Linwood Tall Bull presents "Native Plants and Medicinal Uses" Nov. 10 at Washakie Museum

At the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center in Worland. 

University of Wyoming hosts Pink Prom Nov. 2 in Union Ballroom

From a UW press release:

Friday Night Fever, Spectrum, and ASUW are co-sponsoring a Pink Prom at 8 p.m. on Friday Nov. 2, in the Union Ballroom.

Pink Proms have the purpose of creating a welcoming atmosphere for the GLBTQ community who may have not had a friendly experience at high school proms. The dance will be themed as a fall festival prom and will last until midnight.

Additionally the movie “The Campaign,” staring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, will be showing in the Union Family Room at 6:30, 9:00, and 11:30 p.m.

For more information on the Friday Night Fever events please visit www.uwyo.edu/cac. Information about Spectrum can be found at uwacadweb.uwyo.edu. Information regarding ASUW can be found at www.uwyo.edu.

This event is sponsored by Friday Night Fever, Spectrum and ASUW. Individuals needing assistance to attend this event should contact the Campus Activities Center at (307) 766-6340.

"Color of Sound" exhibition at Gallery 234 blends jazz, hip hop and martial arts

From a UW press release:

An exhibition that mixes art, music videos and event photography can be seen Nov. 5-9 in Gallery 234 in the University of Wyoming Union. A reception for the show is scheduled Thursday, Nov. 8, from 6-9 p.m.

“Color of Sound” is a partnership between Shaolin Jazz and University of Wyoming students. Invited artists have been asked to include jazz, hip hop and martial arts themes in their work.

Shaolin Jazz blends the vocals of the rap group Wu-Tang Clan with jazz instrumental sounds. Their musical genre includes rap, rock, soul and jazz influences.

The Student Activities Council, Gallery 234 and the Wyoming Arts Council sponsor this event. 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: Shaolin Jazz mixes modern rap vocals with traditional jazz influences.

Sky-shooting photographer Mike Hollingshead visits Devils Tower

Sky-shooting and storm-chasing photographer Mike Hollingshead isn't from Wyoming, but he spends a lot of time in the High Plains photographing supercells in the Nebraska Sand Hills and night skies over Devils Tower. Here is a bucolic view of Devils Tower in late September among its fall foliage. See more at http://www.extremeinstability.com/2012-9-22.htm

Actor's Mission & friends present dinner theatre at renovated Broadway Theatre in Rock Springs

Find out more at http://www.facebook.com/TheBroadwayTheater
and http://www.facebook.com/actorsmission

Touchstone Laramie Nov. 17-18 features work by professional artists of Albany County

Click here for a slide show of the work by participating artists

LarCoPubLib launches NaNoWriMo on Nov. 1

Get ready with your laptops, pens and paper (or even quills and parchment!) for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)! Participants begin writing on November 1 and must finish their novel on or before November 30. The Laramie County Library will host several events for adults and teens.

The kick-off will be Thursday, November 1, from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Willow Room. We’ll have plenty of food and drink available as you buckle down and get writing for this annual challenge. Bring everything you need to make this a successful hour and a half and get started on your 50,000 words!

Next, on Saturday, November 10, 10:00am-4:00pm in the Cottonwood Room, participate in a one-day workshop designed to help you navigate the next steps toward publication of your novel. Paths to Publication will have you joining seven Wyoming authors for a day of workshops filled with insights into the journey from “the end” to publication. These workshops are designed for teen and adult novelists at all levels.

Have some crazy fun on Thursday, November 15 from 6:00-7:30pm in the Willow Room, where you’ll be designing your own book cover. Now’s your chance in this hands-on workshop to create your own cover for a blank book that could be used as a journal, sketchbook, recipe anthology, or even the first draft of your novel! We provide all the supplies needed – just bring your imagination.  Sign up required for this – call 307.634.3561, or visit the library.

The final event for NaNoWriMo will be the wrap-up party on Sunday, December 2, 3:00-4:00pm in the Willow Room. Prizes will be given to everyone who finishes their 50,000 words on time!

Laramie County Library is located at 2200 Pioneer Avenue, Cheyenne. For more information call the library at307.634.3561.

Bronwyn Minton's "Three Rogues" public art sculpture is installed in Pinedale

From David Klaren in Pinedale:

Here is a great set of photos shot by David Vaughan of Pinedale while we installed Bronwyn Minton's public sculpture titled "Three Rogues". This is an Ex|Site:Incubate/3D project, which is part of the comprehensive In|Site:Ex|Site/Pinedale public art program. This project was made possible with generous support from the Town of Pinedale and the Pinedale Fine Arts Council.

We are planning an artist reception for the four projects we have installed over the past 18 months, the end of January 2013.

Keep your eyes open, also, as we will be releasing artist call for entries through out the next few months for both permanent, and temporary projects for next summer. See entire series of installation photos at https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/108503453767016085786/albums/5804434984244884449?authkey=CJT60KqNoIOzngE

Donna Fisher stepping down, Casper's Painted Past Productions seeks new executive director

Donna Fisher, executive director of Painted Past Productions in Casper, is stepping down Jan. 1, 2013. She is looking for a replacement:

Painted Past Productions is looking for someone to replace the existing retiring Executive Director. The replacement person will have the following skills. To apply for this position, please contact Donna Fisher at 307-267-7243 for an application or visit the downtown office at 330 S. Center, Suite 414, 9:00-3:30 Monday-Thursday.

Background in theater, i.e. directing and acting

Non-profit Business background, i.e. running a non-profit, or profit business with experience in non-profit.

Personnel management skills

Excellent communication skills

Extensive Computer Skills with Publisher, Word, Quick Books, Excel

Skill in Attention to Detail

AACT individual member

Experience in Office Management

Major areas of responsibility typically include:

·         Coordination of long-range and annual planning in collaboration with the Board of Directors.

·         Providing leadership for and actively participating in fundraising activities, donor development, grant seeking and grant reporting.

·         Developing the annual budget, including providing monthly financial reporting and forecasting, cash flow management, capital spending and expenditures review and approval.

·         Supervising the administrative staff and directing administrative operations.

·         Acting as the representative and advocate of the theatre with government agencies, insurance companies, community and local business groups and arts organizations.

Someone in this position would be expected to:

·         Possess experience in a non-profit arts management/leadership position, with demonstrated experience in fund-raising, grant writing and marketing;

·         Possess strong budgeting and financial management skills;

·         Demonstrate capacity to lead, manage, motivate and inspire the theatre’s team.

·         Have experience in marketing, advertising and public relations activities, including driving growth in ticket sales and associated revenues;

·         Exhibit excellent interpersonal leadership, and communications (both written and oral) skills;

·         Demonstrate a strong work ethic, stamina and passion.

Wyoming Arts Alliance seeks managing director

The Wyoming ArtsAlliance (WyAA) is advertising a 15- to 20-hour-per-week staff position of Managing Director. The starting salary is $15 an hour based on qualifications. The Managing Director can be located anywhere within the state of Wyoming. The application period will close Nov. 30, 2012.

The Managing Director, with assistance from the Board, will be responsible for:

·         Coordinating all WyAA Programs:

o        The Annual Education and Booking Conference

o        Arts Advocacy Day

·         Conducting annual membership drive

·         Assisting in identifying new development opportunities

o        Grants, foundations, individual donors

·         Maintaining consistent communication between Board and staff, Board and partners and Board and membership through

o        Email

o        Mailings

o        Phone Calls

o        Personal Visits

·         Producing annual legislative event

·         Developing new legislative and member networks

·         Arranging Board Meetings and Workshops

·         Maintaining social media, website, list serves, and advocacy networks

Requirements:

The Managing Director will need to travel several times a year to WyAA and the Wyoming Arts Council (WAC) Board meetings, to Cheyenne during the Legislative Session and around the state to recruit/maintain member contacts. Therefore the person needs a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and insurance.

The Managing Director will need a computer with current basic business programs.

The Managing Director will need experience and proficiency in doing mailings and computer database work.

WyAA will:

·         Pay for use of the MD personal vehicle at the state rate

·         Pay lodging and per diem for travel

·         Provide a USB drive on which to store the organization’s data

·         Provide additional computer programs unique to the organization

·         Provide an organization cell phone and data plan

For more information contact: Steve Schrepferman at 307-899-6693

Please submit a letter of application and current resume to: wyomingartsalliance@gmail.com 

Pinedale Fine Arts Council seeks executive director

Position: Executive Director

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Opening Date: October 22nd, 2012

Closing Date: November 30th, 2012

Pinedale Fine Arts Council Mission:

To present quality cultural and fine arts performances and workshops that appeal to people of varying interests and backgrounds.

To educate and entertain all ages, from youth to senior citizen.

To keep ticket prices affordable.

To bring culturally diverse artists to our community. 

Description: Provides professional oversight of all daytoday

functions of the Pinedale Fine Arts Council (PFAC).

Provides professional managerial and subordinate staff development. The Executive Director will serve as the public representative of PFAC and become highly visible within the Pinedale community. The Executive Director will be responsible for developing an annual budget, an annual programming calendar, and an annual report for the public. Provides significant, professional contributions to the Visual Arts Committee. Provides policy recommendations and assistance to the board of directors pertaining to PFAC operations.

Supervision: Reports directly to the Pinedale Fine Arts Council Board.

Supervision Exercised: Directly supervises all staff and volunteers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

(This list does not include all duties and responsibilities that may be assigned to this position.)

As Chief Executive of the Pinedale Fine Arts Council, set in place meaningful goals and benchmarks for staff and volunteers to attain, and establish a performance evaluation program. Evaluates staff, directs and participates in staffing decisions, manages employee training programs, coaches employees and encourages optimal performance, administrates development of goals and objectives for employees. Provide Leadership in fundraising, establishing goals and timelines while identifying potential new grants and gifts within the community at large. Maintain a high profile within the community, representing the Pinedale Fine Arts Council at Chamber of Commerce meetings, partner board meetings, and other relevant community functions. Seek out opportunities to leverage effective partnerships with others in the community to advance the mission of PFAC. Oversee the creation of a viable volunteer program within PFAC. Develop mechanisms for feedback from patrons and partners in the community through surveys, focus groups, and other methods. Attend state and regional booking conferences while serving as a liaison between PFAC and other local, state, and national arts organizations and affiliated groups. Work closely with Chair(s) of the Board of Directors on a monthly basis, keeping lines of communication open between staff and volunteers with the Board.

Desired Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience providing the skill and knowledge for successful job performance is required.

● Bachelor’s Degree with concentration in the arts or related field preferred; and

● Three (3) years professional experience working in the arts at the program director level or above

preferred; and

● Three (3) years experience in a leadership or managerial role required; and

● Interest in and appreciation of the arts is required.

Managerial/Executive Level Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

● Strong interpersonal and problem solving skills.

● Strong organizational and collaboration skills.

● Ability to manage multiple activities seamlessly and to delegate effectively.

● Experience working on and/or with Boards of Trustees/Directors

● Superb communication skills, both in writing and public speaking

● Experience working with artistic staff a plus

● Current knowledge of trends in the arts world and arts management a plus

Special Requirements:

● Valid State of Wyoming driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Equipment and Tools Used: Personal computer, professional business software applications (MS Word,

Excel, Outlook, etc.), telephone, copier, fax machine, and other office equipment.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The Pinedale Fine Arts Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

David K. Klarén

Co-Chair,

Pinedale Fine Arts Council

PO Box 1904

Pinedale, WY 82941

Crucial role of water in Wyoming is theme of UW Art Museum Symposium Nov.9-10

Two Wyoming authors takes home High Plains Book Awards

This news comes from a press release from the High Plains Book Awards in Billings, Mont.:

Winners of the prestigious 2012 High Plains Book Awards, a project of the Parmly Billings Library, were announced Saturday, October 20, in Billings, Mont., at a banquet held at the Yellowstone Art Museums. Award winners included Shann Ray's American Masculine, which won in two categories: Best First Book and Best Short Stories. Each winner received a $500 cash prize.  Other winners included Hand Raised: The Barns of Montana by Chere Jiusto & Christine W. Brown for Best Nonfiction, The Ringer by Jenny Shank for Best Fiction, Songs of Unreason by Jim Harrison for Best Poetry, Married Into It by Patricia Frolander for Best Woman Writer, and Arapaho Journeys: Photographs and Stories from the Wind River Reservation by Sara Wiles for Best Art & Photography. Emeritus Award winner was Tom McGuane.

Eighty-eight books were nominated for the 2012 High Plains Book Awards in seven categories from publishers in the United States and Canada. Finalists were selected after each nominated book war read and evaluated by community readers. Winners were selected by a panel of published writers with connections to the High Plains. Many finalists and winners participated in a day-long series of readings at the Yellowstone Art Museum as part of the High Plains BookFest. All nominated books were published for the first time in 2011.

Award sponsors include the Parmly Billings Library, Friends of the Parmly Billings Library, Montana State University-Billings, the Parmly Billings Library Foundation, the Ucross Foundation, the Writer's Voice of the Billings Family YMCA, the Yellowstone Art Museum, and the Zonta Club of Billings.

More information about the High Plains Book Awards is available at: http://highplainsbookawards.org.  Nominations for the 2013 High Plains Book Awards will be accepted January 14, 2013-March 15, 2013 for books first published in 2012.

About the High Plains Book Awards
The Parmly Billings Library Board has established the High Plains Book Awards to recognize regional authors and/or literary works which examine and reflect life on the High Plains including the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

Here are details about the Wyoming winners:

MARRIED INTO IT by Patricia Frolander
Best Woman Writer
Married Into It
Patricia Frolander
High Plains Press

What happens when a young urban woman marries into a fourth generation rural ranching family and must learn the traditions, customs, and lifestyle of the land, all under the scrutinizing eye of its close knit community? Author Patricia Frolander's clear-eyed poems chronicle her years of challenges and triumphs, bruises and breakthroughs, as she moves from outsider to neighbor.

Patricia Frolander, Wyoming's poet laureate, tries to balance family, ranching, and writing and have a passion for each of them. She and her husband own his family ranch in the Black Hills of Wyoming where ties to land and livestock have provided a wonderful variety of subjects to journal and pen.

ARAPAHO JOURNEYS: PHOTOGRAPHS AND STORIES FROM THE WIND RIVER RESERVATION by Sara Wiles
Best Art & Photography
Arapaho Journeys: Photographs and Stories from the Wind River Reservation
Sara Wiles
University of Oklahoma Press

Award-winning photographer Sara Wiles captures that life on film and in words in Arapaho Journeys, an inside look at thirty years of Northern Arapaho life on the Wind River Indian Reservation in central Wyoming.  Through more than 100 images and 40 essays, Wiles creates a visual and verbal mosaic of contemporary Northern Arapaho culture. Depicted in the photographs are people Wiles met at Wind River while she was a social worker, anthropology student, and adopted member of an Arapaho family.

Wiles's essays weave together tribal history, personal narratives, and traditional knowledge to describe modern-day reservation life and little-known aspects of Arapaho history and culture, including naming ceremonies and cultural revitalization efforts. This work broaches controversial topics, as well, including the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians.

Sara Wiles is an independent photographer, writer, and scholar who holds a master s degree in anthropology from Indiana University. Her photographs, including the images published here for the  first time, have been exhibited nationally. She is the recipient of a Wyoming Governor's Arts Award.

Reception for "Found, but not Captured" exhibit Nov. 2 at UW's Gallery 234

From a UW press release:

The exhibition “Found, but not Captured” by artist Jessica Neuwerth can be seen through Nov. 3 in the University of Wyoming Union Gallery 234 in Laramie.

A reception for the exhibition is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2.

A UW senior in biology and environment and natural resources, Neuwerth is a Wyoming native with a passion for photography. She says she uses her photography as a “semi-therapeutic form of expression.”

Neuwerth’s work is largely driven by Wyoming landscape and nature.

“Our state has gorgeous things, both large and small, and I hope to artistically express their versatility,” she says.

For more information about Gallery 234, visit www.uwyo.edu/cac.

Photo: “15 Fairytales” is one of Jessica Nueworth’s many works featured in the “Found, but Not Captured,” exhibition.

Q&A session follows "Evita" performance Nov. 7 at Casper College

A special question and answer session will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 7 following the performance of the fall Casper College musical “Evita.”

The Q & A session will feature the cast and artistic staff  “who will cover questions about the show, its history, and even specific questions to our New York guest artist, actress Lindsie Van Winkle, who is playing the starring role of Eva Peron,” said James Olm, musical theatre coordinator at Casper College.

Tickets for “Evita” will be available to the general public beginning Monday, Oct. 29. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students ages 5 to 18. Tickets can be purchased at the Krampert Theatre Complex box office between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday or by phone at 268-2500.

Ailey II at the WYO Theater in Sheridan Nov. 4

At the WYO Theater in Sheridan on Sunday, Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.:

Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country's best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today's most outstanding emerging choreographers.

Founded in 1974, the company embodies Mr. Ailey's pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people.

After touring North America and abroad, Ailey II brings its critically acclaimed performances home each spring for an annual New York season at The Ailey Citigroup Theater. Past engagements have taken place at the world-famous Apollo Theater and The Joyce Theater. The company's repertory has included works by dance masters Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Donald Byrd, Ulysses Dove, George W. Faison, Lar Lubovitch, Judith Jamison and Ailey's Artistic Director Robert Battle as well as works by rising choreographers such as Sidra Bell, Thang Dao, Carlos dos Santos, and Christopher L. Huggins.

Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the county under the leadership of Sylvia Waters (1974-2012), combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. With new Artistic Director Troy Powell at the helm, Ailey II will continue to thrive as he brings a fresh dimension to this beloved company.

FMI: www.alvinailey.org 

Auditions Oct. 22-23 for "The Butler Did It!"

Announcement from the Cheyenne Little Theatre: Auditions for "The Butler Did It!" tonight (Oct. 22) & tomorrow night (Oct. 23) at 6:30 pm, Historic Atlas Theatre in downtown Cheyenne. Lots of great roles! Directed by Shawn Casey. Performances Nov. 9th & 10th. "The Butler Did It!" is the winner of the Cheyenne Little Theatre Players New Play Project award. 

Mt. Sinai Synagogue to screen two Holocaust documentaries on Nov. 3

Mt. Sinai Synagogue in Cheyenne will present a double feature of two short documentary films on Saturday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m.  The films are:

Shanghai Ghetto (95 minutes): A gentle, loving accounting of 20,000 mostly German Jews who were able to escape the Nazi's before World War II started and go to Shanghai, China, where the Japanese were in control of that city.

Visas and Virtues (30 minutes): 1997 Oscar-winning short by Chris Tashima. Haunted by the sight of hundreds of Jewish refugees outside the consulate gates, a Japanese diplomat and his wife, at the beginning of World War II, must decide how much they are willing to risk. Inspired by a true story, this Academy Award® winning portrait gracefully captured in period black and white by noted cinematographer Hiro Narita poignantly pays tribute to the rescuer of 6,000 Jews from the Holocaust.

The movies will be shown in the Social Hall at the Synagogue. For more information, go to
http://mtsinaicheyenne.org/special_events.asp, or contact Jaimee Sodosky, 303-503-1844

Deadline approaches for WAC Blanchan and Doubleday writing awards

B/D judge Katie Coles knows poetry and prose and icebergs.

Call for entries to writers in Wyoming!

The postmark deadline for applications for the Blanchan and Doubleday writing competitions is Nov. 2 -- a week from this Friday. Here is some info about the contests and this year's judge.

These awards are designed to bring attention to writers who have not yet received wide recognition for their work, and to support emerging writers at crucial times in their careers. Poets, fiction writers, essayists, and script writers who have published no more than one book in each genre and who are not students or faculty members are invited to apply by submitting manuscripts and an entry form by the deadline.

The Neltje Blanchan Award, $1,000, is given for the best poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or script which is informed by a relationship with the natural world.

The Frank Nelson Doubleday Award, $1,000, is given for the best poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or script written by a woman author.

POSTMARK DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Applications have been mailed to those on the Wyoming Arts Council literary arts lists. A printable application is available on the WAC web site at 
http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/Artists/Index.aspx

Katharine Coles will serve as the judge for the 2013 Neltje Blanchan and Frank Nelson Doubleday writing awards.

Coles will travel to Wyoming next spring for a reading with the Blanchan and Doubleday awardees. Details will be available in February 2013. 

Katharine Coles’ fifth and sixth collections of poems, The Earth Is Not Flat and Flight, are forthcoming in 2013 and 2015 from Red Hen Press.  Her poems, essays, and stories have appeared in such journals as The Paris Review, The Gettysburg Review, Poetry, Image, Seneca Review, North American Review, Southwest Review, DIAGRAM, and Ascent.  In 2009-10, she served as the inaugural director of the Harriet Monroe Poetry Institute for the Poetry Foundation. She is a professor at the University of Utah, where she founded and co-directs the Utah Symposium in Science and Literature. She is a 2012 Guggenheim Foundation Fellow.

In 2010, she traveled to Antarctica to write poems under the auspices of the National Science Foundation’s Antarctic Artists and Writers Program

Author Brian Leung visits UW to speak about his novel based on 1885 "Chinese Massacre" in Rock Springs

From a UW press release:

Acclaimed author Brian Leung will visit the University of Wyoming Wednesday, Oct. 24, and Thursday, Oct. 25, for a reading of his work and campus visits.

His campus visit is sponsored by the UW MFA Program in Creative Writing, University Libraries, American Heritage Center and Multicultural Affairs.

Leung will give a free public reading at 7 p.m. Oct. 25, in William Robertson Coe Library, Room 506. A book sale and signing of his latest novel “Take Me Home” follows his presentation. A reception also is planned.

The book presents a fictionalized version of the “Chinese Massacre”-- the riot and killings of Chinese miners -- that occurred in Rock Springs in 1885. Leung conducted much of the research for his novel at the UW American Heritage Center and Coe Library.

Interested students and staff can meet with Leung Oct. 24, in the Wyoming Union’s Rainbow Resource Center (RRC) and the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC). The RRC will host an hour-long reception at 10:30 a.m. From noon- 1 p.m., the MRC will have a question-and-answer luncheon with Leung about his latest novel.

He also will visit with writing students in the MFA Program in Creative Writing at noon Oct. 25.

Leung was born and raised in California’s San Diego County -- a somewhat unlikely location, given that his mother was born in Battleground, Wash., and his father escaped from China in 1949. By coincidence, as a teenager in 1980, Leung took a train trip to visit relatives in Rock Springs -- the very town at the core of his “Take Me Home” novel, which won the Willa Award for Historical Fiction.

Leung’s other works of fiction, nonfiction and poetry have appeared in multiple magazines and reviews. His “World Famous Love Acts” won the Asian American Literary Award in 2005 and the Mary McCarthy Award for Short Fiction in 2002. He also has published another novel, “Lost Men.”

Leung’s short fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction have appeared in Indiana Review, Runes, Crazyhorse, The Connecticut Review, Gulf Stream, Mid-American Review and numerous other publications. Leung recently was the recipient of the Lambda Literary Foundation Mid-Career Novelist Award.

Since 2000, he has taught in Cincinnati and Los Angeles, and currently is a University of Louisville associate professor. Leung earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University, and an M.F.A from Indiana University.

More information about Leung can be found at http://www.readbrianleung.com/.

For more information about his campus visit, call the MFA Program in Creative Writing at (307) 766-6453.

Photo: Brian Leung

Oct. 25 banquet in Laramie raises funds for women's education in Tanzania

October 19, 2012 — A University of Wyoming cross-cultural communication class will host a banquet to raise money and general awareness for the women of Tanzania Thursday, Oct. 25, from 7-10 p.m. at the Laramie train depot.

Women’s Education and Economic Centre (WEECE) Director Valeria Mrema will lead the discussion on gender equality and the economic stability of Tanzanian women. WEECE, a nonprofit organization that supports marginalized women and their families in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, joins the UW students to raise money.

“It is common in the Kilimanjaro region for girls to be uneducated or only educated through primary school,” Mrema says. “This limited education undermines women in their ability to be economically self-reliant; in their having the knowledge, skills and ability to exercise their rights; and in their ability to foster a healthy future for themselves and their children.”

Proceeds collected from the event will go toward expanding existing girls’ schools. Contributions purchase educational materials such as books, paper and writing utensils for the future education of Tanzanian women and children.

Catered appetizers and refreshments will be provided. The Wyoming African Students Association (WASA) and the UW Belly Dance Club will provide entertainment for the evening.

Tickets cost $15 for students, $25 for non-students and $40 for couples. Five tickets can be purchased together for $100. Children 12 and under are admitted for free. To purchase tickets and for more information, call Sierra Johnson at (307) 760-5440 or email teamingupfortanzania@gmail.com. Tickets also will be sold at the door.

The UW cross-cultural communication class also has held benefits for a water spigot in Botswana during 2011 and a silent auction for Kenyan orphans in 2010.

The UW African American & Diaspora Studies department sponsors this event. For more information, contact Tracey Patton at (307)766-3857 or teamingupfortanzania@gmail.com.

Photo: It is common in the Kilimanjaro region for girls to be uneducated or only educated through primary school.

Jenny Wuerker: Busy Buffalo summer with the gallery and mural projects

Artist Jenny Wuerker sent this communique about her Buffalo gallery's busy summer, as well as some photos of the gallery and downtown murals. When in Buffalo, stop and take a look. Here's Jenny:

Thanks to all of you who visited Crazy Woman Fine Art Gallery this summer. We had an exciting and busy summer. The gallery now exhibits 11 artists, mostly oil paintings, but we also have some artist showing woodblock prints, pastels, colored pencil, jewelry, glass, and photography.  

We enjoyed regular business hours this summer, but now, unfortunately, have returned to our limited winter hours (Thurs, 1-4 pm). Please remember, we are always open by appointment, so don't hesitate to call if you are in town, (307) 217-1322. You may now follow gallery news on facebook at "Crazy Woman Fine Art Gallery", or at our web site: http://www.crazywomanfineart.com/ 

Many of you followed the progress of Buffalo's "More than a One Horse Town" mural this summer. All three artists painting the mural (Aaron and Jenny Wuerker and Marchel Kelley) have work in the gallery, and the original maquettes for both murals (summer 2012 and summer 2013) are on display. Please find more images on facebook at "Buffalo Wyoming Murals".

Summer photo of gallery with Marchel Kelly's horse and buggy out front. She gave carriage rides around Buffalo throughout the summer. Also in the buggy: Guy de Galard, Wolfgang and Maxima Wuerker.

Images of "More Than a One Horse Town" mural from this summer, 80" x 12". Downtown Buffalo Wyoming, flanking Crazy Woman Square (under renovation.) Painted by Aaron and Jenny Wuerker and Marchel Kelley. 

Next summer we will paint "A Creek Runs Through It" mural on flanking building. Follow progress on facebook at "Buffalo Wyoming Murals".

Aaron Wuerker painting

(photo taken by Diana Volk)

Historic photos of Buffalo from the 1890's turn to color as they break the picture frame, metaphorically turning to living history.

Sean Hart's new Laramie co-op gallery is looking for artists

Painter Sean Hart has a gallery at 404 S. 2nd St. in downtown Laramie. It's called 2 Bazaar Gallery. He is opening another space. He describes his plans this way:

We own another building in downtown Laramie that has been vacant for over a year and I want to open it up to artists as a gallery based on a co-op model. There is about 5,400 square feet on two floors. The second floor has a stage, lighting and sound system and possible artist studio spaces. The university and others have done plays and events there. I am not doing this to make money. It is just that the space has been empty and I have done art shows and sales there with some success. Here is my plan as I see it now. I am open to suggestions and ideas. 

I plan to charge an 18 percent commission on sales. This is what I figure it will cost for insurance, utilities, credit card fees, maintenance etc. Each artist will be required to open the gallery on a Saturday on a rotating basis. If we have 12 artists that would be once every three months. We will set up a studio space in the front window where they can work on art pieces while they run the gallery.

In the beginning we will need to advertise. A 3x4 inch ad in the Laramie Boomerang newspaper is about $60.If 12 artists contribute, that's only five dollars each. Once a month or maybe twice a month we will have an artist reception with featured artists. 

The building is ready to begin accepting art and could be open soon with just four artists to start as early as Saturday, Oct. 20. We plan a big holiday sale. 

If you're an artist interested in this venture, contact Sean at 307-742-2888 or email him any time at LYSETTE555@earthlink.net.

Dr. Mark Miller speaks about "Military Sites in Wyoming 1700-1920" on Oct. 25

We can't wait to read the published book, as Dr. Miller is a fine writer:

Dr. Mark Miller, Wyoming’s State Archaeologist, will celebrate National Archaeology Day with a lecture at the Wyoming State Museum, October 25 at 7 p.m.

From the earliest carved and painted images on stone cliffs to locations dating to the 20^th Century, Wyoming is dotted with hundreds of sites that bear witness to military activities.

In his talk, Dr. Miller draws from his recently completed book “Military Sites in Wyoming 1700-1920.” The slide show and lecture summarizes a study of more than 300 sites that have been incorporated into this historic context, beginning with early evidence of military activity in Native American rock art.

The discussion culminates with a discussion of sites related to Wyoming’s role in the United States entry into World War I.

Dr. Miller is a Carbon County native and adjunct professor of Anthropology at the University of Wyoming.

This program is presented by the Wyoming State Museum, State Historic Preservation Office and Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist. It is free and open to the public.

The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. For more information about this and other State Museum programs, please call 777-7022.

"A Visit from the Goon Squad" author Jennifer Egan visits Jackson Nov. 30-Dec. 1

The Teton County Public Library's next Page to the Podium presentation will feature Jennifer Egan, 2011 Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “A Visit from the Goon Squad,“ for an evening talk at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 30, 2012 at Four Seasons Resort. Free tickets will be available beginning Thursday, November 15 at 5 p.m. at Teton County Library & Alta Branch with the presentation of a library card or library card number.

Teton County Library Foundation will also present an Breakfast Author Chat at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 1, with Jennifer Egan in the Four Seasons Lobby Lounge. A continental breakfast will include an interview of Egan by local architect and music lover, Nona Yehia, who will also facilitate an audience Q & A with the author. Book signing to follow.

Tickets are $50 (with a portion supporting the Library Foundation) available by calling 307-732-5000, starting November 1. For a special overnight rate at Four Seasons Resort 11/30 and/or 12/1 call reservations: 732-5000.

Latin Jam features Cheyenne's own Grupo Folklorico Sabor Latino

WAC announces plans to go to online application process for artist roster

WAC roster artist Bob Berky, a theatrical clown, actor, director and educator from Jackson

Attention all new applicants to the 2013-2014 Wyoming Arts Council Artist Roster!

Attention all new applicants to the 2013-2014 Wyoming Arts Council Artist Roster!

We are excited to announce that the WAC has decided to move from a paper application to an online application process for the 2013-2014 Artist Roster. The online application will completed via CAFÉ (Call for Entry), a program provided by WESTAF (Western States Arts Federation) in Denver. CAFE also provides information about other opportunities for artists.

The online application process will be available soon!

Because of this change to CAFE, we are extending the deadline date for new applications from December 1 to December 14, 2012.

In the meantime, we would encourage all interested roster applicants to explore the CAFE site at http://www.callforentry.org. You can register for free, read CAFE's guidelines and start preparing your supporting material (audio/visual clips, art images, resumes, etc) NOW, so you will be ready to complete the new roster application as soon as it is available. The new online application will be similar to the  2012-2013 Artist Roster application at http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/Roster/HowToApply.aspx. Take a look at it to see what information you should be compiling.

Look for more information soon on the WAC web site and the blog!

WY Historic Governors' Mansion will be closed through Nov. 30 to prepare holiday exhibits

The Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion will be closed October 15 – November 30 (open by special appointment only) to prepare for the “Tinsel Through Time” exhibit at the Mansion.

A free opening reception of this exhibit will be held on November 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  This annual exhibit is a favorite and a traditional beginning to the Christmas season for many.

The Mansion is located at 300 E. 21^st Street in Cheyenne. Please call 777-7878 for more information.