"Developing Multicultural Literacy" Oct. 3 at UW

October is Wyoming Archives Month

Wyoming State Achives, our sister agency in State Parks and Cultural Resources, is celebrating Archives Month in October. They invite you to explore the agency's extensive historical and cultural resources. FMI: http://wyoarchives.state.wy.us/ 

WAC staff members and board chair join arts agency colleagues at Assembly 2012 Oct. 4-6

Arts leaders from across the nation converge in Washington, D.C., October 4-6 for Assembly 2012, the annual meeting of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA). The event is a major gathering of public arts grant makers, convening representatives from the nation's 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies.

Wyoming will be represented by Wyoming Arts Council staff members Rita Basom, Camellia El-Antably and Annie Hatch, all from Cheyenne, and Board Chair Karen Stewart from Jackson. 

Hosted by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Assembly 2012 brings together state arts agency staff and volunteer leaders, federal agencies and cultural leaders from across the nation. Participants use the Assembly as an opportunity to exchange best practices for serving citizens and to discuss the unique role that the public sector plays in improving economic, civic and educational opportunities across America.

This year's conference explores creative placemaking, with NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman addressing participants about ways that the arts and design are revitalizing communities and enhancing quality of life. Conference sessions also address creative economic development, cultural tourism, effective use of data and new frontiers for cultural resource development.

"NASAA conferences are where all of us as state arts agencies gather to learn from each other as well as from national experts on public policy and public-sector leadership," says Arni Fishbaugh, NASAA board president and executive director of the Montana Arts Council. "Participants from across the country come away with information and ideas that they can immediately put to use in their state to enhance their agencies' services to citizens."

The meeting is seasoned with performances by local artists and excursions through downtown D.C.'s Penn Quarter. Featured artists include internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, The Washington Ballet and U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey.

"We are honored to host NASAA Assembly 2012 in the District of Columbia," says Lionell Thomas, executive director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, "We welcome the opportunity to showcase our many achievements here in the District and to share the outstanding creative talent that is such an important asset to our community."

The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies is the membership organization that unites, represents and serves the nation's state and jurisdictional arts agencies. Founded in 1968, NASAA represents their individual and collective interests, empowers their work through knowledge and advances the arts as an essential public benefit. To learn more about NASAA and state arts agencies, visit www.nasaa-arts.org.

WAC and WCH have a shared presence at the Wyoming Library Association conference

Jenny Ingram of the Wyoming Humanities Council staffs the shared WHC/Wyoming Arts Council information table at the Wyoming Library Association conference in Casper. Photo by the WAC's Michael Lange.

Next Step Performance Company holds Oct. 2 planning meeting for Madrigal Dinner

The Next Step Performances Company will hold a planning meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, in the Central High School Choir Room in Cheyenne for its first production, a Medieval Madrigal Dinner. Auditions will be in the same location on Oct. 9-10, 7 p.m. FMI: http://www.facebook.com/events/528778490482018/

Opening reception Oct. 5 for Adam Jahiel exhibit at Ucross Foundation Art Gallery

"KYRGYZSTAN: Along the Great Silk Road"
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM JAHIEL

OPENING RECEPTION with the artist
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 6:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M.
Exhibition dates: October 5 - December 31, 2012

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
UCROSS FOUNDATION ART GALLERY
30 Big Red Lane Clearmont, WY 82835

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US AT
307-737-2291 or email us at info@ucross.org; www.ucrossfoundation.org

Get your Harvest Festival on in Jackson Sept. 29

Slow food + fast music = loads of fun at Harvest Festival in Jackson

October lecture series at American Heritage Center focuses on 400th anniversary of King James Bible

Launch date delayed for WAC artist roster applications

Attention potential applicants to the Wyoming Arts Council Artist Roster. 

WAC staff members are considering a new and streamlined process for roster applications for FY 2013-14, so the downloadable roster application will not be available on the WAC web site on October 1 as planned. More information will be available by the end of October. 

In the meantime, we suggest that all interested applicants review last year's application so you can begin compiling the information you'll need to apply this year, as criteria will remain basically the same. 

Please stay tuned to this blog and the WAC web site for more information.

Casper Area Community Foundation awards grants to Casper and Douglas nonprofits

This comes from this morning’s Casper Star-Tribune. Note that there are a number of arts groups that received grants from the Casper Area Community Foundation, which is just one of the local entities affiliated with the Wyoming Community Foundation. Most of them give grants. The others are in the Dubois Area, Evanston Area, Park County, Rock Springs Area and Sheridan-Johnson. Here’s the news from Casper:

The Casper Area Community Foundation recently awarded a total of $131,654 in grants to Casper and Douglas nonprofits. 

The largest of 14 grants went to the Child Advocacy Project Inc., which collaborates with organizations to reduce the trauma caused when victims of child abuse must repeatedly tell their stories, according to a CACF press release. 

The second largest grant went to CLIMB Wyoming, which assists low-income, single mothers in obtaining training needed for a professional position. 

The foundation also awarded grants to the Arc of Natrona County, Artcore Inc., the Casper Chamber Music Society, the Casper Family YMCA, The Science Zone, the 12-24 Club Inc., the Cadoma Foundation, Children and Nutrition Services Inc., Joshua’s Storehouse & Distribution, Reach 4A Star Riding Academy, the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps Inc., the Women’s Self Help Center and the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. 

Find out more about the Casper Area Community Foundation at http://www.wycf.org/who/affad/casper.html

Call for entries: SculptureWalk in Sioux Falls, S.D.

SculptureWalk is an exhibit of original outdoor sculptures displayed year-round in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a progressive community of 150,000.

SculptureWalk is a 501c3 non-profit volunteer organization and all money raised goes directly into the program.

The sculptures are owned by the artists and loaned to the exhibit. This will be our 9th year.  All sculptures are insured for liability and physical damage.

We actively promote the sale of sculptures to the public, and 63 sculptures were sold and 5 commissions occurred during the first five years. Eighteen sculptures have been leased. SculptureWalk receives 25% commission on sold and commissioned works.

Sculptors may submit up to four original sculpture entries.

All SculptureWalk artists receive travel reimbursements as explained in the Call to Artists. The formula is up to 50 cents a mile round-trip if traveling to Sioux Falls, and up to $500 for shipping expenses if the sculpture is shipped to Sioux Falls. Accommodations for two nights at the Holiday Inn City Centre in downtown Sioux Falls is also provided on delivery weekend in May.

Most of the sculptures will be displayed on 3' or 4' high quartize pedestals, 25" to 60" sculptures look fantastic on these pedestals. Larger sculptures will be placed on concrete pads. We ask sculptors to secure steel plates to the bottom of the sculptures because all sculptures will be welded down for security and safety.

Our objective is to have a well balanced exhibit with all styles, types, materials and sizes of sculptures.

All sculptures need to be made of durable material for the year-long outdoor weather and constructed with safety in mind for display in a public setting.

General Information -

• Deadline - All entries must be postmarked no later than October 15, 2012. We encourage early entry.
• Originality - All entries must be original works by the submitting sculptors.
• Acceptance - The entries are selected for entry with notification of results by November 15, 2012.
• Best of Show Awards - All entries are judged for Best of Show by 3 very well known and respected art experts.
• All sculptors will receive further program information after entry is accepted.
• Each sculpture is assigned a time for plahttps://www.facebook.com/AIR.Arts.Incubatorcement. There will be a team of 4 lifters with a welder that assist the sculptor with placement. The lifters move the sculpture to the base and it is welded down. The whole process usually takes about 5-10 minutes and then the sculptor is free to enjoy the city.
• Sculptors can make arrangements for early placement if necessary.

AWARDS -  $15,000

Best of Show

• Overall - $3,000

Best of Show - Bronze

• 1st Place - $2,000
• 2nd Place - $1,000
• 3rd Place - $500

Best of Show - Other Material    

• 1st Place - $2,000
• 2nd Place - $1,000
• 3rd Place - $500

Peoples Choice -

• 1st Place - $3,000 & Sculpture purchased to $15,000
• 2nd Place - $1,000
• 3rd Place - $500

Random drawing for non winners - 5 at $100

The schedule for 2012 is on the Call to Sculptor entry form.

Contact: Jim Clark, Director, 605-838-8102

Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund board meets in Sheridan Oct. 9-10

The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund Board (WCTF) will meet in Sheridan at the WYO Theater, 42 N. Main, October 9-10.

This board meeting will focus on long range planning and discussion of potential grant process changes. The meeting begins at 1:30 p.m., October 9 and concludes early afternoon on October 10. It is open to the public. A complete agenda is available on the WCTF website, http://wyospcr.state.wy.us/CTF/Index.aspx.

WCTF Board members include Chair Nancy Schiffer of Kaycee, Dave Kathka of Rock Springs, David Reetz of Powell, Susan Stubson of Casper and Sara Needles of Laramie.

The mission of the WCTF Board is to serve the citizens of the state by supporting Wyoming’s culture and heritage through grant funding of innovative projects for the enjoyment, appreciation, promotion, preservation and protection of the state’s arts, cultural and historic resources. The program will also look to support and invest in Wyoming institutions that support the state’s culture and heritage.

For more information, contact Renée Bovée, WCTF Administrator at 307-777-6312 or via email at renee.bovee@wyo.gov.

Third Annual Sagebrush County Fiber Arts Revival set for Oct. 6 in Evanston

"Chattanooga Choo Choo" pulls into Pinedale

Tickets for the Oct. 5 Glenn Miller Orchestra performance in Pinedale are now on sale at: Rock Rabbit, The Cowboy Shop, Isabel Jewelry, Office Outlets, the Big Piney Library and at the door on the night of the event. If you live outside of Pinedale and would like a ticket, please call 307.367.7322. Sponsored by the Pinedale Fine Arts Council.

"Giving Voice, Saving Face" with director Daniel Junge Oct. 2 at Laramie's Gryphon Theater

On Tuesday, October 2, 7 p.m., the Wyoming Humanities Council will host a screening of the Academy Award-winning documentary "Saving Face," followed by a director talk with Cheyenne native Daniel Junge.

The Shoot Out Cheyenne presents 3D filmmaking workshop Sept. 29

From Wyoming Community Media:

GoPro and RealD and The Shoot Out Cheyenne (TSOC) present the Be a Hero :90 second filmmaking contest as part of TSOC 24 hour filmmaking festival. A one-day workshop is set for Saturday September 29th – Place to be determined. Kids are free and adults are $20. If adults would like to compete for The Shoot Out Cheyenne top 3D film prize, they are asked to sign up on the website http://www.theshootoutcheyenne.com/

The Best 3D film wins a 3D camera rig and will be screened on a RealD 3D monitor and viewed wit

h RealD 3D glasses at TSOC

GoPro is giving away a Be A Hero 3D camera rig for best 90 second 3D film. The films will be screened on a 3D monitor viewed through RealD glasses.

Top 10 Screening at the Atlas Theatre on Sunday October 7th. Doors open at 1pm with the program starting at 1:30pm.

There is a free 3D workshop Saturday September 29th to learn how to operate the GoPro 3D camera set and how to edit your content using the Cineform Editing Software.

The 3D workshop is unique because it will be taught by Fairview High School film students to community members and members of T-Bird Television from Cheyenne East High School.

Equipment will be loaned out to teams of one or more crew members upon providing a valid credit card and drivers license as security. Additionally, there is a $50 charge for community members to attend the workshop and create a film to be eligible to win the GoPro Be A Hero 3D camera rig.

Galapagos Islands finches topic of Sept. 27 UW speech by top evolutionary researchers/authors

From a UW press release:

Two of the world’s leading evolutionary researchers, Peter and Rosemary Grant, will speak at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, in the University of Wyoming Berry Center auditorium.

They will discuss “Evolution of Darwin’s Finches.” UW Zoology Professor Craig Benkman will host their presentation as part of the L. Floyd Clarke Memorial Lecture Series.

The Grants’ research on evolution in the Galapagos Islands, where they have spent six months of every year since 1973, is well-known. Capturing, tagging and taking blood samples of the finches on the island of Daphne Major, the two Princeton University emeritus professors continue the evolutionary work of Charles Darwin in the place that inspired his theory of evolution.

"The Grants' three-year study of the evolution of Galapagos Island finches and their adaptive responses to environmental change is one of the classic studies in biology,” says Scott Seville, zoologist and UW Outreach School associate dean. “Their work has been featured in many documentaries and was the focus of the Pulitzer prize-winning book ‘Beak of the Finch’ by Jonathan Wiener."

In 2008, the Grants were among 13 recipients of the prestigious Darwin-Wallace Medal, which is bestowed every 50 years by the Linnean Society of London. They received the Kyoto Prize in basic sciences, an international award honoring significant contributions to scientific, cultural and spiritual betterment of mankind. They have written numerous articles and books on their discoveries.

For more information, call (307) 766-5627.

Photo: Peter and Rosemary Grant will discuss their research of the evolution of Galapagos Island finches. (Princeton University)

Kudos rolling in for Cheyenne's inaugural 17th Street Arts Festival

Arts Cheyenne reports this in its latest newsletter:

More than 2,500 area residents attended and celebrated Cheyenne's first community-wide arts festival, the 17th Street Arts Festival, last month. Arts Cheyenne and the Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority hosted the event on the new Dinneen Downtown Plaza.  The Festival featured dozens of visual and performance artists in the large Artists Tent and on the Performance Stage, located on 17th Street under the new 17th Street Lighting Project.  Hundreds of artistically-minded young people also took part in the participatory children's art and dance workshops at "Emmie's Corner." You'll find a showcase of all the Festival photos on the Arts Cheyenne website.

Post-festival evaluations from both attendees and artists were enthusiastic, with high marks for organization and art sales to patrons.  Comments included:

• "Keep doing it.  Cheyenne needs more things like this." (Attendee)
• "What a great new tradition.  It's nice to have colorful community events in Cheyenne." (Attendee)
• "I was stunned and impressed.  People commented on how excited they were that Cheyenne was doing this type of event." (Artist)
• "This show had it all.  Kudos to you folks.  I'd like to come back next year." (Artist)

The Festival also received support from sponsors and grant sources, including the Dinneen Family, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Cheyenne Light, Fuel & Power, WEST, Inc., CBS Channel 5, Traders, Visit Cheyenne, the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, and the Wyoming Arts Council.

Planning has already begun for the 17th Street Arts Festival next summer . . scheduled for August 16-17, 2013, also on the Dinneen Downtown Plaza.  

Opening reception for an exhibit by Marta Amundson will be Sept. 28 at The NIC

An opening reception for an exhibit by Marta Amundson of Riverton will be held at the Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper on Friday, Sept. 28. The exhibit is entitled "Seven Cattle Guards from Civilization: Art Quilts from the WY Frontier." A member's preview with an artist talk will take place at 6 p.m. A free public reception begins at 7 p.m., featuring appetizers by Kyle Hunsicker of Plated Catering. The show runs through Jan. 6, 2013. Shown above: "Got Health care?" 2009. FMI: www.thenic.org 

Check out the art show featuring work by Pointe Frontier residents and CAG members

The good folks at the Cheyenne Artists Guild send this invitation:

If you are out and about in Cheyenne this Friday afternoon, drop by Pointe Frontier's upstairs mezzanine to check out the Art Show. Some Cheyenne Artists Guild members and Pointe Frontier residents will be showing their work from 2-6 p.m. today! Pointe Frontier is located at 1406 Prairie Ave. (two-story building at the corner of Prairie and Powerhouse).

Wyoming Filmmakers' Showcase Sept. 21 at Center for the Arts in Jackson

Cooper Center for Creative Arts screens documentary "Adapting the Rules" Sept. 20-22

Ali Grossman’s documentary film, “Adapting the Rules,” will be screened at the Cooper Center for Creative Arts at Ark Regional Services, 1174 N. Fourth in Laramie today through Saturday, Sept. 20-22. Doors open each night at 6:30 p.m., followed by the screening at 7 p.m. A panel discussion and reception will follow after the documentary. Admission is free.

Here's a snippet about the film from the Laramie Boomerang:

For years, Director Kayc DeMaranville said she had wanted to provide Laramie residents a backstage pass to the creative process at work in productions at the Cooper Center.

“We’ve always said how, if we could just sell tickets to the backstage process, that would be so interesting to see,” she said. “So we decided to film a documentary. Once we had the OK, the grant from the Wyoming Humanities Council, it was after that we decided the ‘Elephant Man’ was the right show, the right process, the right group of people to see this project through.”

The documentary offers a unique and compelling insight into the creative process of all who worked on the “Elephant Man” last year, DeMaranville said.

Actors' Mission presents "The Witching Hour"

"The Witching Hour" at Actors' Mission in Rock Springs Sept. 28-30 and Oct. 4-6

Arts Cheyenne announces job search for executive director

Arts Cheyenne announces its search for an executive director:

Do you like getting in on the ground floor of exciting developments?  This may be the job for you.

The primary responsibility of the person in this position will be to work collaboratively with the Arts Cheyenne Transitional Board, staff and volunteers to ensure the success of the organization.  As the first person to serve as Executive Director for this merged organization, the person hired will help mold the position.  Review the Executive Director Job Description and Executive Director Fact Sheet to learn more.  

Application deadline is noon, Friday, October 5, 2012.

Spotted at the Equality State Book Festival: Poetry fellowship recipients

From the 2012 Equality State Book Festival at Casper College (from left): Michael Shay, Wyoming Arts Council; fellowship recipients W. Dale Nelson (Laramie), Matt Daly (Jackson), Claudia Mauro (Jackson), and fellowship judge and poet Brian Turner. Nelson, Daly and Mauro read their award-winning work with Turner on Sept. 14 at the bookfest. Shay served as emcee.

Piatigorsky Foundation performers launch Wyoming fall tour Oct. 10 in Greybull

Rodrigo Garciarroyo

The Piatigorsky Foundation and the Wyoming Arts Council announce the fall 2012 Wyoming tour. It will feature tenor Rodrigo Garciarroyo and pianist Mario Alberto Hernández .

At press time, some of the schedule details are incomplete. Please see tour updates on the WAC blog at http://wyomingarts.blogspot.com or on the web site at www.wyomingartscouncil.org

Wednesday, Oct. 10, Greybull: 7 p.m., Greybull High School Auditorium, 600 North 6th Street, Greybull. Contact: Darla Haller, dhaller@bgh3.k12.wy.us

Thursday, Oct. 11, Worland: 7 p.m., Worland Community Center, 1200 Culbertson Avenue Worland. Contact: Sheryl Ley, sherylwccc@yahoo.com, 307-347-8616, Fax 307-347-3445

Friday, Oct. 12, Dubois: 6 p.m., Headwaters Arts & Conference Center, 20 Stalnaker Street,, Dubois. Contact: Tammy Lucas, headwaters@wyoming.com, 307-455-2687

Mario Alberto Hernandez

Saturday, Oct. 13, Rawlins (details TBA)

Sunday, Oct. 14, Green River (details TBA)

Tuesday, Oct. 16, Rock Springs: 7 p.m., Western Wyoming Community College Theater. Contact: Debora Soule, dsoule@sweetwaterlibraries.com, 307-362-6212

Wednesday, Oct. 17, Kemmerer: 7 p.m., South Lincoln County Events & Training Center. Contact: Jennifer Lasik at 307-828-4083.

Thursday, Oct. 18, Lander: 7 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church. Contact: Marvin Brown, marvjobrown@wyoming.com

"Not My Life" documentary at UW Sept. 20

From a UW press release:

“Not My Life,” a documentary that depicts the cruel and dehumanizing practices of global human trafficking and modern slavery, will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, in the University of Wyoming College of Education auditorium.

Hoping to bring awareness to the student body about the presence and severity of slavery today, as well as ways to combat slavery, both the Student Activities Council and the International Justice Mission sponsor the film.

“Not My Life is a beautifully made and deeply impassioned plea on behalf of millions of young people subject to the cruel and evil practices of human trafficking and modern slavery,” says Veteran Gannett film critic and columnist Jack Garner.

Featuring footage from five continents, a dozen countries and more than 50 interviews, this is a heartbreaking documentary that takes audience members into a world that is hard to imagine and even harder to accept.

Individuals needing assistance to attend this event should contact the Campus Activities Center at (307) 766-6340. For more information, visit www.uwyo.edu/cac.

Photo: The documentary “Not My Life,” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, in the University of Wyoming College of Education auditorium.

Reception Sept. 21 for "IPhoneography" exhibit at Lander Art Center

News from the Lander Art Center (via Pitch Engine)

The photography of Dave Schuster, Brad Christensen, and Lonnie Slack will be on exhibit at the Lander Art Center September 21 - October 27.  The opening reception for "IPhoneography: Mobile Creativity" will be held on Friday, Sept. 21, 6-8 p.m. David, Brad and Lonnie use their iPhones to photograph items and events they encounter throughout thier lives.  After all, the best camera is the camera you have with you.

These images reflect the work of three of the ever-increasing number of visionary pioneers in the exploration and development of this vibrant new medium. They are documentarists, street photographers, portrait photographers, story tellers, teachers, learners, writers, and artists. But first and foremost, they are iPhoneographers. They are exposing the world to the beauty of this emergent medium and nascent art form.

With a unified vision and a dedicated passion, these photographers capture their views of the world and share their stories -- as seen through their iPhone -- documenting the people, the events, the landscapes, the issues and the opportunities they encounter.

These three photographers come together to join forces to promote their work and present iPhonegraphy as an evolving form of fine art photography.

Call for entries: CWC Health and Science Center public art project

Architectural rendering of new CWC Health and Science Center and outdoor plaza.

The Art in Public Buildings program is issuing a call for artists for the Central Wyoming College Health and Science Center in Riverton. This is a national call for proposals with a deadline of Nov. 30, 2012.

Central Wyoming College has a standing history of nonrepresentational public art projects on campus. Therefore both traditional and nonrepresentational themes are appropriate. Themes for art proposals for the Health and Science Center may include references to the region’s cultural and natural history, the geological timeline, education, the natural sciences, health care, health sciences and the environment. Artists are encouraged to consider incorporating sustainable and recycled materials in their compositions. Proposed concepts should not be structural in nature or impact the architectural integrity of the facility.

The College’s service area encompasses one of the largest American Indian populations in the United States. Both the Northern Arapaho and the Eastern Shoshone reside on the Wind River Indian Reservation, one of the most geographically isolated regions of the West. There is also a significant Hispanic population in the area. Central Wyoming College provides a great many residents of these communities an opportunity for post-secondary educational services.

The Art in Public Buildings Project Committee has identified several potential installation sites. The exterior plaza on the north side of the building is the primary outdoor location. On the interior, the two expansive upper gallery wall surfaces of the West Lobby/Gallery (east and west wall surfaces) are the primary locations. Additional locations include the recessed radius rear wall of the auditorium, the two large niches of the West Lobby within the open balcony light wells, the secondary East Lobby/Gallery and the associated balcony light well and stairwell shaft, and the wall spaces between the classroom doors of the main east-west building corridor. Any work proposed for the exterior plaza must take into consideration the environmental extremes of the region, especially temperature fluctuations and wind force.

All styles, conceptual approaches and mediums are encouraged. Proposed artwork should enhance the architectural elements and visually extend the presence and purpose of the Health and Science Center, melding art, science and education. All proposed artwork must be durable, structurally sound, secure, site appropriate and easy to maintain.

Find the brochure with full guidelines at http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/pdf/AIPBCallforEntriesBrochureWyomingCentralCollege.pdf

Investigate "Instigate" with artist Suzanne Morlock Sept. 27 in Jackson

"Fast Food" bronzes to be dedicated Sept. 18 in downtown Cheyenne

From a press release:

The Cheyenne Downtown Development Foundation is pleased to be dedicating the coyote and rabbit bronzes ("Fast Food") placed on the northeast corner of 17th Street and Warren Avenue at the 17th Street Parking Lot.  A recognition plaque was added to the display thanking the many donors who made this display possible.

The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 18, at 10:30 a.m., at the 17th Street Parking Lot.  Following the dedication, there will be a reception at Deselms Fine Art & Custom Framing.

FMI: Christie DePoorter, Executive Director, Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority, 307-433-9730 

National Book Festival Sept. 22-23 in D.C. features NEA Literature Fellows

The National Endowment for the Arts sends this info about this weekend's National Book Festival:

At this year's National Book Festival, many of the poets and writers at the Poetry & Prose Pavilion will celebrate their roles as NEA Literature Fellows, one of the nation's most prestigious competitive awards for new and established authors. The Poetry & Prose Pavilion, sponsored by the NEA, is part of the Library of Congress’s twelfth annual literary festival, which takes place on September 23-24, 2012, on the National Mall in Washington, DC. 

This year's lineup at the Poetry & Prose Pavilion includes T.C. Boyle (San Miguel), Giannina Braschi, (United States of Banana), Junot Díaz (This Is How You Lose Her), Stephen Dunn (Here and Now), Jeffrey Eugenides (The Marriage Plot), Nikky Finney (Head Off & Split), Paul Hendrickson (Hemingway’s Boat: Everything He Loved in Life, and Lost: 1934-1961, Laura Kasischke (Space, In Chains), Philip Levine (News of the World), Margot Livesey (The Flight of Gemma Hardy), Thomas Mallon (Watergate), and Colson Whitehead (Zone One).

Nine of this year's presenters are NEA Literature Fellows (Boyle, Braschi, Dunn, Eugenides, Hendrickson, Jones, Kasischke, Levine, and Livesey); Jones and Hendrickson just received their Fellowships in 2012.

"[This] program ... I feel is essential to fostering the arts -- particularly for beginning or out-of-the-way artists whose work is not immediately apprehended in a commercial way," said author and Creative Writing Fellow (78, 83) T.C. Boyle in the NEA Literature Fellowships publication.

Also at the Poetry & Prose Pavilion, student state champions from the 2012 Poetry Out Loud National Finals.  Kristen Dupard, who earned both the 2012 Poetry Out Loud National Champion and Mississippi State Champion titles, along with second-place winner and Vermont State Champion Claude Mumbere, and third-place winner, Utah State Champion MarKaye Hassan will recite classic and contemporary poetry that earned them titles during this year’s national poetry recitation contest. Poetry Out Loud is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. 

Visit the National Endowment for the Arts and Library of Congress websites for interviews with current and past Book Festival authors, audio clips, downloadable materials, and interactive features. The NEA (@NEAarts) will live-tweet from the NEA Poetry & Prose Pavilion via Twitter. Look for #natbookfest – the official National Book Festival hashtag – to follow news from the festival.

The Poetry & Prose Pavilion is one of several pavilions where more than 100 writers and illustrators will discuss their work. Pavilions include Children, Teens, Fiction & Mystery, History & Biography, Contemporary Life, Poetry & Prose, SciFi Fantasy & Graphic Novels and Special Programs pavilions, plus the Family Storytelling Stage featuring authors and musical acts popular with young children. Last year, more than 100,000 book fans attended the festival.

The 12th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival will be held on the National Mall between 9th and 14th Streets on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 23 from noon to 5:30 p.m., rain or shine. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the National Book Festival Information Line at 888-714-4696 or visit the National Book Festival website.

"Active Duty, Active Voices" book festival panel teams up Iraq War soldier-writers Brian Turner and Luis Carlos Montalvan

Luis Carlos Montalvan, author of "Until
Tuesday" with his service dog, Tuesday

The Wyoming Arts Council has been a partner in the Equality State Book Festival since its launch in 2006. The 2012 edition makes for an action-packed two days in Casper. Most of the events will be held in Casper College's shiny new Gateway Building. I urge you to attend for the many reasons spelled out in this line-up of events.

 Here are some of the highlights:

A craft talk by David Romtvedt, poet and musician, gets things going on Friday. David, who was Wyoming Poet Laureate for eight years, will speak about "Invisible Craft, Ordinary Language." I'll be introducing him in my role as Wyoming Arts Council literature guy. I'll also be sticking around to learn some things, as poets have much to teach us prose writers about craft and language.

Current Poet Laureate Pat Frolander will discuss revising, Rebecca O'Connor conducts a craft talk about "Finding your writing through blogging and journaling, and Renee d'Auost explores writing and dance. 

Readings by Romtvedt and Linda Hasselstrom enliven the afternoon. Things get started with a 1 p.m. reading by the Wyoming Arts Council's poetry fellowship winners Matt Daly and Claudia Mauro of Jackson and W. Dale Nelson of Laramie. They'll be joined by soldier-poet and fellowship judge Brian Turner, author of "Here, Bullet" and "Phantom Noise."

The happenings head downtown that evening with a reception at The Corridor Gallery, a reading by Frolander at 7:30 at Metro Coffee Company followed by a poetry slam at 8:30. The slam is always the highlight of the bookfest as you never know who's going to show up. It's been rumored that there will be music as well as poetry.

Brian Turner, author of "Here, Bullet"
 and "Phantom Noise"

Saturday is panel discussion day. Two biggies go head-to-head at 10 a.m. "Active Duty, Active Voices" features Iraq War veterans and writers Brian Turner and Luis Carlos Montalván talking about writing and war. The panel will be moderated by Casper College Professor and miltary veteran Patrick Amelotte. If you write children's books (or are thinking about it), you'll want to catch the publishing panel with Cat Urbigkit, Zak Pullen, Karla Oceanak and Kendra Spanjer.

Fiction writer and UW Creative Writing Program Professor Alyson Hagy will be the luncheon speaker -- this is the only event that has a fee.

The afternoon features a number of readings. At 3:30 p.m., there is a panel discussion, "Writing Nature, Writing Self," with four writers who know both subjects well: Frolander, Hasselstrom, O’Connor and Urbigkit. The events wrap up with a 5 p.m. book signing.

This is the fourth edition of Wyoming's statewide book festival, held each even year. It's a fantastic event with something for everyone who loves books.

Katherine Palochak teaches metal etching class Sept. 29 at Lander Art Center

Wyoming Arts Council roster artist Katherine Palochak is teaching a metal etching class at the Lander Art Center, 224 Main St., Lander, on Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cosis $40 plus $15 for supplies, payable to instructor.

Here’s a description of the class:

Bring designs to life on metal without the use of chemicals in this half-day Saturday class! Rather than acids, iron salts are used to achieve a clean etch on just about any metal. Even the simplest drawings look amazing when done in metal. Participants will be able to create and complete several pieces in the form of their choosing such as one of a kind jewelry, mixed media pieces, personalized nameplates or whatever you can dream up! You do not need to be an artist or a metal smith to take this class! All levels are encouraged to attend. Must be 18 years and older to attend. Those who are pregnant, have liver disease or taking chemotherapy are advised not to take this class.

Sign up by contacting the Lander Art Center at 307-332-5772.

For more info on the instructor, Katherine Palochak

Website: http://MetalsAndGems.com

Etsy: http://JazznJewelry.Etsy.com

Blog: http://JazznJewelry.Wordpress.com

Art, Design & Dine adds CRMC exhibit by Dr. Kevin Robinett to its Sept. 13 artwalk

Art, Design & Dine Artwalk adds a new venue this month.

The Cheyenne Regional Medical Center exhibit, “Graphic Art as a Process,” features paintings by Dr. Kevin Robinett. Dr. Robinett is a psychiatrist who has practiced medicine in Cheyenne for 16 years. His paintings will be displayed in the hospital’s north hallway through December.

Cheyenne Regional began “Art is Healing” in 2011. The series highlights artwork created by members of Cheyenne’s medical community. Dr. Robinett is the third medical professional to have artwork featured.

An artist’s reception for Dr. Robinett will be held September 13, 5 to 8 p.m., in the north hallway as part of Art, Design & Dine. The reception is open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

For more information about “Art is Healing,” call 633-7461 or 432-3666.

"Rogue's Pawn" by Jeffe Kennedy is "clever, imaginative and fun"

One-time Wyomingite Jeffe Kennedy, recipient of a Blanchan/Doubleday writing award and a creative writing fellowship, has a new book. Here's the info (from Deborah Nemeth, freelance editor at Carina Press):

Fantasy romance Rogue's Pawn by Jeffe Kennedy is clever, imaginative and fun. A discontented college professor finds herself suddenly transported to Faerie, discovers she has magical powers, and is immediately forced to bargain for her life in an unsettling world. I love the way the smart and resourceful heroine applies the scientific method to learn about her magical abilities and limitations.

It might sound like a contradiction to describe this novel as both dark and humorous, but Jeffe Kennedy manages to pull off this dichotomy with style. She captures the darkness lurking beneath the Disneyfied land, its frivolous but merciless inhabitants, and the mysterious, sexy fae lord hero.

The Bookpushers gave this title a thoughtful joint review, calling it "a fantastic and engrossing read…multi-layered and cerebral as well as dreamy…with memorable characters in a dark seductive world filled with wit and passion and rich imagination."

Mark Jenkins speaks about Mount Everest ascent Sept. 18 at UW

From a UW press release:

Author, adventurer and UW faculty member Mark Jenkins will discuss his 2012 expedition to the summit of Mount Everest Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. in the University of Wyoming College of Education auditorium. Jenkins' excursions have included ascents of some of the globe's other tallest peaks; dangerous trips to some of the world's last remote regions; and travel by foot or bicycle across different continents. He is an internationally recognized author and journalist now working as a field staff writer for National Geographic and as writer-in-residence for the UW master's degree program in creative writing. Prior to working for National Geographic, Jenkins wrote The Hard Way column for Outside magazine in addition to writing several books including “A Man’s Life,” “To Timbuktu” and “Off The Map.” The UW Outdoor Program sponsors Jenkins' talk. Call (307) 766-2402 for more information.

Photo: This is among the photos taken by Mark Jenkins during his ascent of Mount Everest. He will show slides of the expedition Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. in the UW College of Education auditorium.

Call for entries: Curt Gowdy State Park Visitor Center

Architect's rendering of the new Curt Gowdy State Park Visitor Center

David Newell, Curator of Art at the Wyoming State Museum, sends this news:

The Wyoming Art in Public Buildings program is pleased to announce a new APB project for the Visitor Center at Curt Gowdy State Park. The project has a November 30 deadline, so we want Wyoming artists to be aware of the current opportunity.  The Call for Entries form [Wyoming residents only] is currently being mailed, but it is also available to download on the web sites for the Wyoming State Museum, the Wyoming Arts Council and State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

We have a second project posting soon for the new Health and Science Center at Central Wyoming College. And keep an eye out for additional projects that are coming this winter.

We area waiting final confirmation of dates, but we will also soon be having the dedications of the APB art collection at the Wyoming Military Joint Force Readiness Center in Cheyenne and Stan Dolega's sculpture Wind Code at the new Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center, just south of Cheyenne.