Plein Air for the Park" reception July 13 at GTNP Craig Thomas Center

Jennifer Hoffman, The Clouds Roll In, 12x12 inches

On Friday, July 13th, the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters (RMPAP) "Plein Air for the Park" Gala Opening Reception and Sale takes place at Grand Teton National Park’s (GTNP) Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitors Center (CTDVC) 7:00 - 9:00 pm, with presentations of artist awards at 7:45 pm. New works painted in the Park over the preceding two weeks will be exhibited; award-winning paintings will become part of GTNP's permanent collection. Forty percent of the proceeds from the sale of works at the show will benefit Grand Teton National park through the Grand Teton Association (GTA), the Park's supporter and provider of Park-related educational, interpretive and scientific materials and programs.

The show is open to the public during the CTDVC's regular business hours all day Saturday and until 4 PM on Sunday, and all works are for sale. GTA will have docents manning the gallery during those hours.

Plein Air for the Park" will hold a Quick Draw on Thursday, July 12th, at CTDVC, 4-6:00 pm--beneath a Tetons late afternoon summer sky. Free and open to the public, the Quick Draw will feature 32 of the event artists completing a painting, start-to-finish, in two hours. Paintings may be purchased at the Quick Draw, for fixed, full retail prices. Quick Draw works may also be included in the exhibition and sale taking place at CTDVC July 13th - 15th.

“We want to make sure that patrons attending the QD know that if they see a painting they like at the QD, they may purchase it,” says RMPAP President Steve Datz. “They can do this by flagging down a docent. The artist will advise them of the price and title, and will have a frame and wire ready for the finished painting. Patrons MUST be present to purchase QD works, and must take their new purchases with them at the conclusion of the QD. Since these will be wet paintings, we will not be able to store or ship them. The QD is a sale, as opposed to an auction.”

Datz notes that this entire show will be created during the 12 days prior to the opening.

“That’s about 130 paintings that didn’t exist on July 1,” he says. “That’s no small thing. In a way, you can look at that body of work as a "snapshot" of GTNP during that time. It's a cross section of all the various aspects of light, weather, landscape, and activity, whether wild or human, in the Park during that 10 day slice of time. I expect it will be quite a diverse and impressive exhibition, and I am hopeful that it will be as surprising as it is delightful.”

Jackson Hole artists Jennifer Hoffman, Erin O’Connor, Kathryn Mapes Turner, and Lee Riddell will all have works on display.

"My people, my tribe!" exclaims O'Connor. " This is a collection of the most talented artists I know, with both styles and humors running the gamut. Imagine the challenge: paint your own immersion in the Jackson Hole landscape, no matter the weather or circumstances, in a matter of days. Imagine the kind of people who can pull that off. They are dedicated, determined souls with astonishing skills and a willingness to let Mother Nature run them ragged. I've participated in the RMPAP national events for 10 years, and I've yet to decide which is best - the amazing artwork that is created in these wild places, or the wild laughter and camaraderie of the artists creating."

Hoffman notes that as long as there’s even been an idea for it, artists have been intimately involved in the creation and preservation of National Parks.

“I am honored to take part in this rich history and to be able to share my passion for art and nature in a way that will benefit a place that I love,” she says. “I think it will be a special experience for park visitors to see artists creating works on location from start to finish – it’s the kind of thing that becomes a lifetime memory.”

“In thinking back to the contributions of Thomas Moran, John Clymer and Conrad Schwiering, it is easy to see that here has been a long history of artists in this area,” says Turner. “Their art made a significant impact on our understanding of this place. Landscape artists have a special relationship with the land, so I see this event as a celebration of our magnificent valley.

Riddell views RMPAP's event as a celebration of the place she's called home for over 35 years. Always excited to see how artists interpret the Park and its surroundings, Riddell takes pleasure in understanding what moves artists and how their feelings are put into their paintings; she looks forward to meeting RMPAP's artists and taking part in her first Quick Draw.

"I am honored to be one of the 'invited guest artists' this summer, and am looking forward to painting with Jen, Kath, Erin and Greg, as well as friends who are RMPAP members not living in Jackson," Riddell says. "And, it will be fun to meet members I do not know yet. I learn so much from other painters!"

At Grand Teton Association: Jan Lynch - 307-739-3406

For more information log onto http://www.rmpap.org/, or contact RMPAP's Steve Datz: steved@acsol.net Phone: 970-640-1879. Grand Teton Assoc.: 307.739.3406

Singer/songwriter Jeff Finlin subject of short film

Our Colorado musician friend Jeff Finlin, who plays quite frequently in Wyoming, and will be playing a house concert July 7 in Casper, is the subject of a short film by film maker and artist Sally Van Meter for her BFA.

Check out Jeff's website as well. He has a new CD available.

Creativity takes many forms!

Call for entries: Ruminate Magazine's 2012 Kalos Foundation Visual Art Prize

CALL FOR ENTRY: Ruminate Magazine's 2012 Kalos Foundation Visual Art Prize

DEADLINE: August 15, 2012

Ruminate Magazine: "Chewing on Life, Art and Faith" announces the 2012 Kalos Foundation Visual Art Prize. This year's competition will be juried by award-winning artist Bruce Herman. First place winner will receive a $2500 cash prize along with publication in Issue #26 of Ruminate Magazine (set to release in mid-December 2013). Runner-up recipient will also be published in Issue #26. The prize is open to all mediums and artists of all levels; no geographical restrictions. Entry Fee: $20 Entry fee also includes a complimentary copy of Issue #26.

TO SUBMIT: please visit our website to upload 3 images that represent a larger body of work, as well as an artist statement. Artists must have professional quality digital images of that larger group of works available upon request.

Call for artists: Only a few booth spaces remaining for 17th Street Arts Festival

Artists in all media are invited to apply to participate in the inaugural 17th Street Arts Festival Aug. 17-18 in downtown Cheyenne. Purchase awards are being committed and Friday night will be a gala event for art patrons and the public. The event will be held on the Dinneen North parking lot, located at 400 West Lincolnway and 17th St. between Thomes Avenue and Pioneer Avenue. Last chance to apply! Space is limited!

Show hours are Friday 5-9 p.m. (catered artists' party) and Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Booth fee is $100 (special inaugural year pricing) for a 10x10 space inside a large tent with electricity.

Contact Bev Bowman at the DDA office for information or an application 433-9730 or mailto:orbev@downtowncheyenne.com

FMI: http://artscheyenne.com/calendar-item/inaugural-17th-street-art-festival-in-downtown-cheyenne-call-for-art/2012-05-31

Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund board approves $758,858 in grants

As many as 41 Wyoming cultural and heritage projects and sponsoring organizations will benefit from $758,858 in grant awards from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund.

The grant awards, approved by the five-member Cultural Trust Fund board at a recent meeting in Casper, came from 50 total applications. Requests totaled more than $1.4 million, with requests capped at a maximum of $50,000. This year’s grant recipients anticipate generating $10 in matching local support for every $1 received from the Cultural Trust Fund.

See the entire list at http://wyospcr.state.wy.us/CTF/ViewNL.aspx?NLID=65

Bas Blue Theatre holds "Buffalo Gal" benefit for volunteer fire department

This isn’t a Wyoming event but recent wildfires have impacted all of us in the region. The Guernsey State Park fire in Platte County was one of the first in the recent spate of fires, and there have been several others in Wyoming since then. The largest (and nearest to Cheyenne and Laramie) has been the High Park fire above Fort Collins. So…

Bas Bleu Theatre Company, 401 Pine Street in Fort Collins, Colo., is holding a benefit for the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department

Buffalo Gal performance on Thursday, June 28, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Ticket proceeds will be donated to the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department.

Cash, check or credit card only please.

Buffalo Gal by A.R.Gurney, directed by Rebecca Hilliker, featuring Wendy Ishii as Amanda

BUY TICKETS

Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition purchase awards announced

Purchase award winner Michele Farrier of Alta, "Stateline Road," pastel, 18" x 20", $800.00. Michelle's work
 will be on display as part of the Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition
 this weekend at the Hynds Building in Cheyenne.  

This was announced Tuesday by the Wyoming State Museum:

Purchase Award recipients for the 2012 Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition have been announced, and will be recognized during the show’s awards presentation ceremony Saturday, June 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hynds Building in downtown Cheyenne.

An exhibition of all 70 artistic pieces included in this year’s show will be on display at the Hynds Building June 30 and July 1, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“We will be purchasing eight artworks from this year’s show,” said the show’s coordinator and curator, David L. Newell. “That is up from six from last year’s exhibit. This year’s show also includes 70 artworks, as opposed to 43 last year.”

This year’s eight winning artists include: Mack Brislawn, of Laramie, for his painting “Somewhere in the Powder River Basin;” Travis Ivey, of Laramie, for his painting “Spring Thaw on the Little Laramie;” Tony James, of Cheyenne, for his photograph “High Plains Thunder;” and Georgia Rowswell, of Cheyenne, for her mixed media composition “Paint Pot – Yellowstone.”

GCAE purchase award: Georgia Rowswell, Cheyenne, "Paint Point-Yellowstone,"
mixed media - compressed fiber, 21" x 21", $1,500.00

Also included are Shane Steiss, of Green River, for his mixed media composition “Aspen #14;” Michele Farrier, of Alta, for her pastel “Stateline Road;” Michael Flicek of Casper for his photograph “Prehistory Revealed;” and Joy Keown, of Laramie, for her painting “Rising From the Plains.”

“In a Hard Place,” a painting by Laramie’s Jerry Glass, received the Juror’s Choice Award.

“All of this year’s winning artworks have distinct Wyoming themes, in addition to being stunning works of art.” commented Newell.

The Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition is an annual juried group show. All the remaining artworks in the Hynds Building show are for sale, as are the works in the adjoining Artist Alley. All sales benefit the purchase fund for the permanent art collection at the Wyoming State Museum.

Established under an initiative by Governor Jim Geringer and organized under the auspices of the Wyoming Arts Council and the Wyoming State Museum, the Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition forms a collection of original Wyoming regional art for display in state offices. Works receiving Purchase Awards join this growing collection of prestigious art. The state’s five elected officials and representatives from other state agencies participated in the program to select the Purchase Award winners.

Another GCAE 2012 purchase award goes to Shane Steiss of Green River
for "Aspen #14," mixed media collage, 48" x 24", $500.00

Poet and novelist Naomi Shihab Nye: "Hope in Our Pockets"

“Hope in Our Pockets: An Evening with Poet & Novelist Naomi Shihab Nye” on Thursday, June 28, 8 p.m., Center for the Arts Theatre, 240 S. Glenwood St., Jackson.

Poetry has never been far away, in any of our lives. It's as close as hems and collars, the pockets we place our treasures in, the tiny glittering stones we find on our walks in the world. What use, this gathering? What use, this life with language as one's closest friend? Naomi Shihab Nye describes herself as a “wandering poet.” She has spent 37 years traveling the country and the world to lead writing workshops and inspire students of all ages. Nye was born to a Palestinian father and an American mother and grew up in St. Louis, Jerusalem, and San Antonio. Drawing on her Palestinian-American heritage, the cultural diversity of her home in Texas, and her experiences traveling in Asia, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Middle East, Nye uses her writing to attest to our shared humanity. Presented in collaboration with the Jackson Hole Writers Conference. Free. Adult Humanities Coordinator, Oona Doherty, 733-2164 ext. 135, odoherty@tclib.org.

Soft pastels workshop by Linda Lillegraven June 30 at The NIC

From a NIC news release:

The Nicolaysen Art Museum will host a basic soft pastels workshop with noted Wyoming artist Linda Lillegraven on Saturday, June 30, from 12:00-4:00pm. Attendees will learn the proper techniques for using chalk pastels, tips and tricks on how to blend pastels and will create their own artwork. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn the basics from a professional artist. Please pre-register by Thursday, June 28th by calling 235-5247 ext. 126.

Pricing (includes all materials):

$45.00 for NIC members
$30.00 for students with valid ID
$55.00 for non-members

Linda Lillegraven (Laramie, WY) loves the austere, open landscape of the West’s high plains and paints them both in oils and pastels. Her widely acclaimed paintings are in the permanent collections of the Wyoming State Museum, the Nicolaysen Art Museum, the University of Wyoming Art Museum, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and the Old West Museum among others. She has been in the Arts for the Parks Top 100 for four of the past seven years and in the Top 200 for six of those years.

For more information please call 307-235-5247.

Call for entries: ArtSpot!

The Center of Wonder announces a bigger stipend and longer installation time. Artists will be awarded $2000 for creating an ArtSpot that will be displayed from September 1, 2012 through March 15th, 2013.

Submit your concepts by June 27, 2012.

Artists will be notified by July 8th, 2012.

Submit to: artspot2012@gmail.com

Download Guidelines here.

Artwork will be installed by September 1, 2012 and hang through March 15,th 2013.

For Information please contact: Carrie Geraci/Director, Jackson Hole Public Art: 307-413-1474 or Jen Simon/ Project Coordinator, Center of Wonder: 307-413-0672

Mechanical Specifications: The ArtSpot structure is 22 feet tall, and the sign itself is shaped like an upper case "P". The interior of the rectangle potion is 10' H x 6' W x 1' D. There are bolt holes and strong points throughout the structure to connect to.

Located on Hwy 89, the ArtSpot is seen by an average of 30,000 people per day. The ArtSpot is a kinetic sign structure that was designed and built by the Center of Wonder's Public Art Ambassador Bland Hoke. It was created from a repurposed chairlift tower donated by the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

In addition to the Center of Wonder the ArtSpot has received support and funding from: First Interstate Bank, First Interstate BancSystem Foundation, The Wyoming Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, Cultural Council, and Farmers Market, the Karns Family, the Art Association of Jackson Hole, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, JH Whitewater, Custom Iron Design, Evans Construction, G&S Engineering, The Teton Group & amazing volunteers.

Western & Jahiel team up for Wyofile profile of custom bridle and bit craftsman Tom Balding

Tom Balding in his shop. Photo by Adam Jahiel.

Two Wyoming Arts Council fellowship winners teamed up to profile custom bridle and bit craftsman Tom Balding in the latest issue of WyoFile.

The story was written by Sheridan’s Sam Western, a 2012 creative writing fellowship recipient in fiction and author of Pushed off the Mountain and Sold Down the River: Wyoming’s Search for its Soul. The excellent photos were shot by Adam Jahiel of Story. Adam has received two WAC visual arts fellowships and his “Cowboys on the Range” exhibit was seen in 2008 at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne.

Sam explores Tom Balding’s intriguing life and delves into the details of his craft:

His passion for the last 28 years… has been horses and what riders use to influence their behavior: bits and spurs. Some of the world’s top riders use his custom-crafted products.

Balding’s snaffle bits, many made with gleaming bits of stainless steel, have a stark, sleek look. They feature mouthpieces of copper inlaid sweet iron, a cold-rolled carbon steel preferred by horses because the rusting tastes sweet.

His shanks, western-style bits connected together by a metal bar, range from bare-bones pieces of modern art to the more ornate, decorated with silver plate or initialed in bronze. They go by the name of Switchback, Steamboat, and Diamond Cross.

That's just a sample. Read the entire story at http://wyofile.com/2012/06/tom-balding-custom-bridle-bit-craftsman-was-inspired-when-bucked-off-a-horse/

New work by Wyoming glass artist Laurie Thal

From Jackson glass artist Laurie Thal: "I just installed these 14 pieces of glass in a private residence in Madison, WI. The two story atrium has wonderful light that changes throughout the day. Their office upstairs looks out onto the glass, giving a different view than the entrance below. The blown spheres are approx 14" diameter, and the fused & slumped ribbons vary from 20" to 36"."

Laurie's collaborative pieces with artist Lia Kass were featured in the 2009 Wyoming Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition.

Wednesday Night Live debuts July 11 at The Nic

Every Wednesday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. (starting July 11): This year, the Nicolaysen Art Museum kicks off Wednesday Night Live – its live, 8-week summer concert series – on July 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Live concerts are free and listeners are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets so they can relax while enjoying a variety of music. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase from local vendors. Performers for the summer series will be posted soon! Go to http://www.thenic.org/

Buffalo Community Theatre holds organizational meeting tonight

From a press release:

Buffalo Community Theatre Meeting: If you, or your children, are interested in participating in a theatrical performance, please join us for our second community theatre meeting on Monday, June 25th, 2012 at 5:30pm. Everyone is welcome, performers, stage crew, costumers, musicians and more. The first show is tentatively set for the week of August 6th through the 11th, 2012. For more information please call 307.620.2244.

Photo essay: "Play Ball" sculpture dedication at Torrington Correctional Facility

Artists Tom and Jean Latka of Pueble, Colo., created "Play Ball," the Art in Public Buildings sculpture dedicated June 21 at the Wyoming Medium Correction Institution in Torrington. Photo by Annie Hatch.



"Play Ball" sculpture in the entrance cupola of the Correctional Facility. Materials in the sphere are fused dichroic glass and stainless steel. According to artist Jean Latka, each of the glass disks is engraved with a positive message such as "tolerance," "compassion," and "forgiveness." "I though of it as a prayer," she said. Because the glass changes colors with the changing light, "you always encounter it in a different way," said SPCR Director Milward Simpson at the dedication ceremony. Photo by Annie Hatch.



Close-up of dichroic fused glass disks. Photo by Sue Castaneda.

Presentation of dedication plaque at June 21 ceremony. Pictured  (from left to right): Artists Tom and Jean Latka; Warden Steve Hargett; Department of Corrections Director Bob Lampert; State Parks and Cultural Resources Director Milward Simpson; Wyoming Arts Council Manager Rita Basom. Photo by Annie Hatch.

Film Festival schedule in Lander Thursday & Friday

Giant crawfish invade Jackson!

Young performers from five states get scholarships to Snowy Range Dance Festival

News from UW:

The University of Wyoming's Department of Theatre and Dance has awarded scholarships to young performers to attend the university's annual Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival July 11-22.

Students participate in 11 days of intensive study with distinguished faculty from around the country. Festival activities include seminars, student performances, lectures and two evenings of discussion with teaching faculty.

Scholarships were awarded after an audition process and provided by long-time dance festival supporters at UW, in the Laramie community and by additional donors in the state of Wyoming and beyond.

The festival concludes with public performances. The free student showcase is 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, in the College of Arts and Sciences auditorium.

The gala concert is 4 p.m. Saturday, July 21, in the College of Arts and Sciences auditorium. Admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Scholarships were awarded to the following students:

Aurora, Colo. -- Elly Shin, Cherry Creek Dance.

Casper -- McKenna Silva, Rocky Mountain School of Dance.

Centennial, Colo. -- Ariana Hartanov, Cherry Creek Dance.

Cheyenne -- Elizabeth Daly, En Avant Dance Studio.

Denver, Colo. -- Olivia Arthur, Emma Knor, Seamus Paert and Charlotte Thayer, all with Cherry Creek Dance.

Grand Junction, Colo. -- Sydnee Kimmel, Absolute Dance.

Jackson -- Quinn and Riley Liljestrom, Dancers Workshop.

Jay, Fla. -- Cydney Covert, P.A.C.E. Studio.

Pace, Fla. -- Alyssa Quigley, P.A.C.E. Studio.

Rapid City, S.D. -- Katie Beck and Mariah Brewer, Prima School of Dance; and Heidi Carlson, Chandraya Foos and Avery Lux, Academy of Dance Arts.

Scottsbluff, Neb. -- Mackinzie Gregory, The Dance Company.

Torrington -- Davin Gerrard, 28th Avenue Dance Studio.

Windsor, Colo. -- Taylor Cox, Canyon Concert Dance.

Photo: Choreographer Rosy Goodman is among the instructors at the University of Wyoming Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival.

Patti Fiasco at Evanston's Beer, Brats and Bluegrass Festival June 23

The arts and culture of Mexico highlighted at Casper's NICFest

News from the NIC:

The Nicolaysen Art Museum will host the popular NICFest summer art festival this Friday through Sunday, June 22-24. NICFest is a vibrant multi-day festival that provides endless opportunities to celebrate the arts with professional artists creating and selling artwork, two stages of musical entertainment, fun activities for kids and families, food and art exhibitions for everyone. For 2012, NICFest introduces a new celebration of folk-life. Each year, a different cultural region, country or tradition will be explored. This year, the festival will celebrate and explore the Mexican culture through art, music, dance, and food.

The visual arts include more than 60 artists from across the region and nation selling their artwork in the main tent and on Collins Drive. Exhibitions in the museum explore a variety of themes from agriculture, fashion, Mexican folk art. Featured in Bryce Hall and in the Discovery Center, is the National Arts Program exhibition, which highlights the artwork of city employees and their immediate family. Don’t miss the Doodle 4 Google exhibition in the Discovery Center, which Wyoming children from all across the state reimagined the Google logo.

NICFest would not be complete without music and this year’s headliner main stage performers include 3 Twins Broadband on Friday evening at 7 pm, the Fireants on Saturday at 6 pm, and Jalan Crossland on Sunday at 4 pm. Also, don’t miss our full schedule of music and dance performers on the family stage from Friday to Sunday.

Come and enjoy the 7th annual NICFest celebration of arts and culture. The festival, which will be open from 5-9 p.m. June 22, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. June 23, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on June 24 is free and open to the public.

For more information, call the Nic at 235-5247 or visit our Web site at http://www.thenic.org/.

Germany's NordArt 2012 featured the work of Wyoming artist Florence McEwin

The work of Green River's Florence McEwin was featured in the NordArt 2012 Show in Hamburg, Germany. Florence, a visual arts professor at Western Wyoming College and Wyoming Arts Council fellowship recipient, was one of 100 international artists chosen for the prestigious show. Florence received an Individual Artist Professional Development grant from the Wyoming Arts Council to help pay for her travel and the shipping of the artwork to the show. The NordArt team followed up the show by sending a link to a virtual tour and a nice group photo. Can you spot Florence? On the tour, her work is in Halle 2(20). Here's the info:

We had a great opening day for the NordArt 2012 on June 2.

Almost 100 artists and more than 2000 guests came to celebrate this day with us.

We attached a picture of the group photo for you. (If you wish we can send it in higher resolution).

More photos of the opening of NordArt 2012 can be found here.http://www.kunstwerk-carlshuette.de/en/photogallery.html

For those of you who couldn't join us on this day we produced a virtual tour through the sculpture park and the exhibition areas. The tour can be seen online here.http://www.kunstwerk-carlshuette.de/en/478.htm

The exhibition catalogue will be send via post to everyone who could not pick it up during the opening.

We like to thank you all very much for participating and contributing to this years exhibition.

Melodrama volunteer sign-up night at the Atlas Theatre

From CLTP:

Tonight (Tuesday, June 19) Cheyenne Little Theatre Players' personnel will be down at the Historic Atlas Theatre, 211 W. Lincolnway, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. signing up volunteers to run our Front of House for this year's Old-Fashioned Melodrama!

We need have 235 volunteer spots to fill to make this production a success! Come on down and join this fun group!

We would like to have all of our volunteer spots filled by July 7, so don't wait!

If you can't make it this evening, please call 307-638-6543 or stop by the Mary Godfrey Playhouse at 2706 East Pershing Blvd (Mon-Fri 9 am-4 pm) to sign up.

Thanks for supporting the Cheyenne Little Theatre Players!

Pinedale Fine Arts Council presents Sound Check Mini-Music Festival

The Pinedale Fine Arts Council is proud to present the fifth annual Sound Check Mini-Music Festival on Saturday, June 30 beginning at 5 p.m. in the American Legion Park in Pinedale. The outdoor concert is free (donations appreciated) and will feature Boom Chick from Brooklyn, NY as headliners. Rounding out the bill this year will be Hymn for Her (playing middle bill) and Austin, TX alt-country duo Loves It! will open things up.

Don’t forget to bring a chair, cooler, sunscreen and shades and enjoy a great summer evening listening to three great bands in Beautiful Pinedale, Wyoming!

Headliners Boom Chick features Frank Hoier on guitar & vocals and Moselle Spiller on drums. Formed in Brooklyn, NY Sept 2009, their sound is a reflection of their ecstatic love for early American rock & roll, surf guitar, early country music and Delta blues.

Lucy Tight & Wayne Waxing make up “Hymn For Her” - a band that hails from anywhere they can park their trailer. They have a strong folk, country and Americana vibe with enchanting harmonies and untempered angst and energy.

Hailing from Austin TX, Loves It! Is the duo of Jenny Parrot and Vaughn Walters. Jenny’s romantic vocal style can melt any man's heart and Vaughns' soulful and rustic delivery bring a unique and inventive energy to their music. With a touch of folk, bluegrass and country, Loves It! is totally Texas!

The now annual Sound Check was first conceived 6 years ago by the Pinedale Fine Arts Council as a means of testing a new sound system they purchased with grant money from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund. The Town of Pinedale,the Sublette County Recreation Board and The Pinedale Travel and Tourism Commission also helped support this event.

For more information please visit http://www.pinedalefinearts.com/ or call 307.367.7322. And be sure to find PFAC on Facebook!

Tribal artists demonstrate their art forms daily at Colter Bay Visitor Center in GTNP

Each year, Grand Teton National Park sponsors a program for visiting American Indian artists at the Colter Bay Visitor Center. For the past 37 years, artists from diverse tribes have demonstrated their traditional and contemporary art forms, providing visitors a chance to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of American Indian art and culture.

Participating artists represent tribes from across the United States. Demonstrated art forms include painting, weaving, pottery, beadwork, and musical instruments. Guest artists exhibit daily from Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., adjacent to the Grand Teton Association bookstore. Artists also offer their finished items for purchase. Dates and guest artists scheduled for the 2012 season are listed at http://www.nps.gov/grte/parknews/news-release-12-36.htm

Summer Solstice Celebration June 20 at UW Art Museum

Juneteenth celebration set for June 16 in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Park in Cheyenne

The annual Juneteenth celebration will take place on Saturday, June 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Park in Cheyenne. Speakers include Mayor Rick Kaysen, Wyoming State Rep. Jim Byrd and Cheyenne NAACP President Elder Rodney McDowell. Performances throughout the day by DJ Riley Jeleneic, singer/songwriter Brandon Mucklow, Flores De Colores, singers/dancers Rashinda Calloway and Maricruz, and poet Stephen Stinger with Dr. James Peebles on the bongos. The Excel Perry 3on3 Basketball Tournament goes all day. Food vendors and informational booths will be located throughout the park. FMI: http://www.naacpcheyenne.org/meetings-and-events

"Plein Air for the Park" July 1-15 in Grand Teton National Park

"PLEIN AIR FOR THE PARK" the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters (RMPAP) 11th Annual National Paint-Out and Exhibition, takes place July 1-15 in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). The two-week paint out brings together 44 professional artists from around the country, an event that is the first of its kind at GTNP. Beginning July 1st, participating artists (including several Jackson-based painters) will paint in GTNP and the Jackson Hole area.

Artists will conduct painting demonstrations at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitors Center (CTDVC) and on the Jackson Lake Lodge’s Grand Room deck, overlooking Mt. Moran, each day from July 7-11. Times are 9-11 AM and 4-6 PM, with the exception of Sunday, July 15, when only a morning demonstration is planned.

Celebrating the Grand Teton Association's 75th Anniversary and GTNP's rich tradition of landscape painting, the event is a fundraiser to benefit GTNP. In addition to multiple opportunities to watch plein air artists in action as they work on paintings start to finish, "Plein Air for the Park" will hold a Quick Draw on Thursday, July 12th, at CTDVC, 4-6:00 pm--beneath a Tetons late afternoon summer sky. Free and open to the public, the Quick Draw will feature 32 of the event artists completing a painting, start-to-finish, in two hours. Paintings may be purchased at the Quick Draw, for fixed, full retail prices. Quick Draw works may also be included in the exhibition and sale taking place at CTDVC July 13th - 15th.

All "Plein Air for the Park" events and demonstrations are free and open to the public.

The RMPAP exhibition will be displayed in the CTDVC's extensive gallery space, home to the Park’s permanent art collection. On Friday, July 13th, a Gala Opening Reception and Sale takes place at CTDVC, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, with presentations of artist awards at 7:45 pm. Three new works from each participant, created during the event's two weeks, will be displayed. Several awards will be given, with two of the award-winning paintings becoming part of GTNP's permanent collection. 40% of the proceeds from the sale of works at the show will benefit Grand Teton National park through GTA, the Park's supporter and provider of Park-related educational, interpretive and scientific materials and programs.

Stephanie Brennan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees & Officers at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, is this year's judge.

Participating Jackson artists include Jennifer Hoffman, Gregory I. McHuron, Erin O'Connor, Kathryn Mapes Turner and Lee Riddell.

RMPAP's exhibition concludes Sunday, July 15th, at 4:00 pm.

“It is an enormous pleasure to be working with the Grand Teton Association and Grand Teton National Park this year,” says RMPAP President Stephen C. Datz. “Grand Teton is a singularly beautiful park with a rich artistic history. The opportunity to continue that tradition, expand public awareness and appreciation of plein-air painting, and in doing so benefit the exceptional efforts of the GTA on behalf of the Park is a genuine privilege."

GTNP Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott adds, "Grand Teton National Park has served as inspiration for artists throughout the ages, and we're thrilled to bring the RMPAP to the Park for this special event. Grand Teton Association began collecting works of art on behalf of the Park over 50 years ago and this collection has become a valuable part of Grand Teton's legacy. We truly appreciate the Association's efforts in bringing landscape and wildlife painters to Grand Teton in 2012 to carry on the tradition."

About RMPAP: A uniquely close-knit association, RMPAP was formed in 2001 by a small group of artists intent on increasing public awareness and enthusiasm for plein air painting within the Rocky Mountain region and "fostering camaraderie, friendship, and professional development" among its member artists. The group’s membership consists of 50 professional North American artists.
Grand Teton Association: http://www.grandtetonpark.org./

For more information on "Plein Air for the Park" events, contact Stephen Datz: (970) - 640-1879 or steved@acsol.net. See the full schedule at http://www.rmpap.org/national_show/

Art, prose and music under the stars June 21 at "Brush Creek Presents"

Enjoy an outdoor summer evening while soaking up arts and culture at the next Brush Creek Presents. On Thursday, June 21 from 8:30- 10:00pm, Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts will host another evening of presentations by their current artists-in-residence. Please join us on the lawn at Grand Encampment Museum located at 807 Barnett Ave. Bring your blanket or camp chair.

Month of June presenters include Kari Besharse, who is a composer of acoustic and electroacoustic music, a guitarist, an educator, a sci-fi nut, and an outdoors enthusiast. Her works, which incorporate sounds from acoustic instruments, found objects, the natural world, and synthesis, are often generated from a group of sonic objects or material archetypes that undergo processes of rupture, degradation, alternation, expansion, and distortion. Kari is currently a lecturer at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Christina Askounis grew up in a military family and has lived in diverse places. She now lives in Durham, North Carolina, where she teaches creative writing at Duke University.In 2007, her fantasy novel, The Dream of the Stone, originally published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 1993, was reissued in simultaneous hardcover and trade paperback by Simon and Schuster. Publishers Weekly called it “a first-rate fantasy in the tradition of Madeline L’Engle and Charles Williams . . . well-paced, full of magic, mystery and invention,” and Madeline L’Engle described it as “a fantasy with a depth and richness seldom found in a novel for young readers.”She is now working on finishing her second novel, and will be reading passages during Brush Creek Presents.

Christopher Zuarʼs music has been performed by many jazz orchestras, including The New England Conservatory Jazz Composerʼs Workshop Orchestra among others.Feeling at home writing both contemporary jazz and classical, Zuarʼs music has been hailed as “...clever, intuitive, engaging, accessible and ultimately beautiful.” In 2012, Zuar won a prestigious ASCAP Young Jazz Composers award for his piece Remembrance.Zuar holds a BM in Jazz Composition from the New England Conservatory in Boston. He is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Jazz Composition at the Manhattan School of Music.

Lynne Huffer is a nonfiction writer and teacher. She is currently Professor of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Emory University, and is the author of four books: Are the Lips a Grave? (forthcoming); Mad for Foucault (2010); Maternal Pasts, Feminist Futures (1998); and Another Colette (1992). Her creative nonfiction has appeared or is forthcoming in Cadillac Cicatrix, Dos Passos Review, Eleven Eleven, Passager, The Rambler, RioGrande Review, Southern California Review, Sou'wester, and Talking River Review. She is currently working on a memoir, Sleeping Sickness and Other Queer Histories. Lynn is currently collaborating with visual artist Jennifer Yorke to create a pop-up book based on her memoir.

Jennifer Yorke is an artist who makes collages, drawings, prints, photographs and books. Jennifer’s work examines the slippage between the public and private self, and is held in collections at the Auckland Gallery of Art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Huntsville Museum of Art and other institutions. She graduated from Carleton College cum laude and with Distinction (honors), and holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, which she attended through a Graduate Trustee Fellowship. Yorke lives in Chicago with her husband Rob and dogs Fabio and Leonard.

Heidi Jensen is an Associate Professor of Art at Ball State University in Indiana. Her work explores modes of drawing and probes issues regarding narrative, biology and function. Recent exhibitions include Drawing Now Paris with La GalerieParticuliere; Brush, a solo exhibition at the Kimura Gallery, University of Alaska in Anchorage; and Drawing Resurfaced at the Purdue University Galleries in Indiana. Heidi is a fellow of several residency programs including the Millay Colony for the Arts in New York State, La Napoule Foundation in France, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and now Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts.

Nancy Gail Ring has received numerous awards for her fine art, such as the Vermont Studio Center Artist’s Fellowship Award in Painting, the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation/NEA Fellowship Award in Works on Paper, and a New York Foundation for the Arts Artists’ Fellowship Award in Drawing. Nancy is also the author of a critically acclaimed memoir, Walking On Walnuts, filled with thirteen of her drawings, (national media, regional bestseller.) Nancy earned her MFA in Painting from The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, Pa., where she was nominated for the Robert Motherwell Foundation Dedalus Award in Painting, and her BFA from Syracuse University School of Visual and Performing Arts. A transplanted Manhattanite, she lives in northern New Jersey with her fourteen-year-old son.

Brush Creek Presents is afree and informal, monthly community outreach program that features visual presentations, readings and music by the current artists-in-residence. Light snacks are provided, courtesy of Brush Creek Ranch.

The Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts offers dedicated individuals a supportive environment in which to further their creative development. While at Brush Creek, visual artists, writers, musicians and composers 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.For more information please visit http://www.brushcreekarts.org/ or call Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts at (307)710-7312.

Graphics: 1. “Shunt”, a drawing by Heidi Jensen; 2. “Alchemy” a painting by Nancy Gail Ring

Patsy falls to pieces (again) at Snowy Range Summer Theatre June 26-30

News from UW:

Country music legend Patsy Cline comes to life this summer as the Snowy Range Summer Theatre continues the 2012 season with "Always...Patsy Cline."

Presented by the University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance, "Always...Patsy Cline" runs June 26 -30 at 7:30 p.m. on the UW Fine Arts Main Stage. Tickets cost $10 for the public and $7 for students, senior citizens and children over 5. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. For tickets and information, call (307) 766-6666 or go online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts .

Written by Ted Swindley and directed by guest artist Charlotte Guyette, this heartfelt, toe-tapping musical tribute first opened in 1993, became a sold-out hit off-Broadway, and is now one of the most-produced musicals in the United States.

"'Always...Patsy Cline' is perfect summer fun," says director Guyette. "It has live music, familiar faces and buckets of quirky humor."

Based on an endearing true story, the show recounts the real-life relationship between Cline and Louise Seger, her No. 1 fan. Seger first heard Cline sing on the "Arthur Godfrey Show" in 1957 and became an immediate and avid fan, constantly hounding the local disc jockey to play Cline's records on the radio.

In 1961, while en route to see Cline perform, Seger happened upon Cline in a Texas honky-tonk, and the two struck up an unlikely friendship. When Cline left for her next show in Dallas, the pair exchanged phone numbers and addresses, although Seger never really expected to hear from Cline again. But soon she received the first of many letters and phone calls from Cline, and the correspondence continued until Cline's untimely death in a plane crash in 1963. The musical's moniker is inspired by Cline's letters to Seger, which were consistently signed "Love ALWAYS ... Patsy Cline."

Filled with more than two dozen unforgettable hits -- including "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," "Sweet Dreams" and "Walkin' After Midnight" -- "Always ... Patsy Cline" combines down-home country humor, true emotion, and even some audience participation to celebrate the life and music of one of the most acclaimed vocalists of the 20th century.

"'Always ... Patsy Cline' is Southern hospitality with the voice you love," says Guyette. "It's the Grand Ole Opry right here in our kitchen and on our own back porch."

The production features UW alumna and songstress Lindsey Cozzens as Cline and professor Lou Anne Wright as fan Seger, with UW alumnus Sean Warren Stone providing musical direction. Local musicians Chris Kennison, John Wilhelm, Jack Wallace, Don Austin and Jascha Herdt make up the show's live band.

Photo: "Always...Patsy Cline" runs June 26 -30 at 7:30 p.m. on the UW Fine Arts Main Stage.

Stage III offers farce that pokes fun at love in the digital age

Stage III in Casper presents “For Better” by Eric Coble and directed by Donna Fisher.

Different cities, different time zones and a couple with wedding plans to make via cell phone, texts and email. The "tweeting" you hear may not always be coming from "love birds"! This hilarious farce pokes fun at love in the digital age.

Performances: June 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 7:30pm and June 17, 24 at 2:00pm.

Adults $12 Seniors & Students $8.

Tickets available in advance at Grant Street Grocery, Cadillac Cowgirl and Sonic Rainbow or one hour before curtain time at the Stage III box office. Season ticket holders may call 234-0946 for reservations.

Call for artists: ArtSpot in Jackson

From Jackson Hole Public Art:

Located on Hwy 89 in Jackson, the ArtSpot is seen by an average of 30,000 people per day. The ArtSpot is a kinetic sign structure that was designed and built by the Center of Wonder's Public Art Ambassador Bland Hoke. It was created from a repurposed chairlift tower donated by the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Artists are supported with a $2000 stipend, huge exposure and an introduction to creating work for a public setting. Selected works inspire a sense of community by depicting shared themes, values and experiences. Artwork that is cynical, political or negative will not be considered. Installations change on the solstices and/or the equinoxes.

Submit your concepts by June 27, 2012.

Artists will be notified by July 8th, 2012.

Submit to: mailto:artspot2012@gmail.com

Download Guidelines at: http://www.jhpublicart.org/artspot.html

Artists will be awarded $2000 for creating an ArtSpot that will be displayed from September 1, 2012 through March 15,th 2013.

FMI: Carrie Geraci/Director, Jackson Hole Public Art: 307-413-1474

Mechanical Specifications: The ArtSpot structure is 22 feet tall, and the sign itself is shaped like an upper case "P". The interior of the rectangle potion is 10' H x 6' W x 1' D. There are bolt holes and strong points throughout the structure to connect to.

Potters' Depot in Buffalo offers Raku pottery workshop Aug. 6-10

"Horses" by Genie Thomsen

Summer guest artist workshop: Five days with Genie Thomsen, August 6 - 10, 2012

Discover the many alternative firing techniques of Raku pottery and learn creative handbuilding methods. This workshop has been approved by the State of Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board for Professional Development Credits. Please call or email for details.

Potters' Depot LLC
75 E. Benteen Street
Buffalo, WY 82834
(307) 684-4555
Email: pottersdepot@msn.com

Corridor Gallery in downtown Casper debuts "Member Smalls" on June 22

Press release from the Corridor Gallery:

The Corridor management recently asked their member artists to prepare a “small work” of original art to debut exclusively at the Corridor Gallery. The Member Smalls concept came to fruition based upon the concept of providing interesting, unique, affordable and easy to hang fine artwork. “We understand that it’s often more of a challenge to integrate large artwork into a space based upon available room and cost. We wanted to offer a more intimate, personalized show with the theme based upon size versus subject matter.” - Zak Pullen, co-owner of the Corridor Gallery.

Corridor member artists Holly Bryson, Mike Flicek, Rod Knowlton, Suzette McIntyre, Aumi Perry, Fred Taraba, Leighton White and Zak Pullen will all have small works debuting at the opening reception on Friday, June 22nd at 7pm. The show will be open to the public 3 days only - showing through 4pm on Sunday, June 24th. With mediums ranging from woodcut printmaking, photography, traditional oil painting, vintage american illustration, watercolor and character illustration this show will be extremely diverse offering a range of style and discipline wide enough to interest most. Adhering to the concept of small works, attendants of the show will find the sizes of artwork ranging from 4 inches square to just around 1 foot square.

Admirers of fine art and supporters of local Casper culture are invited to attend “Member Smalls”, an exhibit of small works. If you’re looking to soak in what new material the Corridor artists have created or acquire a unique small work for a gift or a special place, you will find the show enjoyable. Most of the artists will be present and happy to answer any questions.

Event Details

Event: “Member Smalls” An exhibit of small original works
Location: The Corridor Gallery, 120 E. 2nd St. Casper, WY 82601
Opening & Showing: Opening reception on Friday June 22nd at 7pm and showing Saturday, June 23rd from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, June 24th 12 to 4pm.
Catering: Cash Bar
General Admission: Free
Call 307-259-8001 or email appointment@thecorridorgallery.com with any questions.

Lotte Paul's "Gardens & Landscapes" featured at Clay Paper Scissors Gallery

From Clay Paper Scissors Gallery:

Art Design & Dine is this Thursday from 5-8 PM and Clay Paper Scissors is excited to be featuring "Gardens & Landscapes" by Lotte Paul. Lotte is a long time resident of Cheyenne who has painted prolifically for years and never shown her work. She favors watercolors, but also has some acrylics in the mix. An avid gardener, Lotte loves flowers and it shows in her paintings.

We have hung more than 150 paintings in a profusion of color and light. The paintings are unframed, leaving you to finish them to suit your tastes and home. We hope you'll come by to see the show!

It will be up through July. If you can't make it during Art Design & Dine, please give us a call to schedule a time to come see it at 307-631-6039. Clay Paper Scissors is located at 1506 Thomes Ave, Ste B. We're at the southwest corner of the building facing the tracks, the last door.

Help get Katherine Palochak's jewelry on the cover of The Crafts Report -- vote today only!

"Moon Risng"

From WAC roster artist Katherine Palochak in Carbon County:

One of my necklaces was selected for consideration to be featured on the cover of The Crafts Report. I’ve made the first draft of the submissions that have been narrowed down to 64 entries, selected by the staff of Crafts Report. I’m really excited that there’s someone in Wyoming made it this far, especially when you consider our low populace. The contestants have been divided into groups of 4. Each group will have a popular vote on Facebook to decide which of the four will advance to the next round. My voting round is today, June 11th! Will you take a few minutes and help me get to the next round? All you have to do is go to the link at http://www.facebook.com/CraftsReport#!/CraftsReport and “like” my piece and that will get me a vote. There is only this one day, Monday, that you can vote for my necklace. Invite your friends and family to vote too! Thanks for your support, everyone!

Katherine Palochak
Website: http://metalsandgems.com/
Etsy: http://jazznjewelry.etsy.com/
Blog: http://jazznjewelry.wordpress.com/

Pioneer Players Dinner Theatre offers "Death by Chocolate" in Fort Laramie

By day, Matthew Allred is a building inspector and town planner in Guernsey. By night, he acts in and directs theatre.

Thursday was opening night for the Pioneers' Playhouse production of "Death by Chocolate," Craig Sodaro's one-act comedic farce and murder mystery. This dinner theatre production continues tonight (June 8) at the Pioneers Community Hall in Fort Laramie (the old middle school). Cash bar/social hour at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6, and show at 7. Tickets are $15.

The play continues on June 15-16 (same times).

Call for tickets and meal choice: 307-575-0979; 532-3431; 837-2119.

Art Design & Dine: Men at Work -- On Their Art

Lander RiverFest announces music line-up

Lander Art Center’s 4th Annual RiverFest: Art and Music in the Park is a celebration of regional art, music, art demonstrations and installations, dance performances and food and drinks.

This year, RiverFest is scheduled for July 21, 2012 in Lander City Park at 405 Fremont St. from 11 am to 7 pm.

Juried artists display and sell their handmade crafts and original artwork which ranges from painting to pottery to jewelry.

Dancer's Workshop of Jackson Hole and Promoting Arts in Lander Scools (PALS) partners with the Lander Art Center to arrange a dance and movement performance of the Summer Creative Arts Camp local youth at 11 am.

Lander's own Fluffy Buffalo will shake our booty at 12:30pm.

The Patti Fiasco promises more high energy sound at 2:30pm.

Head for the Hills brings modern acoustic harmonies and improvisation from Ft. Collins, Co.

Demonstrations will include screenprinting, pottery, art installations, and wood carvings. Other activities will include a family friendly scavenger hunt and hula hoops sold by local hipster Jagoe Reid.

Wyoming Wilderness Association offers a weekend of art and nature with painter Joan Hoffman

From a press release from the Wyoming Wilderness Association:

The Wyoming Wilderness Association is excited to be hosting a weekend of art and nature with Joan Hoffmann, extraordinary oil and pastel artist from Colorado and Vermont, conservationist and teacher.

Friday- Sunday June, 15-17th, Hoffmann will inspire painters of any medium or skill level, in a car campout near Honeycomb Buttes. Saturday morning artists will rendezvous to set up car camping near the Honeycombs, with short day hikes to paint, and campfire critiques and stories to follow. Sunday morning, artists will paint the gorgeous Honeycomb Buttes for a grand finale of an inspiring art-filled weekend. This opportunity is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Martha Tate at 307-672-2751 or visit WWA’s website at http://www.wildwyo.org/

Wyoming Wilderness Association encourages everyone to take advantage of the summer, get out and explore the wild parts of the state, and find out what makes Wyoming and its wilderness areas so special.

The Patti Fiasco returns to UW for June 13 concert

The Patti Fiasco will perform a free concert Wednesday, June 13, from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. on the University of Wyoming Simpson Plaza.

With three years of touring, writing, recording and playing shows together, the group offers country twang mixed with an essence of rock. The members' Wyoming heritage influences the band's music.

"The Patti Fiasco seems destined for greatness," says Devin Morse of SCENE magazine. "On the one hand, they have all the aspects a music executive would look for in a marketable act. On the other hand, they have that sort of organic charm and grassroots style that proves it's about more than just money and popularity."

For more information on The Patti Fiasco, visit http://www.pattifiasco.net/ .

This performance is part of a weekly summer concert series hosted by the Campus Activities Center. Individuals needing assistance to attend should call (307) 766-6340. For more information, visit www.uwyo.edu/cac .

Photo: The Patti Fiasco will perform a free concert Wednesday, June 13, from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. on the University of Wyoming Simpson Plaza.

Summer Artist Visits Celebrate New Jackson Hole Sculpture Trail

Tim Shinabarger, (United States, b. 1966), "Black Timber Bugler," 2007. Bronze. 112 1/2 x 64 5/8 x 116. Gift of Joy and Tony Greene. © Jim McNutt.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming – June 7, 2012 – Summer visitors to Jackson Hole, Wyo., will have the opportunity to brush elbows with top wildlife sculptors as part of a series of free outdoor events at the National Museum of Wildlife Art celebrating its new multimillion-dollar Sculpture Trail. The three-quarter-mile long trail, designed by renowned landscape architect Walter Hood, was completed last fall and has already become a favorite site for outdoor events. With its June 14, 2012, kick-off of the Sculpture Trail, the National Museum of Wildlife Art joins top museums with significant outdoor art venues.

Scheduled unveilings of major sculptures on the trail will take place over the summer as follows:

• June 14: Wyoming sculptor Sandy Scott will attend the free evening unveiling of her first casting of “Presidential Eagle,” so named because another casting resides in the Clinton Presidential Library.

• July 12: British artist Simon Gudgeon will offer afternoon clay modeling workshops July 12 -14, as well as being on hand for the evening unveiling of his streamlined bird form “Isis” on July 12; events are free.

• August 9: A second Sandy Scott sculpture, “Moose Flats,” will be unveiled in a free evening event with live music.

• September 13: Richard Loffler’s 64-foot-long “Buffalo Trail” will be unveiled at a special commemorative ceremony, part of the museum’s annual Western Visions®. At 150 percent larger than life, the Canadian sculptor’s bronze bison make a dramatic statement.

As part of his concept for the museum’s Sculpture Trail, Walter Hood, known for his innovative and people-friendly designs of such high-profile public spaces as the grounds for the De Young Museum in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, made best use of the museum’s spectacular Jackson Hole vantage point with minimal disruption of the land’s existing contours.

A member of the Museums West consortium and accredited by the American Association of Museums, the museum, officially designated the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States by an act of Congress in 2008, provides an exciting calendar of exhibitions from its permanent collection and changing exhibitions from around the globe. A complete schedule of exhibitions and events is available online at www.wildlifeart.org. The museum is also active on Facebook at wildlifeartjh and on Twitter at @wildlifeartjh.

Media Contacts: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, 307.734.5335, darla@wordenpr.com; Ponteir Sackrey National Museum of Wildlife Art, 307.732.5444, psackrey@wildlifeart.org.

CLTP looking for volunteers

The Cheyenne Little Theatre Players is looking for a few good volunteers. See the long list of needs at http://www.cheyennelittletheatre.org/volunteer.asp?utm_source=Beat+the+Summer+Heat+with+CLTP&utm_campaign=Summer+Heat&utm_medium=email

Author and visionary Ray Bradbury dies at 91

Ray Bradbury in his L.A. office in 2008

Gone is the author of the classics "Fahrenheit 451" and "The Martian Chronicles." See this article by Rick Schindler in Today Books: Ray Bradbury foresaw the future — and didn’t trust it. Excerpt:

Ray Bradbury was the last of the giants of mid-20th century American science fiction, a select fraternity that also comprised Robert Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, and Isaac Asimov. The most literary of that pantheon, his work spanned many media, including science fiction pulp magazines, episodic television, and motion pictures -- but passion for the written word and fear for its survival may be his most enduring legacy.

John Frintzler and his Polka Band play in Pine Bluffs June 9 -- and on RFDTV tonight!

This comes from our very alert folk arts specialist Annie Hatch:

Wyoming favorite, John Fritzler and his Polka Band, perform tonight (June 6) on Mollie B Polka Party on RFDTV at 5:00 pm. John and his band play Dutch Hop, a traditional music for social dancing in the German Russian American community of the tri-state region of NE, CO and WY.

See John and his band live this Saturday, June 9, 6-10 p.m., in Pine Bluffs and the dinner dance held every year at the Pine Bluffs Heritage Center!

For information on additional show times see: http://schedule.rfdtv.com/?tz=2

For more on the band and Saturday's performance see: http://www.johnfritzlerpolkaband.com/

Laramie artist Felicia Follum blogs about screen print workshop

Felicia Follum Art + Design Blog: Ink Lounge Screen Print Workshop: This workshop was a wonderful opportunity to learn some fairly simple DIY printing processes.

Next Art Design and Dine features painting frenzy by Cheyenne artist Forrest King

The next Art Design and Dine Artwalk features "Portraits in Progress – Live painting by Forrest King"

Thursday, June 14th from 5-8 at the Ancient Sage, 1726 Capital Ave in Historic Downtown Cheyenne

Four new portraits in progress by Forrest King, two of which have not been revealed to the public, will be worked on simultaneously!

The paintings worked will be Harry P. Hynds, Alex Frye, A Little Girl Named Jayne, and Leah Zegan.

Other works in progress will also be on display, including the Battered Bride, Repression Number One, and a nameless one!

Stop by for a refreshment, and if you purchase something from the Ancient Sage you will be entered into a drawing for a “one of a kind” signed 8×10 print of your favorite Forrest King painting. (Only customers who buy during the event will be entered)

"Aerial art" takes to the skies over Laramie during Butch Cassidy Days

Press release from our colleagues at Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites:

The skies of Laramie will be painted with a multitude of colors as kite fliers from throughout the region are featured during this year’s Butch Cassidy Festival at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site on Saturday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come see giant kites, some up to 525 square feet and some with 100 foot tails as well as stunt kites. Don’t forget a camera there will be plenty of “aerial art” to photograph!

Kids will have an opportunity to purchase kites, as well, or can bring their own and fly them in the wide open area at the event.

A “Kite Doctor” will also be on hand to help kids adjust their single line kite and help kids fly their kites!

This year’s Butch Cassidy Days will have numerous new activities featuring the kite demonstrations, search and rescue dogs, Wyoming wildlife identification, horse-drawn stagecoach rides, corn shelling, bouncy castle and more. Returning favorite activities are the kids’ money scramble, kids’ stick horse rodeo, a “prisoner” escape, petting zoo, as well as vintage cars and tractors.

“Butch Cassidy Festival is a community celebration that is designed to engage visitors of all ages with activities, entertainment and education,” Deborah Amend, site superintendent said. “Experience a day full of fun from kids’ kites running with the Bols, trick ropers to story time with Moose. Meet Butch Cassidy and a special guest appearance by Smokey the Bear.”

Author Larry Pointer will give a presentation in the afternoon on his newly released book “Butch Cassidy’s Story: Bandit Invincible” detailing the lives of Butch Cassidy and William Wilcox (aka William Phillips) a Butch Cassidy impersonator, who was imprisoned with Cassidy at the Wyoming Territorial Prison. Pointer is one of the leading experts on outlaw history and Butch Cassidy in North America.

For an evening of fun and good food, the public can stay for supper after the festival activities have ended with a Milk Can Dinner and musical entertainment in the Horse Barn Theater at 5:30 pm. Academy of Western Artist’s Female Performer of the Year Award winning songwriter Mary Kaye will be performing cowboy and outlaw songs.

“My western music differs from country music.We have much to celebrate here in the West and we deserve our own music that celebrates who we are and honors our wild and wooly past.” Mary Kaye said.

Admittance to Butch Cassidy Festival is Adults $5, students ages 12 to 17 is $2.50 and children 11 and under free. The Milk Can Dinner and Musical Show have limited seating and tickets cost $20.

Wyoming Territorial Prison State historic Site is located at 975 Snowy Range Road in Laramie. Open daily 8 a.m.to 7 p.m. admission charged for event.

For more information on Butch Cassidy Festival go to http://www.wyomingterritorialprison.com/

Villainy is afoot in "The Maid of the Mill" melodrama

Tickets on sale NOW for the 2012 Old Fashioned Melodrama, "The Maid of the Mill" or "Tied But True." Written and Directed by Dennis Madigan. Shows July 12-August 5 at the Historic Atlas Theatre in Cheyenne. When the Donegal Lumber Mill is threatened with foreclosure, will our sweet Heroine Caroline Donegal be able to save the mill, with the help of her trusted friend Helga Van der Thor and our brave (but hard of hearing) Hero Captain John Lingard? Or will the devious Villain Jack Rancid win the day with his cohort Sam and the slinky seductress Lorraine? Find out as CLTP presents the 56th Annual Old-Fashioned Melodrama! Ticket Prices: Adults $15, Seniors (65+) $12, Students (13+) $10, Children $8. Book by calling 307-638-6543 or online at http://www.cheyennelittletheatre.org/. Stop by our Main Box Office at the Mary Godfrey Playhouse, 2706 East Pershing Blvd., Cheyenne. The Atlas Box Office will be open 1 hour before shows and during Frontier Days only. Volunteers needed to tend bar, wait on tables, sell tickets, etc.

Craig Johnson launches his latest Walt Longmire novel tonight at Tattered Cover in Denver

"Longmire," the new A&E series based on Craig Johnson's Sheriff Walt Longmire novels, made a splash last night. Tonight at 7:30 p.m., Craig will signing copies of his latest novel, "As the Crow Flies," at the legendary Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver. Arrive early -- there will be a line. In case you don't know, the author makes his home in tiny Ucross, Wyoming. We don't like to brag, but Craig was awarded a Wyoming Arts Council creative writing fellowship back in 1994 when he was just a starry-eyed ex-cop from Back East, new to Wyoming and its quirky ways, working away on his first novels.

Here's a short description of the novel from the Tattered Cover web site:

Embarking on his eighth adventure, Wyoming Sheriff Walt Longmire has a more important matter on his mind—his daughter is getting married. Walt and old friend Henry Standing Bear are the de facto wedding planners and fear the daughter's wrath when the venue goes up in smoke two weeks before the big event. The pair set out to find a new site for the nuptials on the Cheyenne Reservation, but their scouting expedition ends in horror as they witness a young Crow woman plummeting from the majestic cliffs of Painted Warrior. It’s not Walt’s turf, but the newly appointed tribal police chief and Iraqi war veteran Lolo Long ropes him into helping with the investigation. Walt is stretched thin as he mentors Lolo, attempts to catch the bad guys, and performs the role of father of the bride.

Postmark deadline for Wyoming Arts Council poetry fellowships is June 8

Brian Turner. Listen to a March 27, 2009, BBC Radio "Poetry from the Front Line" podcast featuring Turner.

Friday, June 8, is the postmark deadline or the Wyoming Arts Council creative writing fellowships in poetry.

To apply, you must be a Wyoming resident, 18 or older, and not enrolled as a full-time student pursuing high school, college or university art-related degrees. There is no entry fee.

Up to three, $3,000 awards will be given. Winning poets also will receive a $500 stipend to attend the Equality State Book Festival in Casper Sept. 14-15 and read from their work with fellowship judge Brian Turner.

Turner is a soldier-poet and the author of two poetry collections, Phantom Noise (2010) and Here, Bullet (2005). His work is drawn from his seven years in the U.S. Army, including one year as an infantry team leader in Iraq with the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. Prior to that, he was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1999-2000 with the 10th Mountain Division. Turner was also featured in Operation Homecoming, a unique documentary that explores the firsthand accounts of American servicemen and women through their own words. He earned an MFA in creative writing from the University of Oregon and has lived abroad in South Korea.

At the book festival in Casper, Turner will participate on a panel about soldier-writers with Luis Carlos Montalvan, U.S. Army Iraq War veteran and author of Until Tuesday: The Story of a Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him.

Printable applications are available on the Wyoming Arts Council web site at http://www.wyomingartscouncil.org/. To receive in the mail, call the WAC at 307-777-7742. For more information, contact Michael Shay, 307-777-5234 or mike.shay@wyo.gov.

"Writers in the Park" series begins

The Grand Teton Association invites you to join its Writers in the Park series every second Saturday of the month, June through September. Writers both serious and casual, working in all areas of interest, are welcome. The workshops are free.

On Saturday, June 9, Wyoming's past Poet Laureate, David Romtvedt, will be conducting the writing workshop in Grand Teton National Park.

David says, "My workshop and talk will focus on really old Chinese poetry. The poetry of the moongazing half-mad half-Buddhist half-Taoist country scholars. These were writers who on full moon nights went out in small boats and chanted poems to the moon. Sometimes they drank too much wine and fell out of their boats. Our workshop will not require boats much less falling out of them. But we'll talk about some of those old poems and the way they integrated the life of the individual with the natural world in which the individual lives.

"I'm a writer and musician. My most recent book is one I edited on the lives of Basque immigrants to northern Wyoming. It's called Buffalotarrak: an Anthology of the Basques of Buffalo, Wyoming. It appeared in 2011 from the University of Nevada Center for Basque Studies. My most recent book of poetry is Some Church from Milkweed Editions. I served as poet laureate of Wyoming from 2003 to 2011. With the band The Fireants I play dance music of the Americas."

We will meet at 9:00am at the flagpole at the Craig Thomas Visitor's Center (formerly the Moose Visitor's Center). From there we will go to a good place to write and talk together. Bring paper and pen, appropriate outdoor clothing for variable weather conditions and perhaps water and something to sit on. The workshop ends at noon.