #1
Wilson, Wyoming 83014

Casper NIC Fest


Casper NIC Fest

June 18-19, 2010
Amazing Arts!
Dozens of artists from across the country will be showcasing and selling their works - paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and more - in 2010.

In addition, the Nicolaysen Art Museum's galleries will be open and free to the public throughout the festival.

Great Entertainment!
This year, NIC Fest's Main Stage will feature 14 different musical groups performing throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, during breaks on the NIC Fest Main Stage, visitors can wander down to the corner of Beech and 2nd street to hear the unique African/Cuban drum sounds of Tanbores Afro-Cubano. This group from Colorado, led by Colorado University professor Thomas VanSchoick, plays traditional and contemporary rhythms from Africa and Cuba. Some of the styles that they will be playing are Rumba, Yambu, Guaguanco, Guarapachangueo, Rumba Columbia, Bembe, Guiro, Iyese and Bata Rumba. Some of the more interesting percussion instruments that group members will play include Conga, Bata, Cajons and Chekere drums. Other members of the group include Dave Crowder, Scott Mast, Eric Walker and Maurizo Capperelli.
In addition, the Wyoming Shakespeare Festival Company will kick off its 2010 summer tour of the state with a special performance at NIC Fest on Sunday.


Plus, NIC Fest also offers lots of other unique things to see and do, such as the annual Art on Wheels car show, chalk art competition and Kiwanis pancake breakfast.


NIC Fest is held primarily on the grounds of the Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center, 400 E. Collins; but also makes use of the City of Casper’s Historic Monument Plaza and Walkway (just north of the museum) and Gazebo (west side of Beech Street) as well as three surroundings streets – Beech, Kimball and Collins, which are closed for the event.



Ceili at the Roundhouse Celtic Festival

2010 Celtic Festival
June 18-19
Go to http://youngmusicians.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64&Itemid=60 to print out a Festival Program including schedule, Clan Booth applications (free space outside in the plaza!),Vendor Booth application(10x10 spaces, only $50)
World renowned music with the Old Blind Dogs from Scotland, Molly's Revenge with Moira Smiley, and eleven regional bands perform all weekend., clans,vendors & merchandise, craftsman, demonstrations, workshops & education.
Daytime events held at the historic, newly restored Roundhouse, Machine shop and plaza, located 1/2 mile northwest of Downtown Evanston on Main St.
Daytime Festival - Roundhouse Complex 9 am - 5 pm
Evening headline shows - Evanston High School start at 7 pm
After-hours Ceili celebration - Roundhouse with music and session playing, dancing, food and drink 9 pm - midnight
Contact:
Young Musicians, Inc.
P.O. Box 394
Evanston, WY 82931
307-679-2348

Circle Up Chuckwagon Dinner Show


The Dubois Wind River KOA Welcomes You to the
Circle Up Chuckwagon Dinner Show in
Dubois, Wyoming

June 14-Aug. 20, Dubois

The Dubois Wind River KOA is proud to host the Circle Up Chuckwagon Dinner Show for the fifth year. (All are welcome. Need not be camping to be part of the fun.)
You are invited to join us for a delicious Chuckwagon dinner, followed by some great old-time cowboy music and Western entertainment for the entire family.
The Wind River and Mountain Range is a perfect setting for some of the best authentic western experiences this side of the Rocky Mountains.
Please join us! You may come as strangers, but you will leave as our friends.


Dubois Wind River KOA
P O Box 1380
225 Welty Street
Dubois WY 82513
800-562-0806

Celebrate the Arts in Sherdian

Celebrate the Arts
Date: June 10, 2010 - June 11, 2010
Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Area artists present and produce their wares and talents LIVE in the shops and on the sidewalks of Sheridan’s historic downtown district. Featured artisans present a broad spectrum of artistic medium ranging from wood carving, clay sculpting, oil & watercolor painting, poetry readings, crafts, various genres of live music, and book signings.
Contact: Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce 307-672-2485.

Next Art Design & Dine is on June 10

The next Cheyenne Art Design & Dine event is rapidly approaching.

It will be held on Thursday, June 10, 5-8 p.m.

Featured restaurant this month is Ruby Juice. If you get 5 signatures on your Art, Design & Dine card you will get $1.00 off any size smoothie.

For more info on venues, new artists, and other entertainments, check out http://artdesignanddine.blogspot.com

Saturday U on June 12 at Wildlife Art Museum

From the Teton County Public Library in Jackson:

How do leaders use theatrics to acquire and protect their power? Who plays the Nai? How is Obama doing on the world stage?

Three University of Wyoming professors tackle these questions Saturday, June 12, during Saturday U: The Free One-Day College Education in the Cook Auditorium at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Their answers may surprise you. Their discussions will involve you, making these three, free classes you will not want to cut. No homework, no tests – the only
requirement is a love of learning.

Since last fall, the University of Wyoming has been bringing professors to Jackson for Saturday U, offered three times a year and presented by UW, University of Wyoming Foundation, Wyoming Humanities Council, Teton County Library and Foundation, Central Wyoming College and National Museum of Wildlife Art.

Participants may attend one, two or all three lectures, plus a final roundtable wrap-up, scheduled throughout the day. No registration is required. The program is free and open to the public. For more details on Saturday U, contact Teton County Library Adult Humanities Coordinator, Oona Doherty, 733-2164 ext. 135 or odoherty@tclib.org.

Tom Coryell performs at the NIC June 4

From Casper's Nicolaysen Art Museum (via Facebook):

Tom Coryell will be featured June 4 in the lobby of the Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center when we hold NIC at Noon.

Coryell is a musician who plays guitar and sings “like Willis Allan Ramsey, John Hiatt or Van Morrison,” he says. He has shared the stage with such notables as The Marshall Tucker Band, The Subdudes, and Casper's own Tremors. His musical influences include Bob Marley, Warren Haynes, Tommy Malone and Rod Serling.

Coryell will also be performing at the NIC June 26 for NIC Fest. Nic at Noon is our informal, monthly concert series where visitors are invited to bring in their lunch (or call ahead to Grant Street Grocery at 237-2539 and they will deliver your lunch to the NIC lobby) and hear performances by local musicians from noon-1 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Art and music lovers stopping by that Friday for the lunchtime event are also invited to enjoy our current exhibitions: “Allen True’s West” and “The Perfect Fit: Shoes Tell Stories.”

For more information, call the Nic at (307) 235- 5247 or www.thenic.org.

One Story offers summer workshop

One Story magazine will be offering an intimate 6-day writers workshop to help emerging writers answer the question our editors get asked regularly: Should I get an Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree?

The workshop will be held in Brooklyn July 25-30.

The week will include morning workshops, afternoon craft lectures, and evening panels with writers and editors, agents, and MFA directors. All events are designed to give students the practical advice they need to either apply for an MFA or to launch their career outside of academia.

For complete details, click here.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

National Museum of Wildlife Art springs into summer

National Museum of Wildlife Art events, June 16-23

Wednesday, June 16

Art Alive @ 12:05 Bald Eagle: Protecting an American Icon

National Museum of Wildlife Art · 12:05PM · Museum galleries · FREE for members or with Museum admission.

Join Craighead Beringia South's Avian Program Project Manager, Bryan Bedrosian, for an inside look into the lives and behavior of Jackson Hole's bald eagles and how our actions can affect and protect this amazing species.

Wednesday, June 16

Family Fundays: Dragons & Butterflies

National Museum of Wildlife Art · 2:00 – 3:00pm · Chrystie Classroom · FREE for members or with Museum admission.

This popular summer family series returns! Participants will explore the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Activities will supplement those unique experiences and are designed for school aged children. Pre-registration required ONLY for large groups. Call 307–732–5435 for more information.

Friday, June 18

Summer Film Series: Amba the Russian Tiger

National Museum of Wildlife Art · 2:00 – 3:00pm · Cook Auditorium · FREE!

This remarkable film tells the story of "Spirit Amba," the Russian Tiger. Cameraman Gordon Buchanan travels through the dense forests of Ussuriland hoping for a glimpse of one of the rarest and most elusive animals on the planet. Film and synopsis provided by the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival.

Sunday, June 20

Summer Film Series: NATURE: Parrots in the Land of Oz

National Museum of Wildlife Art · 2:00 – 3:00pm · Cook Auditorium · FREE!

From the outrageous drumming palm cockatoo in the tropical rainforests, to the shameless red female eclectus parrot of the far north who keeps a male harem, and the incredibly prolific budgerigars of the deserts, a spectacular array of parrots has evolved in Australia. Film and synopsis provided by the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival.

Monday, June 21

Young at Art

National Museum of Wildlife Art · 10:30 – 11:15AM · Chrystie Classroom · Free for members or with Museum admission.

Art classes for toddlers ages five and under, accompanied by their caregiver, focusing on the simple art concepts of color, shape, texture and line. Pre-registration is unnecessary except for large groups. Call 307-732-5435 for more information.

Tuesday, June 22

Summer Film Series: NATURE: Parrots in the Land of Oz

National Museum of Wildlife Art · 2:00 – 3:00pm · Cook Auditorium · FREE!

From the outrageous drumming palm cockatoo in the tropical rainforests, to the shameless red female eclectus parrot of the far north who keeps a male harem, and the incredibly prolific budgerigars of the deserts, a spectacular array of parrots has evolved in Australia. Film and synopsis provided by the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival.

Wednesday, June 23

Family Fundays: Shells & Patterns

National Museum of Wildlife Art · 2:00pm · Chrystie Classroom · Free for members or with Museum admission.

Activities designed for school-aged children help explore the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Pre-registration required for large groups. Free for members or with Museum admission. Call 307–732–5435 for details.

Buffalo Bill conferences in Scotland & Cody


From the BBHC in Cody:

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Buffalo Bill took his Wild West to Europe for two extended tours, 1887 – 1892 and 1902 – 1906, to the enjoyment of audiences eager to see its portrayal of the American West. This June, the first in a series of international conferences takes Buffalo Bill back to Scotland, where the Wild West appeared in 1891 – 92 and in 1904.

On Thursday and Friday, June 3 and 4, The Papers of William F. Cody, a project of the McCracken Research Library at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming, and the School of Humanities, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, present "Buffalo Bill and Europe: the First International Cody Studies Conference" in Glasgow. A similar conference comes to Cody in August.

The conference shares the progress thus far of The Papers of William F. Cody, a long-term, collaborative research and digitization project to compile an authoritative collection of the documentary material available on Cody and his persona of “Buffalo Bill.” The resulting digital archive and associated texts produced by the project will offer an invaluable record—in a single source—of late nineteenth and early twentieth century American development, especially the expansion and growth of the American West.

According to Jeremy M. Johnston, the recently-named managing editor of the project, “This conference furthers the main goal of The Papers—promoting serious scholarly research of this key international celebrity, ‘Buffalo Bill,’ and the western pioneer, William F. Cody.”?

Most of the speakers at the conference are project editors. “The lecturers will present various scholarly interpretations of the legends and legacies of Buffalo Bill’s associations with Europe,” says Johnston. Presenters will cover topics as diverse as the Wild West’s advertising techniques, the show in Europe, native exploration of Europe, the “transnational celebrity” and death of Buffalo Bill, and financing his western investments. Current issues such as the digital frontier as it relates to the project and curriculum development are on the program as well.

Among the speakers are Johnston, former managing editor Kurt Graham, before his recent move to Utah; John Rumm, curator of western American history at the Historical Center; and Maryanne Andrus, Historical Center education director. Editors Chris Dixon of the University of Strathclyde and Gretchen Adams of Texas Tech University are also on the program, along with associate editors from the Smithsonian, Harvard, Eastern Washington University, Brigham Young University, and University of Nebraska.

Former Historical Center guest speaker Jill Jonnes, author of Eiffel’s Tower: And the World’s Fair Where Buffalo Bill Beguiled Paris, the Artists Quarreled, and Thomas Edison Became a Count, will deliver the conference keynote address, Buffalo Bill and the Paris World’s Fair of 1889.

The conference marks the launch of two series of texts that will be published by the University of Nebraska Press: Cody Papers and Cody Studies together include primary and contemporary secondary sources from Cody’s time and scholarly studies on Cody and his work. The Papers will publish a small volume containing the talks presented at the conference. Two forthcoming publications of The Papers are the annotated and updated editions of Charles Eldridge Griffin’s 1908 publication Four Years in Europe with Buffalo Bill (fall 2010) and William F. Cody’s The Life of Hon. William F. Cody, Known as Buffalo Bill: the famous hunter, scout and guide: an autobiography (2011).

More information on the conference can be found at www.strath.ac.uk/pdu and clicking on “Conferences.” The next Cody Studies Conference takes place in Cody, Wyoming, August 5 – 7.

FMI: 307.587.4771 or visit www.bbhc.org.

Photo credit: Buffalo Bill, ca. 1872. Sepia toned photograph. Original Buffalo Bill Museum Collection. Purchased from Fred H. Garlow, William Joseph Garlow and Mrs. Jane Cody Garlow Mallehan, grandchildren of Buffalo Bill. P.69.26

Help wanted: Art curator, State Museum

This job announcement was just issued by the Wyoming Division of Human Resources:

POSITION: Cultural Resources Specialist -- Art Curator

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

FULL HIRING RANGE: $3,564.00 - $4,192.00 per month

DEPARTMENT: State Parks & Cultural Resources, Cultural Resources, State Museum
LOCATION: Cheyenne
CLASS CODE: CRCR08
FLSA: Non-exempt

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The position is responsible for the care and maintenance of all art works held by the State Museum and the coordination of specific art related projects and programs for the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

APPLICATIONS: For more information or to apply online go to http://statejobs.state.wy.us/JobSearchDetail.aspx?ID=16858 or submit a State of Wyoming Employment Application to the Human Resource Division, Emerson Building, 2001 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0060, Phone: (307)777-7188, Fax: (307)777-6562, along with transcripts of any relevant course work. No notice of eligibility will be sent to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Gallery Walk with Neltje on June 5

From the UW Art Museum:

Popular Wyoming abstract expressionist Neltje is featured in a solo exhibition, "Neltje," on view through Aug. 28, at the University of Wyoming Art Museum. A gallery walk though with the artist is scheduled Friday, June 4, at 4:30 p.m. An art talk is scheduled for Saturday, June 5, at 1:30 p.m.

For additional information on exhibitions and programs, call the UW Art Museum at (307) 766-6622 or visit the museum's Web page at www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum or blog at www.uwartmuseum.blogspot.com.

The museum is located in the Centennial Complex at 2111 Willett Drive in Laramie. The museum is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.

Miss "V" hits road for California gigs

Miss "V" the Gypsy Cowbelle, a WAC roster artist from Cora, sends word about an upcoming road trip:

I'll be playing at two libraries in Eureka and Arcada, CA, June 9 and 10 at at 6:30 p.m. doing kids' programs, and one at Hoedown in Eureka (Six Rivers Brewery) for adults on June 12 at noon. Then I'll be at the International House and Faculty Club at University of California at Berkeley on June 16-17. I'll be performing originals and western history for foreign students, then cowboy tunes for the Facullty Club Southwest BBQ.

I'll be working on recording my next CD (which you'll hear about when grant season rolls around!!) at a mountain biker bar for Father's Day, June 16. I hope to be up to Spokane, WA, for a couple shows before closing the tour in Peoa, UT on July 2 (6:30 p.m. at Woodenshoe Park) as part of the Mountaintown Music Summer Concert Series. The "Dandelion Wine" documentary with the Western Folklife Center will immediately follow.

The digstation web site has decribed V's music as “Cowbilly music, integrating the tones of free-spirited-troubadour folk, Old- Nashville-classic country, dusty-trail-round-the-campfire cowboy and old-timey-Appalachian stomp, sure to make you laugh, cry, ponder and dance.”

Purchase winners announced for 2010 Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition

Winners of purchase awards at the Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition pose with representatives of state government at a May 21 reception at the Wyoming State Museum. Shown (left to right) are Dan Hayward, Laramie photographer and WAC roster artist; sculptor Gail Sundell of Cheyenne; Secretary of State Max Maxfield; Jane Woods, batik artist from Powell; painter Dianne Wyatt of Sheridan; artist, illustrator and sculptor Jerry Palen from Saratoga; and Milward Simpson, Director of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. Purchase winners not shown: Valerie Seaberg from Jackson, mixed media; and Jeanie Schlump from Laramie, acrylics. To view the artwork, go to http://www.wyomuseum.org/

CLTP Melodrama Auditions May 25-26

Auditions for the Cheyenne Little Theatre Players' Old Fashioned Melodrama, directed by Andy Dennis, will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 25 and 26, 6:30 p.m., at the Historic Atlas Theatre in downtown Cheyenne.

Performance datesa are July 15 through Aug. 8

Melodrama and Olio auditions are taking place simultaneously. If you have performed as Card Girl or Emcee before, you do not need to audition, but please stop by and fill out a form so we know your availability.

FMI: www.cheyennelittletheatre.org

Monday, May 24, 2010

Governor's Capitol Art Exhibit awards presented at May 21 reception

Wyoming Secretary of State Max Maxfield (left) congratulates Cheyenne artist Justin Richards, winner of the Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition's "People's Choice" award

There were 133 applicants and nearly 400 entries for the 2010 Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition. Juror Deborah Mitchell narrowed the selection down to 40. The Governor's Capitol Exhibition Committee then selected the works of seven Wyoming artists for prizes totaling $13,400.

This year's GCAE Purchase Awards were presented at a May 21 reception at the Wyoming State Museum:

Gail Sundell from Cheyenne for her alabaster sculpture entitled “Prairie Breeze”
Valerie Seaberg from Jackson for her mixed media piece entitled “Ocean Form”
Dan Hayward from Laramie for his photograph entitled “Salmon Bluffs”
Jane Woods from Powell for her batik piece entitled “Corner House”
Jeanie Schlump from Laramie for her acrylic piece entitled “A Degree of Normality”
Jerry Palen from Saratoga for his bronze piece entitled “A Traveling Man”
Dianne Wyatt from Sheridan for her pastel piece entitled “Highwater Blues”

As well, the Bobby Hathaway Juror's Choice Award was given to Jon Madsen of Laramie for his oil painting titled "Foreshadower."

The People's Choice Award was given to Justin Richards of Cheyenne for his "Popixel Series Stool."

Works not purchased during the reception are available for sale through June 5 either at the Wyoming State Museum or online at http://www.wyomuseum.org/.

Rehab plans announced for abandoned movie theatre in downtown Rock Springs

The abandoned Rock Theatre (once the West Theatre) in downtown Rock Springs is being rehabilitated. Here's an excerpt from a story about the project from Casper Star-Tribune reporter Jeff Gearino:

A little bit of that local history is being saved under an ongoing, approximately $2.1 million revitalization project by the city's Urban Renewal Agency/Main Street program. The project aims to renovate the old venue for use as a theater and performing arts facility.

The West/Theatre project is part of a larger effort to revitalize the city's downtown area and promote economic growth, says URA/Main Street director Lisa Mueller.

"We want to rehabilitate the building, put it to public use and access, and hopefully it can become a kind of new catalyst for people and give them a reason and a purpose to come downtown," Mueller says.

---------------

The facility will serve as a community gathering place, Mueller says, and will accommodate movies, theatrical and cultural performances, youth-oriented and other activities.

Earlier this year, the agency received a $1.5 million community facility grant from the State Loan and Investment Board to help fund the project. Donations, smaller grants and city funds are footing the rest of the project.

---------------

Mueller says the agency expects to review architectural drawings around June 15 and begin bidding the construction phase soon after.

Construction is expected to begin in September or October, with an eye toward completing renovations by summer 2011.

She said a "peek party" is planned for June 19 to allow residents one last look at the old theater before construction begins.


One of those other grants for this project is coming from the Wyoming Arts Council is the form of a $10,000 Community Arts Partners grant. FMI: 307-777-7742.

Call for proposals: Helena, MT, Parks & Rec

From the Montana Arts Council blog:

The city of Helena Parks and Recreation Department and the Helena Public Art Committee (HPAC) are seeking artists to provide a design and painting for a new mural inside the band shell at Veteran’s Memorial Park located in Helena (Last Chance Gulch and Lyndale Ave.). The submission deadline for proposals is 5:00 PM, June 14. The project must be completed no later than September 15, 2010.

This mural project will replace the 10-year old existing mural. The project consists of four elements; an assessment and repair of the interior band shell mural surface; a mural design; the actual painting of the mural and the application of a protective sealant. The design of mural should incorporate or represent Helena community elements or icons and be such that the potential for graffiti and vandalism is minimized. The color and design should also be visually effective from a distance. An optional component of this project is to incorporate community involvement.

A complete Request for Proposals can be picked up at the city of Helena Parks and Recreation Department office on the 4th floor of the City-County Building, 316 North Park Avenue, or downloaded from the department webpage at http://www.ci.helena.mt.us/fileadmin/user_upload/City_Parks/RFP_mural_5.doc.

The competition is open to artists, architects and designers.

Call for entries: Poets for Living Waters

From Poets & Writers Magazine:

Poets for Living Waters is a poetry action in response to the Gulf Oil Disaster of April 20, 2010, one of the most profound man-made ecological catastrophes in history. Former US poet laureate Robert Pinsky describes the popularity of poetry after 9/11 as a turn away from the disaster’s overwhelming enormity to a more manageable individual scale. As we confront the magnitude of this recent tragedy, such a return may well aid us.

The first law of ecology states that everything is connected to everything else. An appreciation of this systemic connectivity suggests a wide range of poetry will offer a meaningful response to the current crisis, including work that harkens back to Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing regional effects.

This online periodical is the first in a planned series of actions. Further actions will include a print anthology and a public reading in Washington DC.

If you would like to submit work for consideration, please send 1-3 poems, a short bio, and credits for any previously published submissions to:
poetsforlivingwaters@yahoo.com.

Editors: Amy King & Heidi Lynn Staples

NEA launches Blue Star Museums program


National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson is one of the Blue Star Museums in Wyoming

Just announced by the National Endowment for the Arts:

NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman and Blue Star Families Chairman Kathy Roth-Douquet announced the launch of Blue Star Museums, a partnership with more than 600 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2010.

The launch of the program was announced today at a press event hosted by San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. Mr. Landesman and Ms. Roth-Douquet were joined by Chairman of the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture Colette Carson Royston, Rear Admiral Garry J. Bonelli, Deputy Commander of Naval Special Warfare, and Ellyn Dunford, spouse of Lt. General Joseph Dunford, Commanding General of I Marine Expeditionary Force, and representatives from San Diego's more than 150,000 active duty military personnel and the 14 San Diego museums participating in Blue Star Museums.

Following the event, Mr. Landesman, Ms. Roth-Douquet, and Mayor Sanders escorted six, local military families to visit the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Photographic Arts, and, the Mingei International Museum. The five families represented the five branches of the military – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy - as well as our National Guard and reserve forces.

"America's museums are proud to join the rest of the country in thanking our military personnel and their families for their service and sacrifice," said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. "I cannot imagine a better way to do that than welcoming them in to explore and enjoy the extraordinary cultural heritage our museums present. The works of art on view this summer will certainly inspire and challenge viewers – and sometimes they will just be a great deal of fun."

"There have always been wonderful examples of partnerships between museums and military installations, but the scale of this gift from the museum community to military families is thrilling," said Blue Star Families Chairman Kathy Roth-Douquet. "Military families work hard for this country, and it is gratifying for us to be recognized for that. We anticipate that thousands of military families will participate in the program and visit museums this summer – many of them for the first time. Blue Star Families will work hard to help our military families make the most of these opportunities."

In addition to being Chairman of Blue Star Families, Ms. Roth-Douquet is married to a Marine Corps officer, who is currently deployed to Afghanistan. They have two children, and Ms. Roth-Douquet and the children plan to take a road trip this summer to visit Blue Star Museums up and down the East Coast.

"Part of being a military family means limited time together," added Sherri Brown, Marine Corps spouse and mother of two. "Blue Star Museums gives military families the chance at quality time together, that is both fun and educational without the worry of affordability. Summer can be a very long time with a parent away, and for those families, this will also help take their minds off what is going on overseas and make the time go faster."

"The Blue Star Museums program is an incredibly creative and thoughtful way to honor all the sacrifices of our troops and their families," said San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. "And what better place to kick it off than San Diego, which has so many wonderful military families and so many world-class museums."

More than six hundred museums in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are taking part in the initiative. The American Association of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, and the Association of Children's Museums each sent a letter from NEA Chairman Landesman inviting museums to participate in this program. In addition to thirty children's museums across the country, participating museums represent a broad range of art, history, science, and cultural topics, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas; the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, California; the Mission San Luis, a living history site and historic landmark in Tallahassee, Florida; the International Quilt Study Center & Museum at the University of Lincoln – Nebraska; the Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois; and the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire.

Wyoming Blue Star Museums:
Campbell County Rockpile Museum, Gillette
Fort Caspar Museum, Casper
Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center, Thermopolis
National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center, Dubois
National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson (see photo above)

FMI: www.bluestarfam.org

Date change for Craig Johnson book signing



From Sheridan Stationery Books & Gallery in downtown Sheridan:

Craig Johnson's book signing for his newest novel "Junkyard Dogs" has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 5 pm. "Craig Johnson's award-winning Walt Longmire mysteries continue to find new fans, and "Junkyard Dogs" is sure to create many more devotees. The sixth book in the series is filled with Johnson's signature blend of wisecracks, Western justice, and page-turning plot twists, as the beloved sheriff finds himself star-deep in the darker aspects of human nature, in a story of love, laughs, death, and derelict automobiles." Stop by and say hi, have some refreshments, and get your books signed by Craig.

Friday, May 21, 2010

NIC Fest entertainment line-up announced

From the Nicolaysen Art Museum web site:

This year,
NIC Fest's Main Stage will feature 14 different musical groups performing throughout the June 25-27 weekend in downtown Casper.

On Saturday, June 26, during breaks on the NIC Fest Main Stage, visitors can wander down to the corner of Beech and 2nd street to hear the unique African/Cuban drum sounds of Tanbores Afro-Cubano. This group from Colorado, led by Colorado University professor Thomas VanSchoick, plays traditional and contemporary rhythms from Africa and Cuba. Some of the styles that they will be playing are Rumba, Yambu, Guaguanco, Guarapachangueo, Rumba Columbia, Bembe, Guiro, Iyese and Bata Rumba. Some of the more interesting percussion instruments that group members will play include Conga, Bata, Cajons and Chekere drums. Other members of the group include Dave Crowder, Scott Mast, Eric Walker and Maurizo Capperelli.

In addition, the Wyoming Shakespeare Festival Company will kick off its 2010 summer tour of the state with a
special performance at NIC Fest on Sunday, June 27, 1 p.m. This summer's selection is Jean Baptiste Poquelin de Moliere's irrepressible comedy Tartuffe.

Neltje exhibit opens Saturday, May 22, at UW Art Museum

Neltje, Clear and Silent Light IV, mixed media, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24 inches
Image courtesy of the artist


From the University of Wyoming Art Museum blog:

An exhibition featuring eminent Wyoming artist Neltje (American, b. 1934) will open on Saturday, May 22 at the UW Art Museum. Neltje highlights recent paintings, including new works that incorporate paper, text, and found objects.

Neltje’s work is rooted in movement and gesture. Her early works, in the form of sumi-e, a characteristically Asian style of brush painting similar to calligraphy, allowed her the freedom to experiment with line and motion. As her work evolved, she found inspiration in the work of other abstract artists like Jon Schueler and Joan Mitchell. Their bold approach to color and making distinctive marks on the canvas influenced Neltje’s own creative process.

Neltje will be in Laramie June 3-5, and will provide a Gallery Walk Through on Friday, June 4 at 10:30 am. She will give an Art Talk on Saturday, June 5 at 1:30 pm. An opening reception for all summer exhibitions will be held on Friday, June 4 at 6 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information about programs and exhibitions, please call the Art Museum at 307.766.6622, or visit the web site.

Daniel Junge -- from making videos as an East High student to an Academy Award nomination

Filmmaking in the West and the Importance of Literacy from Indie Media: The New Journalism on Vimeo.

Opening night on May 21 at the Cheyenne International Film Festival is a fund-raising reception for the Laramie County Library Foundation honoring Oscar-nominated filmmaker Daniel Junge. He’ll be screening three of his films, including “The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner”. In this video, Daniel discusses growing up in Cheyenne and spending a lot of time at the library.

"Flakes, Jugs and Splitters" slide show and book signing June 2 at UW


From a UW press release:

"Flakes, Jugs & Splitters: The Geology of Rock Climbing," a free slide show and book signing by geologist, writer and climber Sarah Garlick, is scheduled Wednesday, June 2, at 7 p.m. in Room 133 of the University of Wyoming Classroom Building.

A UW alumna, Garlick brings the stories behind the boulders, cliffs and mountains of the world's top climbing destinations. She tells about granite, limestone and sandstone features gleaned from her adventures in Yosemite, Patagonia and Newfoundland.

"Offering an irresistible combination of plucky adventure stories and well-informed, clearly explained science, Sarah Garlick's presentation of the award winning ‘Flakes, Jugs and Splitter' was the surprise hit of the 2009 Banff Book Festival. Don't pass up an opportunity to hear Sarah speak," according to reviewer Freddie Wilkinson.

Cross Country Connection and the UW Outdoor Program sponsor the presentation. For more information visit: www.rockclimbinggeology.com or call (307) 721-2851.

Photo: Spectacular geology such as this is featured in Sarah Garlick's "Flakes, Jugs and Splitter." She will sign copies of the book and show slides Wednesday, June 2. (Jim Surette Photo)

"Absaroka" wins Wyoming Short Film Contest

The Wyoming Film Office just announced this:

“Absaroka,” a short film produced by Patrick Mignano and filmed near Cody, Wyoming is the winner of this year’s Wyoming Short Film Contest. Now in its third year, the Wyoming Short Film Contest awarded $25,000 to Mignano who will now have the opportunity to produce another film in Wyoming with the proceeds.

The short film is a period Western set in the Wyoming Territory in 1881. The story is a classic morality play that Mignano sums up in the tag line from the film, "The Right Thing is The Only Thing To Do".

As a thank you to all the good people of Cody that helped contribute in some way to the project, Patrick and his Co-Producer, Linda Swearingen-Tremelling arranged a free screening of the film at the Big Horn Cinemas in Cody on Thursday, May 20th.

The Cheyenne International Film Festival will also be screening, “Absaroka” during the New West program section of the festival on Saturday afternoon. Of course, if you can't make the showings, you can always watch it here:

First runner-up awarded from the judges went to filmmaker Greg Omelchuck for his project, Voices of the Platte. This film centered on the people of the Platte Valley and their stories of fishing throughout their lives. The people are long time residents and the stories speak to not only to people living in Wyoming but to all people.

Second runner up came in the form of a music video "There is Beauty." A visual representation of Wyoming songwriter Anne Sibley's "There is a Beauty," the film boasts some truly spectacular shots of Wyoming.

To view the films, go to http://filmwyoming.blogspot.com/2010/05/and-winner-is.html

WAC town meetings set for next week in Laramie and Kemmerer

The Wyoming Arts Council is holding a series of town meetings to gather input for its next long-range plan. There remain four more meetings. Next week, WAC will be holding town meetings in Laramie and Kemmerer. Town meetings are open to the public. We encourage anyone interested in the arts in Wyoming to attend! Your input will directly affect WAC's planning and goals for the next 5 years.

Laramie
Monday, May 24, 2010 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Works of Wyoming, Civic Center, 710 East Garfield, Suite 271, Laramie, WY

Kemmerer
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Burgoon Bldg Media Center 20 Adaville Dr. Diamondville, WY

There will be two more after that, in Casper on June 2 and in Jackson on June 7.

WAC Board and staff will be present, and look forward to talking to you.

FMI: http://www.wyomingartscouncil.org/; 307-777-7742.

Roripaughs lead session about Heart Mountain during Wyoming Writers, Inc., conference

Lee Ann Roripaugh

At the Wyoming Writers, Inc., conference June 4-6 in Cody, there will be a session about the Heart Mountain Relocation Camp. During World War II, the camp was home to more than 10,000 Japanese-Americans relocated from the West Coast. The camp is now a National Historical Site and an interpretive center is under construction.

The Heart Mountain session will be conducted by Wyoming Poet Laureate Emeritus Robert Roripaugh, his wife Yoshiko and their daughter, Lee Ann, a Laramie native who now teaches creative writing at the University of South Dakota. Lee Ann will read selections from her award-winning poetry book, "Beyond Heart Mountain."

This presentation will be held on Friday, June 4, 7-8 p.m., at the Holiday Inn at the Buffalo Bill Resort in Cody. A book signing will follow. Both events are free and open to the public.

FMI: http://www.wyowriters.org/; http://www.heartmountain.us/

Call for entries: "Art Along the Parkway"

This article by Sally Ann Shurmur in today's Casper Star-Tribune features details about a contest co-sponsored by the Casper Artists Guild. Here's an excerpt:

"Art Along the Parkway" is a joint summer endeavor between the Platte River Parkway Trust and the Casper Artists Guild. Organizers stress, however, that guild membership is not necessary to participate.

"We had heard about people using the trail as inspiration for art," parkway Director Angela Emery said. "The trail system in Denver has a similar event, and we thought we'd try it and see what we get."

The premise is simple: Artists using any medium and using any portion of the parkway or river for inspiration create a piece any time until Aug. 26, then submit a photograph of it to be juried. A juried show will be exhibited at the Parkway Tate Pumphouse Trail Center, and a silent auction event in October will benefit both groups -- and the artist.

To read the rest, go to http://trib.com/news/local/article_f7d60263-09e6-5a4b-bdea-5bf26a327f27.html

40th annual National Juried Art Show and Sale

The Cheyenne Artists Guild is holding its 40th National Juried Art Show and Sale. Deadline for entry is Monday, June 14; acceptance notices mailed July 12; final day to accept artwork hand delivered or shipped is July 28; show opens August 2; closes August 31. FMI, go to the website at http://cheyenneartistsguild.org

Reception today at State Museum for Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition

Laramie photographer Ronald Hansen is one of the artists featured in the 2010 Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition. This is an Inkjet photo print entitled "Shoshoni Geronimo."

The work will be on display at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne May 8 through June 5.

An opening reception will be held at the State Museum on Friday, May 21, from 5-7 p.m. Governor Dave Freudenthal will be on hand to present this year’s purchase awards. The Bobby Hathaway Juror’s Choice and People’s Choice awards will also be presented. The reception is free and open to the public.

Overall, this year’s show features 40 artistic pieces selected by juror Deborah Mitchell, director of the Apex Gallery and faculty member in the Humanities Department at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Capitol Christmas Tree Project Hosts State–wide Artist’s Competition

Every year since 1970, a Christmas tree has been presented to the United States Congress from a national forest and is known as “The People’s Tree.” This year, for the first time, the tree will be a gift from Wyoming.

In honor of this occasion, the Bridger‐Teton National Forest, Bobbi Brown Barrasso, and the Wyoming Arts Council will host a statewide, juried art exhibition to select an official artwork to represent the 2010 National Capitol Christmas Tree (CCT).

Traditionally, the official CCT artwork is presented to the Chief of the Forest Service and will hang in their office for one year. The artwork will ultimately be exhibited in “The Tree Gallery” adjacent to the Chief of the Forest Service’s office in the Yates Building, as part of the national permanent collection featuring previous CCT winners.

The theme this year is, “Wyoming‐Forever West.” Artists are encouraged to consider the theme to conceptualize the vision of a 65+ foot tall Wyoming Christmas Tree destined for the Nation’s Capitol.

Eligibility and Guidelines
1. Open to all Wyoming artists, at least 18 years of age.
2. Any medium may be used (including but not limited to: acrylics, oil, watercolor, textile, metals, photography, stained glass, etc.).
3. Finished artwork should be between 25‐35 inches high by 20‐30 inches wide.
4. Finished artwork may be framed or unframed, but must be designed to hang on a wall.
5. One time use: The winning artist must agree to convey to the U.S. Forest Service the right to reproduce the image in a one-time printing to be sold to fund this program.
6. Art work must meet guidelines or will not be considered.

How to Apply:
Deadline is Thursday, September 2, 2010. Artworks must be received by this date.
Submit a high quality digital image of artwork: jpg format /4×6 inches minimum/300dpi
Image file name: Last Name_First Name_Title.jpg
Digital image and entry form may be emailed to:
CapitolChristmasTree2010@gmail.com. Subject heading should read: “Christmas Tree Art”
‐or‐
CD with image and entry form may be mailed to:
Christmas Tree Art
PO Box 1888 Jackson, WY 83001

Review Process
A panel of jurors will review submissions and select artwork for the CCT. Exhibited artworks will be eligible for the following:
Awards of Distinction
"Wyoming-Forever West" selection will be displayed throughout Wyoming, traveling with the Christmas tree en route to Washington, D.C. Artwork will hang in the Office of the Chief of the Forest Service for one year and ultimately become part of the permanent collection at “The Tree Gallery” in Washington, D. C. Artist will be honored at CCT festivities in Wyoming during the month of November.

“Viewers’ Choice.” Viewers will be invited to vote in person or online for their favorite artwork on display. Artwork will be displayed throughout Wyoming traveling alongside the Capitol Christmas tree. Artwork will hang in Wyoming’s State Capitol, becoming part of the State of Wyoming’s permanent collection.

“Holiday Greeting Cards.” Images of the top 10 artworks will be reproduced on note or holiday cards and sold to raise funds for the project. Information about the artist will be printed on the back of the cards. Information about each artist will be printed on the back of the note cards, providing added recognition to the ten artists.

Along with the tree, 75-smaller trees will be provided for Congressional Offices, agencies & organizations headquartered throughout D.C., as well as 5000 handmade ornaments. The "Wyoming-Forever West" selection will be the official artistic impression for the project. It will also be displayed in Wyoming’s State Capitol.

FMI at http://www.capitolchristmastree2010.org/; e-mail CapitolChristmasTree2010@gmail.com; or call Kristi Wallin at 307-772-2451 to acknowledge your interest or if you have any questions.

Mary Cernicek mcernicek@fs.fed.us
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree 2010 Coordinator

BBHC hosts new blog

Thanks to the federal grant funding agency Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS), the Buffalo Bill Historical Center's Conservation Department has launched an Internet blog titled "Connecting to Collections: Exploring the questions facing Wyoming's cultural institutions."

Conservator Beverly Perkins and Coordinator Laura Fry decided to start a blog as part of a statewide IMLS Planning grant for Connecting to Collections. Says Fry, "The blog is a follow-up to a series of five symposia Bev orchestrated last summer about disaster planning as it relates to museum collections care. The weekly blog continues that dialogue about the needs and questions facing Wyoming cultural institutions."

According to Fry, the blog creates a forum for asking questions, exploring online resources, and discussing techniques among Wyoming museum and library colleagues. Topics include disaster planning, collections funding opportunities, educating museum staff and board members, registration and numbering systems, digitizing collections, and any other issues faced by Wyoming cultural entities.

"We're also asking questions like, 'What works well in your institution?' or 'What program, system, department, facility, staff member, tool, etc. helps keep your institution running smoothly?'" Fry continues. "As we examine issues and needs, it's always a good idea to first touch on what's already working well!"

Fry plans a new blog post each week at http://wyomingcollections.wordpress.com/. Readers can comment, offer suggestions, get a list of relevant links, and sign up for updates.

For more information, contact Fry through the blog, by e-mail at lauraf@bbhc.org or by phone, 307-578-4053.

Discover "East of Yellowstone" with geologist and author Bob Carson

Geologist and professor Robert J. Carson has just written a new guidebook for northwest Wyoming titled East of Yellowstone. Recently published, the book covers geology of the Clarks Fork Valley, the nearby Beartooth Mountains and Absaroka Mountains, and the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming and Montana-all areas outside the eastern border of Yellowstone National Park.

On May 26, 11 a.m., Carson shares his work in a slide show and talk at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center's Coe Auditorium. The presentation is free to the public, and afterward, Carson autographs copies of his book at the Center's Museum Store where his book is for sale.

Covering some 166 miles in the region, Carson's book has five separate road logs to guide area visitors through the Beartooth Mountains and along the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway and adjoining roads to vistas of rugged mountains and scenic valleys. Of particular interest are the enigmatic Heart Mountain detachment, the Absaroka volcanic activity, and area Pleistocene glaciation. The book has seven geologic maps and ten topographic maps with trails outlined as well as an extraordinary collection of photographs.

Carson is the Grace Farnsworth Phillips Professor of Geology and Environmental Studies at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. He earned a BA in geology from Cornell University at Ithaca, New York; an MS from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a doctorate from the University of Washington.

His interests lie in the earth and environmental sciences, and he teaches courses that deal with resources and pollution, human interaction with the biosphere, glaciers, volcanoes, water, landforms, and natural hazards. A whitewater guide and a member of the American Alpine Club, he has led field trips in Africa, Eurasia, South America, and throughout North America. His other books include Where the Great River Bends and Hiking Guide to Washington Geology.

The Historical Center's Draper Museum of Natural History Curator Dr. Charles R. Preston calls the Carson book, "A robust and highly engaging portrait of the geological history and features of one of the most fascinating natural theaters in the world. This book will absolutely enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Greater Yellowstone region."

For additional information, contact Jennifer McDonald at jenniferm@bbhc.org or 307-578-4121

For general information, visit http://www.bbhc.org/ or call 307-587-4771.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

May 20 final day for WWInc early bird rates

Thursday, May 20, is the final day to register for the 2010 Wyoming Writers, Inc., conference with early bird rates. The conference will be held June 4-6 in Cody.

The early bird rate is $155 per person for members and $170 for non-members. After May 20, that rate goes up to $175 and $200, respectively.

Join WWInc when you register and pay only the member rate for the conference!

The conference features workshops and presentations by Edgar and Spur Award-winning author Max McCoy; award-winning novelist and Wyoming Poet Laureate (1996-2002) Robert Roripaugh; Lee Ann Roripaugh, winner of the National Poetry Series Prize for her book "Beyond Heart Mountain;" literary agents Suzie Townsend of Fine Print Literary Management and Gordon Warnock of Andrea Hurst Literary Management; and UW/CC humanities professtor and Wyoming Arts Council board chair Bruce Richardson.

Find a printable registration form at the WWInc web site at
http://www.wyowriters.org/

Spring into the Arts Festival in Cheyenne



















































































Summer exhibits at Phoenix Gallery

The Phoenix Gallery, 11 Oak Ave. in Centennial, will feature the following exhibits through September:

May 28-June 20: "The Partnership: Wearable Woven Art with Their Photographic Inspirations," by Jeny and Mike Stoesz. Artists' reception is on Friday, May 28, 5-7 p.m.

June 25-July 25: "Bright Futures," a diverse collection of Laramie's NorthernFront artists. Champagne reception on Friday, June 25, 5-7 p.m.

Aug. 13-Sept. 6: "Images" by Charles Ferguson and Kent Keebler. Photography, graphics and history. Artists' reception on Friday, Aug. 13, 5-7 p.m.

Phoenix Gallery is located next to the Trading Post (look for the building with the turquoise trim). Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; other hours by appointment. FMI: 307-742-7731.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Festival Orchestra holds open auditions May 22 for vocalist

Grand Teton Music Festival announced today an open audition to choose a vocal soloist to sing the national anthem with the Festival Orchestra at the Festival’s annual outdoor 4th of July community concert, Music In The Hole.

All community members with a talent for singing are invited to audition. Open Auditions will be held Saturday, May 22 at 12:30 p.m. in Walk Festival Hall, Teton Village. Sign-in begins at 11:30 a.m., auditions will begin promptly at 12:30 and be finished by 2:30 p.m. No advance registration will be accepted. Audition participants are to enter through the backstage door to Walk Festival Hall, located on the North side of the building next to the Ticket Office.

Piano accompaniment, provided by Laura Huckin, will be provided to singers in the keys of F, Ab, and Bb – singers must be able to perform the song with accompaniment in one of these three keys. A cappella auditions will not be considered. Audition hopefuls will be expected to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” once before a panel of judges, and the auditions are open to public audience – friends and family of auditioning singers may attend.

The winner will perform “The Star Spangled Banner” with the Festival Orchestra under the direction of Music Director Donald Runnicles on Sunday, July 4, 2010 at Music In The Hole. This performance opens the Festival Orchestra’s portion of the concert, which will be a program of patriotic favorites selected by popular vote.

Music In The Hole is a community program of the Grand Teton Music Festival, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and is 100% funded by community support. This annual 4th of July concert is a favorite way to celebrate Independence Day in Jackson Hole and features local musicians, recreational activities by area non-profits, and good, old-fashioned family fun all afternoon on the 4th of July. More at www.gtmf.org.

Free public arts reception May 20 in Wheatland

Meet members of the Wyoming Arts Councill board and staff at a free reception for the Wheatland community on Thursday, May 20, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Linda and Joe Fabian’s Dance Wyoming studio, 861 Gilchrist in downtown Wheatland.

The reception is being held in conjunction with the Arts Council's May 20-21 quarterly board meeting at the Platte Valley Bank in Wheatland.

FMI: Call the WAC in Cheyenne at 777-7742.

May/June events for Screen Door Porch


05.19.10 . Fort Collins, CO . KRFC Live @ Lunch
Listen live online at krfcfm.org
12:00 pm . Note: On-Air Performance
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05.20.10 . Laramie, WY . Wyoming Public Radio
Listen live online at wyomingpublicradio.net
11:00 am . Note: On-Air Performance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
05.20.10 . Laramie, WY . Coal Creek Coffeehouse
8:00 pm . Ages: All Ages . Tickets: Free
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06.11.10 . Moose, WY . Dornan's
CD Release Party - Jackson!!
Tickets available at Valley Books & Dornan's
Portion of proceeds to benefit Habitat for Humanity
7:00 pm . Ages: All Ages . Tickets: $10
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06.17.10 . Idaho Falls, ID . Vino Rosso
7:30 pm . Ages: 21+ . Tickets: Free
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06.18.10 . Ketchum, ID . Papa Hemi's Hideaway
6:30 pm . Ages: 21+ . Tickets: Free
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
06.19.10 . Missoula, MT . The Top Hat
8:00 pm . Ages: 21+ . Tickets: Free
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06.25.10 . Pinedale, WY . Rock Rabbit
8:00 pm . Ages: All Ages . Tickets: Free
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06.26.10 . Jackson, WY . Private Event
7:00 pm
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06.30.10 . Driggs, ID . Alpine Wines
7:00 pm . Ages: 21+ . Tickets: Free

FMI: http://www.screendoorporch.com/

Call for entries: Targhee Bluegrass Festival Poster Contest

The 23rd annual Targhee Bluegrass Festival announces a poster contest.

Enter by June 15, 2010. Winner will be announced June 16, 2010.

Loot:
Four weekend passes to 23rd Annual Targhee Bluegrass Festival
Two VIP/Backstage passes for the 23rd Annual Targhee Bluegrass Festival
Lodging August 13-15 in a Teton Creek Condominium
Framed poster signed by all artists at 23rd Annual Targhee Bluegrass Festival
Recognition during the festival (on stage)
General glory

Required Elements:
1.Grand Targhee Resort Logo
2.23rd Annual Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival: must be included in artwork (note: it is acceptable to also use “23rd Annual Bluegrass Festival” as the event titles if it is preceeded by the Grand Targhee Resort logo).
3.August 13 – 15, 2010: Event dates must be included in artwork
4.Names of Artists in Alphabetical Order (may include additional yet-to-be released artists). For the most up to date list click here.
5.Layout to be comprised using the following percentages:
Artwork: 65% of total 11 x 17 space
Artists: 25% of total 11 x 17 space
Space for logos and sponsors: 10% of total 11 x 17 space

Size:
Finished poster should be 11″ wide x 17″ tall OR 11” tall by 17” wide
Max file size for contest submission is 5MB. Submissions must be in either .gif or .jpg format. Actual artwork for poster production has no file size limits, and should be saved in an uncompresssed format. (Native Photoshop or Illustrator is ideal.) All vector and/or raster artwork MUST BE SUBMITTED with layers turned on. PLEASE DO NOT FLATTEN THE ORIGINAL .ai or .psd artwork.

Resolution:
Original artwork should be either vector-based (such as an Adobe Illustrator file) or at least 300dpi if a raster file (such as an Adobe Photoshop file).

Bleeds:
Poster should include a 1/4-inch bleed on all sides. (This means the actual artwork size will be 11.25″x17.25″)

Color:
Artwork should be CMYK.

Logo Usage:
The Grand Targhee Resort logo may be displayed in white or black only. Please do not stretch, twist, invert, or otherwise modify the Grand Targhee Resort logo.

Submissions:
Artwork should be submitted to: mhood@grandtarghee.com. If the file is too large to be submitted via email, please use WeTransfer. Please use “Bluegrass Poster Contest Submission” as your subject line in the email.

Questions:
All questions should be directed to: jurdi@grandtarghee.com

More info at http://www.grandtarghee.com/summer/music-festivals/index.php

WCH announces two new "Reading Wyoming" book discussion series


This comes from the latest edition of the Wyoming Humanities Council e-letter:

The Wyoming Humanities Council is pleased to announce two new Reading Wyoming book discussion series.

The first series, "Figureheads," consists of novels dealing with politics. Books include All the King's Men, by Robert Penn Warren; The Gay Place, by Billy Lee Brammer; Roscoe, by William Kennedy; and Primary Colors, by Anonymous.

The second series, "Icons," includes biographies and non-fiction accounts of iconic Americans. Books include Cash, by Johnny Cash; Jane Fonda's War, by Mary Hershberger; Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times, by Thomas Houser; Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol. 1: 1884-1933, by Blanche Wiesen Cook; and A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway.

Reading Wyoming, the Wyoming Humanities Council's book discussion program, is available to any non-profit organization or public agency in Wyoming. The program brings together community members and a humanities discussion leader to read and talk about good books. The sponsoring organization selects the Reading Wyoming series and chooses four titles to read. Discussion meetings take place during either the fall or spring with a group of 8 to 20 participants.The Wyoming Humanities Council provides publicity, multiple copies of the books and expenses for the discussion leader.

Contact Jenny Ingram, (307) 721-9247, for assistance in choosing series and discussion leaders.


Read More

Snowy Range Festival announces schedule


From a UW press release:

The University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance presents an entertaining performance season with the 2010 Snowy Range Summer Theatre and Dance Festival during June and July.

Established in 2005, the combined festival is an outgrowth of UW's longstanding summer theatre program and its annual dance festival.

The 2010 festival offers three full-length plays: John Ford Noonan's quirky comedy, "A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking" (June 8-12); Richard Greenberg's award-winning seriocomedy, "Three Days of Rain" (June 22-26); and Noel Coward's classic comedy-of-manners, "Private Lives" (July 6-10).

The festival continues in late July with two dance concerts, the free "Dance Festival Student Showcase Concert" (July 21) and the "Dance Festival Gala Concert" (July 24).

All theatre performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Studio Theatre. Both dance performances will be held in the Arts and Sciences auditorium, with the Dance Festival Student Showcase Concert beginning at 7 p.m. and the Dance Festival Gala Concert beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets for theatre cost $10 for the public, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for students. Dance performance tickets cost $12 at the door or $10 pre-purchased.

For tickets and information call (307) 766-6666 or go online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts.

"We're excited to be able to offer another season of terrific dance and theatre to the community," says UW Theatre and Dance Assistant Professor John O'Hagan, who serves as artistic manager for the festival's theatre portion. "This year the festival continues its tradition of providing a healthy mix of student and professional work. We're very grateful to be able to continue to offer professional-quality summer theatre to our audiences and we hope that everyone enjoys the season."

Photo: Guest actor John Goodson will perform in "Three Days of Rain" June 22-26. (John Goodson)

Monday, May 17, 2010

Two new exhibits at BBHC in Cody

From a BBHC press release:

Barely catching her breath since last summer's grand re-opening of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center's Whitney Gallery of Western Art, Acting Curator Christine Brindza has added two new exhibits to the gallery.

"We know that some visitors miss having western artist Frederic Remington's pieces all in one place," Brindza explains. "We heard that message and created a unique exhibition of some of Remington's studies, a means by which nearly every artist experiments with light, detail, layout, characters, and the like. What's interesting is that some depict scenes in the Cody vicinity and will be familiar to those who know the area."

"Curator's Choice: The Art of Frederic Remington" features a selection of work from the last decade of Remington's career including some finished works and many studies that "reveal Remington's continuous artistic changes in style and technique," Brindza says. "Toward the end of his life, he experimented with painting nature's light in his work." The Remington exhibit is on display in the Center's mezzazine, the H. Peter and Jeannette Kriendler Gallery.

Brindza also orchestrated an exhibit titled "Brush, Palette, and Custer's Last Stand," featuring artists who depicted the Battle of Little Bighorn. "Variously called the Battle of Little Bighorn, the Battle of Greasy Grass, Custer's Last Stand, Custer's Last Fight, and several other names depending on cultural and historical perspective, the Battle of Little Bighorn remains shrouded in mystery," Brindza observes. "As early as two weeks after the battle, artists attempted to re-create the mysteries of the battle in newspaper illustrations and major-scale works on canvas.
"Some of these early artists served as historians, whether intentionally or not, revealing details of the battle in their work. Others merely created a work of art based on imagination.

Regardless, as the public saw these early images, their views of the battle were shaped by the artwork, and therefore, helped create myths and legends that resonate even today."

On display near the Frederic Remington Studio in the Whitney Gallery, the exhibit includes works by William de la Montagne Cary (1840-1922), John Mulvany (1844-1906), Cassilly Adams (1843-1921), Edgar S. Paxson (1852-1919), Allan Mardon (b. 1931), Earl Biss (1947-1998), and Fritz Scholder (1937-2005).

"The Historical Center has 14 sketches Paxson used for his mammoth painting Custer's Last Stand which he completed in 1899. We also have a photograph of Paxson working on this piece and a number of his painting tools like brushes, charcoal holders, and paint boxes," Brindza adds. "The Paxson and Mardon works are situated across from each other with computer kiosks for more study, and Earl Biss's General Custer in Blue and Green, 1996, is just around the corner."

Online visitors can zoom in on the Paxson painting at http://tinyurl.com/BBHC-Paxson

2010 Photography Invitational reception at AVA Center on May 28

The second annual Photography Invitational Artists' Reception will be held on Friday, May 28, 6-8 p.m. at the AVA Center in Gillette.

Meet the artists, vote for viewers choice, and find out who won best of show in both Adult and Student divisions.

Hope to see you there!

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