Friday, November 30, 2012

New co-op gallery in Laramie holds artists' reception Dec. 2

Sean Hart is holding an artists’ reception at his new co-op gallery in Laramie, 404 S. Second St. It’s on Sunday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mimosas and coffee cake will be served, along with artwork by Bruce Amimanni, Patrick Kelly, Allison Wagg, and Sean Gote, photography by Jennifer Faulkner and Ryan Parker and jewelry by Dolores De Harte. Sean invites everyone to slide on by and see what these artists have to offer. See you there.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Wyoming Office of Tourism announces co-op advertising project for 2013

Alan Dubberley, Deputy Director Wyoming Office of Tourism, shared this letter with the Wyoming Arts Council. We thought we'd pass it along in case there are any arts organizations or artists (or groups of artists) interested in placing a co-op ad for the national Family Motorcoach Association rally in June at CAM-PLEX in Gillette. Here's the info:  
 
Hello Tourism Partners,
 
The Wyoming Office of Tourism (WOT) is providing a new co-op opportunity for 2013 that will reach the RV audience.
 
The Family Motorcoach Association (FMCA) will be hosting their annual membership rally at the Cam-Plex in Gillette June 19-22, 2013. This is the association's 50th anniversary celebration and they are expecting a great turnout with over 2,200 RVs in attendance. These travelers will not only be spending their days in Gillette, they will be exploring all over the state and region. A great opportunity for us to give them plenty of reason to explore Wyoming.
 
The FMCA membership is over 100,000 strong and the WOT is providing a co-op opportunity in their March edition of Family Motorcoaching magazine. This co-op will not only reach the audience planning to attend the Wyoming event, but their entire membership.
 
WOT will purchase a full page ad and 1/6 page ads will be made available to all interested parties at $1,000 each. All ads will be placed in a Wyoming section to create a great presence for the state. The WOT is also supporting this buy with banners on the FMCA website and ads in the FMCA e-newsletter. The web banners and e-newsletter ads are not part of the co-op, but if you are interested in purchasing web advertising from FMCA, feel free to discuss that with the contact below.
 
If you are interested in participating in the co-op, you can contact:

Ranita Jones - FMCA sales manager
 
Space reservation deadline: January 13, 2013
Materials deadline: January 20, 2013

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me back or call me at one of the numbers listed below.
 
Warmest Regards,
Alan Dubberley, Deputy Director
Wyoming Office of Tourism
5611 High Plains Road
Cheyenne, WY 82007

"The Art of Storyelling" this weekend at Casper's Corridor Gallery and Wind City Books

"Glitch" by Karla Oceanak with illustrations by Kendra Spanjer. Spanjer's work will be featured in "The Art Of Storytelling"
art show and book sale in Casper Nov. 30-Dec. 1.
From the Nov. 23 Casper Star-Tribune Weekender section:

The Corridor Gallery and Wind City Books in downtown Casper present an art show and book signing celebrating “The Art of Storytelling.”

The gallery show features original artworks used in illustrated books by artists Bruce MacPherson, Aumi K. Perry, Zachary Pullen and Kendra Spanjer. In conjunction, Wind City Books will host these illustrators and many Wyoming authors in an all-day book signing.

MacPherson, of Vienna, Va., has illustrated for magazines, newspapers, games, books and national advertising campaigns. His clients include Mattel, National Geographic Society, New York Times, Texas Roadhouse Restaurants, Radio Shack, Red Robin Restaurants and many more.

Perry, of Casper, earned her fine arts degree from the University of Wyoming in 2001. She then studied drawing and painting under Hans-Peter Szameit and Sanna Tomac for three years. She has also studied with noted painters John Michael Carter and David Leffel. Aumi’s paintings have been featured in shows, galleries and private collections across the U.S.

Pullen’s character-oriented illustrations have been seen in The New York Times Book Review, Sports Illustrated, Esquire, GolfWorld, The Wall Street Journal and many other publications. His first picture book, “The Toughest Cowboy or How the Wild West was Tamed,” garnered a starred review from the School Library Journal and was placed on the Texas Blue Bonnet Master List for 2006-2007. His second book, “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” also received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. He lives in Casper.

Spanjer divides her time between being “a writer who illustrates” and “an illustrator who writes.” She and Karla Oceanak are the co-creators of an alphabetically-inspired graphic novel for middle grade readers: the Aldo Zelnick Comic Novel Series, published by Bailiwick Press. Titles so far include “Artsy-Fartsy” (December 2009), “Bogus” (June 2010), “Cahoots” (May 2011), "Dumbstruck” (August 2011), “Egghead” (May 2012), “Finicky” (September 2012) and “Glitch” (November 2012). She lives in Fort Collins, Colo.

Details:

Gallery show: Opening reception is 7 p.m. NOV. 30 at the Corridor Gallery, 120 E. Second St. The show will continue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. DEC. 1. It is free.

Book signing: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. DEC. 1 at Wind City Books, 152 S. Center St. The art show illustrators will be joined by authors Craig Johnson, Gayle Irwin, Cat Urbigkit, Walter Jones, Curt Wendleboe, Kendra Spanjer, Bill Sniffin, Margo Bean and Gene Gagliano.

Info: www.windcitybooks.com, www.thecorridorgallery.com

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Drama students from throughout Wyoming compete in Riverton Nov. 29-Dec. 1

Our Wyoming Arts Council colleague Camellia El-Antably is heading off to Riverton tomorrow for the Wyoming State Drama Competition. Here's her description of the event:

The Wyoming State Drama Competition is put on by the Wyoming Educators of Secondary Theatre (WEST) each year. It rotates between college campuses across the state. This year it is at Central Wyoming College in Riverton Nov. 29-Dec. 1.

It is one of the most complex theatre competitions nationally, because schools/students may compete in all areas of performance and tech, including:
Proscenium, Arena, Reader's Theatre, Original Scripts (3 kinds), Duets & Monologues (humorous or dramatic), Makeup, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Publicity, Costume. The tech areas (makeup, scene, lights, publicity, costume) offer four levels with stronger criteria as the student gains experience.
 
All high schools are eligible to participate, another departure from competitions in other states, as there are no district-level competitions.

Approximately 35 high schools participate. CWC's Fine Arts Building will be overrun with students putting on makeup, rehearsing, watching performances or viewing technical entries. Students participate in critiques with professional judges. Judges are drawn from colleges and professional theatre groups in Wyoming and neighboring states.

WEST is a membership group of teachers and coaches and other interested parties from across the state. The competition is run entirely by them, with no paid staff. Anyone supportive of theatre in the schools can be a member of WEST. Find out more about WEST at: http://www.wyoest.net/

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Focus is on Rocky Mountain Foodways Dec. 2 at Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum

Foodways! One of our favorite topics here at the Arts Council. Found this on Tammy Christel's excellent Jackson Hole Art Blog:

The Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum opens “Key Ingredients: Jackson Hole Flavors,” on Sunday, December 2, from 1-5 p.m. Emphasis is on “local.” The exhibit explores Jackson Hole food culture and is associated with Key Ingredients: America by Food, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition. Artifacts from the museum collection, including select recipes that have been interpreted, give museum visitors a sense of Jackson’s the evolving food culture.

At 2 p.m. Andrea Graham, Folklife Specialist, delivers a program entitled Foodways in the Intermountain West, says the museum. During the program attendees will learn about the importance of our food traditions. Graham studied food culture in the American Studies Program at the University of Wyoming, where she conducts fieldwork statewide and produces public programs.

Beverages and favorite cookies from Jackson Hole cooks will be served during Sunday’s afternoon opening celebration. Free! www.jacksonholehistory.org/

Trail End Historic Site Holiday Open House Dec. 7-9 in Sheridan

Our State Parks and Cultural Resources colleagues at Trail End Historic Site in Sheridan sent us this announcement:
 
Kick off the holiday season right this year and make plans to attend the Trail End Holiday Open House in Sheridan. This three-day event celebrates the season with live music and tasty treats served up in a historically elegant atmosphere complete with all the traditional trappings of the holidays.
An annual tradition for over twenty-five years, the Open House is scheduled for December 7-9, at the Trail End State Historic Site. Sponsored by the Trail End Guilds, Inc., the event features live entertainment and holiday decorations throughout the spectacular 1913 mansion. Open House hours are 4-7 p.m. each day. Admission is $2 for adults. Children are admitted at no charge, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Trail End – a 14,000 square foot brick mansion overlooking Sheridan’s Kendrick Park – is decorated from Thanksgiving through mid-December (open daily from 1-4 p.m. for self-guided tours). Seven ornately decorated trees stand throughout the house, from the Drawing Room to the Ballroom. Windows and staircases are draped with garlands and ribbons, while potted poinsettias enhance nearly every horizontal surface.
 
One major attraction of the Open House is the live music, with a different act featured each hour. This year’s schedule is as follows (subject to last-minute changes):
Friday, December 7
4:00 p.m. – Barbara Campbell (piano)
5:00 p.m. – Cathy Storm (pump organ)
6:00 p.m. – Micah & Julie (guitar & vocal duet)
Saturday, December 8
4:00 p.m. – Canary Joe (jazz vocal/instrumental)
5:00 p.m. – Juliet’s Muse (instrumental ensemble)
6:00 p.m. – Methodist Handbell Choir (instrumental ensemble)
Sunday, December 9
4:00 p.m. – Sheridanaires (vocal ensemble)
5:00 p.m. – Patchwork Singers (vocal ensemble)
6:00 p.m. – Just Harmony (vocal ensemble)
 
Guided tours of the mansion, home of former Wyoming Governor and United States Senator John B. Kendrick, are also offered during the Open House. Conducted by Trail End staff and volunteers, the tours feature the history of the house and grounds, plus a look at what the holidays were like earlier in the Twentieth Century.
In the mansion’s historic kitchen, Trail End staff and volunteers will serve up tasty seasonal treats. This year, hot, spiced cider is paired with delicious homemade Figgy Pudding – a holiday tradition at Trail End.
In addition to Trail End’s regularly displayed furnishings – nearly all original to the house – many additional Kendrick family items are included in the annual holiday exhibit. Visitors have an opportunity to see toys, sleds, skates, dishes, and Christmas cards from the 1910s, 20s and 30s, as well as a nativity scene made in Germany prior to World War Two, and an old-fashioned “feather” tree.
This year’s focus exhibit is “The Ad Made Me Buy It: The Power of Advertising in the Early Twentieth Century.” The whole-house panel exhibit explores the art and science of advertising, and how potential consumers were influenced by the ads placed in their reading material.
The Holiday Open House is nearly the last opportunity for visitors to enjoy the historic site this year. Trail End is closed during the winter months, from December 15, through March 31.
Over the winter, staff will be busy updating the site’s interpretive panels. The current exhibit will be replaced by a special exhibit celebrating the hundredth anniversary of Trail End’s occupation by the Kendrick family (John, Eula, Manville and Rosa-Maye Kendrick moved into the house on July 27, 1913). Keep an eye open for more information on upcoming centennial activities.

The Trail End State Historic Site is located at 400 Clarendon Avenue in Sheridan (exit 23 off Interstate 90; turn onto Fifth Street; then left onto Clarendon). Parking for the Open House is available on Delphi, Clarendon and Victoria Streets. Limited handicapped parking is available in the circular drive between the Kendrick Mansion and the Carriage House Theater. An elevator provides access to the upper and lower floors for the mobility challenged.
Trail End is operated by the State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Division of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. For more information on the Trail End State Historic Site, the Holiday Open House or the Trail End Guilds, phone307-674-4589, or visit their website at www.trailend.org.

Call for entries: Wyofile Cold Snap Challenge photo contest

From Wyofile:

Attention Wyoming photographers: It’s time again to don your winter clothing, go outside and capture the beauty of Wyoming for the glory of winning WyoFile’s annual Cold Snap Challenge!

This year, we’re looking for shots of Wyoming that include the state’s many incarnations of energy and energy development. You can shoot drilling derricks, pipe-yard workers, transmission wires, coal trains, geologists alone in the field or cattle grazing under a wind turbine — anything that says Wyoming and energy. WyoFile staff will pick one photo as our WyoFile Winter Snap champion, and the winner will receive a Flickr Pro account and $50!

WyoFile will accept submissions for the Winter Snap Challenge through midnight on Tuesday, December 18. All photos should be sent to erik@wyofile.com with “Focus on Energy” in the subject line. Contestants are free to submit as many photos as they like during the three-week contest. By submitting a photo, contestants agree to give WyoFile permission to publish their work in Photo Friday or possibly alongside future articles, where each artist will be gratefully credited for his or her work. Happy snapping!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Deadline is Jan. 15 for Historic Architecture Assistance Fund

This info comes to us from the November issue of the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund newsletter:

The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund is pleased to help the Historic Architecture Assistance Fund (HAAF). HAAF will provide the services of architects and engineers to the owners of historic buildings to address issues involved with the rehabilitation and use of such properties. The next deadline for applications is January 15, 2013.

The fund cannot support the entire architectural or engineering services needed for a complete rehabilitation project. Typical projects that can be funded include a building assessment, structural analysis, analysis of building code and ADA requirements, and façade and signage schematic design.

The HAAF is available to a variety of property owners. The fund is meant to support private and not-for-profit property owners, who are not eligible for many grant programs. Government entities can also apply for the funds. The HAAF was established to provide assistance to properties that are historic, which is generally understood to be over 50 years of age. Any proposed work that the HAAF would contribute to with assessment and design work must maintain or restore the historic integrity of the property. The fund is not intended to provide assistance with remodeling projects that would change the character of the historic building or address common utility system questions. The HAAF is best used to address conditions and materials that provide challenges for rehabilitation projects, such as potentially compromised structural systems, exterior wall materials, windows, ADA and code compliance, and the loss of historic components.

It should be understood that all properties will be treated as historic; that is, eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and proposed work will meet the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Applications may be submitted to either the Wyoming Main Street Program, the Alliance for Historic Wyoming, or the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

For application forms, visit SHPO’s website. Contact information:

Wyoming Main Street
Britta Fuller
214 West 15th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-2934
Britta.fuller@wyo.gov

Alliance for Historic Wyoming
Hilery Lindmier
P.O. Box 51201
Casper, WY 82605
307-333-3508
execdirector@historicwyoming.org

State Historic Preservation Office
Brian Beadles
2301 Central Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-8594
Brian.beadles@wyo.gov

Call for entries: 2013 Cheyenne International Film Festival

The Cheyenne International Film Festival now is seeking entries for 2013 via Withoutabox. The event will be held in Cheyenne May 16-19. Go to http://cheyenneinternationalfilmfestival.com/blog/film/1850/

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving spoofing











So, it's the day before Thanksgiving and you still haven't gotten your turkey or finished those pesky pine cone turkey place card holders. And the napkins you've been trying to fold to look like a beautiful, just-blooming rose turn out looking more like something you pulled out of your ironing basket. Don't forget that after you scare grandma with the dancing turky on your hand, to lace up it up tight so the dressing won't explode all over your oven. So destress and have a chuckle. Or get busy!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Boycott Christmas in Thermopolis, yes really!

Thermopolis kicks of the Christmas season with "Buffalo Bill" Boycott performing his "Rocky Mountain Christmas" show on Thursday, Novemeber 29 at 7 p.m. in the Hot Springs County School District Auditorium.
"Buffalo Bill", also known as William Frederick Boycott, lives in Lander and performs throughout the country playing fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar. His Christmas program includes holiday stories, skits, songs, poems and instrumentals with a decidedly Western flair. One of his popular renditions is a “cowboy” version of “Twelve Days of Christmas.”
“Buffalo Bill” Boycott was a member of the Grammy Award-winning “New Christy Minstrels” from 2005 to 2008 and has performed in concert with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band as well as Waddie Mitchell and Riders in the Sky.
In 2011, Boycott was named "Best Male Yodeller " by the Western Music Association. He and sidekick "Dr. Jo" (Flower of the Prairie) also won the 2011 Harmony Duo Award.
Boycott is a popular presenter in the schools, teaching history of the American West and demonstrating Native American sign language.
A long-time Wyoming Arts Council roster artist, Boycott has produced two programs on the history of the West and Wyoming in cooperation with Wyoming Public Television. He has also released five audio recordings, including "Rocky Mountain Christmas." That CD won the Wyoming Historical Society's Honorable Mention Award.
While in Thermopolis, Boycott will also present a short afternoon program for residents of the Pioneer Home. He will also work with fourth grade students on Wyoming history.
Boycott's appearances in Thermopolis are sponsored by Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation, in conjunction with Wyoming Arts Council, Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts with additional support from Broadway Bygones.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors. Students are free. Advanced tickets are available with a $1 discount at Broadway Bygones until Nov. 28. For more information: 307-864-4070.

Mary Burgess exhibit begins December 1 at Sagebrush Gallery, Sheridan

Mary Burgess's retrospective exhibit, "Looking Back," opens December 1st in Sheridan's Sagebrush Gallery, located in the Historic Train Depot at 201 E. 5th Street.

At 90 years old, Mary's exhibit will display a wide array of artistic styles and mediums. Among them: a watercolor Mary painted as a young girl of "Sniffles," her pet rat, and a homestead overlooking Sheridan, with an enormous moon behind it.  "This is what she was painting when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon," said Mary's daughter, Heather Plank  Heather continues: "Mother paints what's going on in the world and in her life.  Her paintings are a reflection of important events…it's a means of communication."

Mary expresses herself through a breadth and depth of mediums and artistic genres.  When asked about her wide-ranging styles, Mary said, "I was free to paint as I wished because I didn't have to worry about selling art for my supper.  That's why I could delve into so many styles.  Bernard Thomas once told me, ‘Mary, you have to settle into one style.’ ‘No, I don't,’” she smiled conspiratorially.

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mary traveled the world with her family as a girl, her ports of call as diverse as the paintings in this retrospective.  Discouraged from studying art or music in college, Mary majored in history at the University of Michigan, during which time she met Henry Burgess.  After WWII, they married and started their family, moving to his hometown of Sheridan when Henry finished law school.  Mary drew landscapes and scenes of ranch life in rare moments of free time.

 When painter Rupert Conrad gave a Saturday workshop, Mary and their young son, Sheridan, attended.  "Sheridan was intrigued, but decided “painting's just for a rainy day,” and he galloped off on his horse."  Mary was more than intrigued; she attended many workshops by Quang Ho and Chen Chi, among others, as well as "every class Dick Martinsen taught at Sheridan College." 

She began painting with local artists, including: Bunny Connell, Margie Newman (who taught the brushstrokes of Sume-i), Alice Fuller, Neltje, and Liz Howell. Mary became a member of the Sheridan Artist's Guild (now SAGE), the Wyoming Artists Association (where she served as president), the National Sume-i Society, which honored Mary with a national award, and the National Pastel Society.  Her work garnered national acclaim when in the sixties, one of Mary's paintings hung in Congressional Office of Agriculture in Washington D.C. 

Paintings in this exhibition correspond to phases in Mary's remarkable life. Mary has also written her autobiography, Both Sides of the Canvas, which will be available at Sheridan Stationary.  Today Mary still paints with local artists, and serves as a role model for young artists, telling them, “Be true to yourself and paint in the way that best communicates and expresses what you feel.”

Approximately 90 of Mary Burgess' works will grace the front and member galleries, lobby and hall of the Sagebrush Community Art Center through the month of December.  The Opening Reception will take place December 1st, from 4-7 pm at the Historic Train Depot. 

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Sign up now for Wyoming Poetry Out Loud

Wyoming Poetry Out Loud champion Sara Ellingrod of Arvada-Clearmont presents "Chicago" by Carl Sandburg at the POL national finals in Washington, D.C., in May. Photo © James Kegley
The Wyoming Arts Council invites interested language arts, speech/debate and drama teachers to take part in Poetry Out Loud (POL), the national recitation and memorization contest sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. Designed specifically for students in grades 9-12, the program is a fun way to teach and reinforce language arts standards about poetry.

The sign-up deadline for Wyoming Poetry Out Loud is January 11.

The program materials are available now from the Wyoming Arts Council. The school contests will take place through mid-February, 2013. The state finals will take place in Cheyenne March 4-5. Many of the program materials are also available on the web site at http://www.poetryoutloud.org/.

POL builds on the resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, encouraging the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. Students can work on mastering comprehension, public speaking, acting, performance, drama and English skills while building self-confidence and internalizing our rich literary heritage.

Last year, 11 schools from across Wyoming participated in the program. Sara Ellingrod of Arvada-Clearmont, a second-time school winner, won the state finals and represented Wyoming at the national finals in Washington, D.C. She became one of only 53 students in a competition that involved 1,500 high schools and 365,000 students nationwide.

If a school is interested in participating in Wyoming’s Poetry Out Loud competition, or needs further information, please contact Linda Coatney at the WAC, 307-777-6393 or Linda.coatney@wyo.gov

Reception Nov. 16 for the “Arts In Parks” calendar artwork display in the State Museum

Artwork featured in the 2013 “Arts in Parks” calendar will be on display at the Wyoming State Museum from November 8 through December 30.  An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Friday, November 16, State Museum in downtown Cheyenne, 5-6 p.m.

As part of Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails 75th Anniversary, sponsored by Cameco and in partnership with the Wyoming Arts Council, which also provided logistics and funding as part of our Arts in the Parks programming, the calendar features 13 artistic pieces depicting different State Parks and Historic Sites. The artistic pieces include oils, photography, mixed media, acrylics and watercolors.
In conjunction with the Wyoming Arts Council and the Wyoming State Museum, the Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails invited artists from throughout the state to render artistic depictions of any of Wyoming’s State Parks and Historic Sites.
Some of the sites included in the artistic pieces are Ames Monument, Buffalo Bill State Park, Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, Glendo State Park, Guernsey State Park, Hot Springs State Park, Keyhole State Park, Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site and Sinks Canyon State Park.
Artists included in the calendar are Glenda L. Heimbuck-Haley, Anthony James and Tim Haley of Cheyenne; Alissa Hartmann and Christine Meytras of Jackson;  Joyce Keown and Mack Brislawn of Laramie; Virginia Butcher of Evansville; Mike Conaway of Evanston; Marie Elena Bramson of Frannie; Pat Schermerhorn of Cody; Nancy Brown of Gillette; and Sally La Bore of Sheridan.
Calendars will be available through the Wyoming State Museum Store and from the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.
Wyoming State Museum is open Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and State and Federal Holidays.

Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association features work by Lander artist Susan Grinels

Lander's Susan Grinels sent us this info:

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Dec. 15, 2012, issue will feature a pastel portrait of the beloved basset hound “Polly” (shown above) by Lander-based artist Susan Grinels.

Grinels was asked by Polly’s owner, Dr. Lisa Dawson of the Lander Valley Animal Hospital, to create the portrait of her aging basset hound Polly, now 15, who came into the clinic as a stray puppy in a snowstorm and grew up to have her toenails painted bright colors by Lisa’s daughters..

Grinels has gained a following and reputation for her animal portraits and paintings, a path that combines her love of animals and need to paint and draw. After being a vet tech for many years, and never quite managing to leave that career behind, Grinels decided to follow her dream of becoming an artist. She studied at the Corcoran School of Art and graduated with a BFA in graphic design.

Even after that accomplishment, Grinels still finds herself helping out at local vet clinics, while focusing on her artistic path to convey a sense of presence and personality in her animal artwork. Her delving into understanding the importance of human and animal relationships has led to notable achievements, including the Pastel Journal’s “Creative Spark,” and numerous awards in local, regional and international art shows such as Art Show at the Dog Show, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Art Association of Jackson Hole.

She is a member of the Lander Art Center and the Pastel Society of the Northern Rockies, and this summer will accept a medal as a member of the International Association of Pastel Societies’ Master Circle.

To see more of Susan Grinels’ artwork, visit www.CapturedinPastels.com.

Call for entries: Alpinist Magazine's "Why Do I Ice Climb?" writing contest

From Alpinist Magazine:

Does the sound of crunching leaves underfoot and a biting frost on your morning run have you itchin' to break out the pointy hardware and sniff out some vertical ice? Nostalgic for your first time swinging a tool? Eager to enjoy some meditation time on your front points? Tell us about it. We challenge you to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and share with us why you ice climb. What inner impulse, drive or desire has you consistently risking divorce and/or death during the winter months when all sane souls are ripping in two feet of fresh at the resort or mixing a stiff hot chocolate and enjoying a game of family Jenga. All entries must be received by November 20, and under 500 words, the writing will be judged by the editors of Alpinist Magazine. Winners are announced on December 1 and will be featured in "High Camp," and win a year subscription to Alpinist. Submit your entry via e-mail at bifwritingcontest@gmail.com

Think "local arts" on Small Business Saturday

On Nov. 24 (or any day) in Wyoming, shop small, shop locally, shop creatively. Check out the links on our sidebar for artists, performers and writers in your community. Buy a homegrown painting, a CD, a book! Buy your loved one a ticket to a local play or concert. See more ideas on the Small Business Saturday Facebook page. You can get free downloadable signage at www.shopsmall.com

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Center of Wonder in Jackson wants compelling stories from local non-profits


Call for entries: Park County Library Foundation Flash Fiction Contest

Patricia Stuart in Powell announces this: Flash Fiction Contest! Do you have an original short story under 500 words or care to write one? $100 prize is the offer. This is part of the Park County Library Foundation's Winter Gathering Bookfair on Jan. 19, 2013. Get full contest details here

UW Visual Arts Gallery opens new exhibit Nov. 16

Tsehai Johnson and Melissa Haviland’s ceramic and printmaking exhibitions can be seen Nov. 16-Dec. 14 at the University of Wyoming Visual Arts Gallery, located on the corner of 22nd Street and Willett Drive. The opening reception is scheduled Friday, Nov. 16, from 6-8 p.m.The exhibitions and reception are free and open to the public.

Johnson is a Colorado-based artist who explores the boundaries between public and private life. Through porcelain objects, interactive installations and mixed-media wall pieces, she references dense ornamentation while also exploring the disorder of everyday life. An assistant professor in the Metropolitan State College of Denver Art Department, Johnson recently was awarded an Art in Architecture commission for Denver’s Rogers Federal Building.
Haviland's artwork explores lineage, ritual and practice within objects that are gendered and classed, such as fine china, which have both feminine and upper-class connotations. An artist-printmaker living in Athens, Ohio, she received her master of fine arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and bachelor of fine arts from Illinois State University. She currently teaches printmaking, drawing and papermaking at Ohio University.
The Visual Arts Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m-5 p.m. For more information, email Diana Baumbach at dbaumbac@uwyo.edu.

Disaster preparedness for cultural institutions training session set for Nov. 27 in Cheyenne

A regional expert on disaster preparedness for cultural institutions, Terri Schindel, will be in Cheyenne for a free training session on Tuesday, November 27.   The event is free, open to the public, and will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum.  The training is for any site or facility open to the public, including archives, libraries, museums, historic sites, and any other collection-holding institutions. Volunteers, staff, board of director members and others interested in protecting Laramie County’s valuable historic heritage are welcome.

Pre-registration is required. Contact Judy Knight, Project Manager for more information or to reserve a place.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Calling all Cheyenne creatives!

This info comes from Alan O'Hashi of Wyoming Community Media: Do you have a New Creative Economy business that you'd like to nurture with like minds? Primary job creation will be happening not in garages but in collaborative work environments like what's being planned for The Historic Hynds Building Capitol Core Project! Join the movement! Find out more and discuss possibilities at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wyoming-Creative-MediaPlex/375593379195845

Nov. 16 Casper meeting to focus on forming a "Wyoming First" cooperative

A Touch of Home by Wyoming is looking for Wyoming First members interested in selling their products as part of a cooperative store in Casper. This cooperative would be the first of its kind in the state in which Wyoming-made product businesses, local business owners and the community would work together to build, run and support a store front to showcase the talents of the people here in our great state. It will be a membership-driven, locally sponsored and privately-marketed-and-advertised cooperative. With the assistance of the Wyoming Business Council, Wyoming Small Business Development Center, and others, the cooperative will provide an economically feasible way for all the Wyoming-made product businesses to have a store front, centrally located within the state.

It is anticipated a yearly membership fee and a 20% consignment fee on individual company sales, sponsorships from locally owned businesses will help with the overhead costs of the store, provide for individual trade shows, events, building the store front, marketing and advertising of the Cooperative.
Members receive:
• full access in the running of the Cooperative
• opportunity to sit on the board of directors
• design own displays
• set up individual shows
• create group shows and events
• work your own schedule

As a cooperative members would own a store front without having to spend 8+ hours a day away from creating art and products and the running of their own store.

The opportunity exists for this type of cooperative to be developed in communities across the state who could work together to bring more awareness to “Buy Wyoming” within the state. You are invited to an event on Friday, November 16, at the Eastridge Mall in Casper to see the location and network with other interested Wyoming First members. The meeting will be from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

If you would like more information on this opportunity or are interested in attending contact Perry White at ipwhite1008@gmail.com or 307-287-4534.

WOW offers workshops for the holidays

 Click on image for larger, readable version. Get more info here.

Casper College Percussion Ensemble stages "soundscapes" Nov. 15 to celebrate John Cage's centennial

As part of John Cage’s worldwide centennial celebration the Casper College Percussion Ensemble will present works by the American composer on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Aley Fine Arts Center on campus.

“The audience will have the freedom to wander through the space of the Aley Fine Arts Center and experience performances of Cage’s works in a unique and multi-layered soundscape. The works will be performed at different points during the evening, often overlapping,” said Neeraj Mehta, DMA, percussion instructor and director of the percussion ensemble.

In addition to the percussion ensemble, the event will also feature Jerome Fleg, woodwind instructor on clarinet; Kristen Lenth, vocal instructor, vocals; Holly Wendt, English instructor, spoken word; and the students of Larry Burger, sound design instructor, electronic music.

Works to be performed include “Double Music,” Living Room Music,” “A Flower,” “In a Landscape,” “Dream,” “Radio Music,” “4’33”,” “Sonata for Clarinet,” and “A Lecture on Nothing.”

The performance is free and open to the public. The Aley Fine Arts Center is located on the Casper College campus.

Call for entries: USArtists International

From USArtists International:

The application deadline for the second of three grant rounds of the 2013 program will be Friday, December 7, 2012 for projects taking place between March 1, 2013 and February 28, 2014. This is a receipt deadline.

For a copy of program guidelines click here. The program's online application has been revised for 2013.  Applicants now complete and submit the application and upload their work samples electronically.  To access the application, click here.

The final deadline for the 2013 program cycle is April 19, 2013 for projects taking place between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014

USAI provides support for American dance, music, and theater ensembles and solo artists invited to perform at significant international festivals or engagements that represent extraordinary career opportunities anywhere in the world outside the United States and its territories.

Questions about USArtists International should be directed to Brigid Zuknick, at brigid@midatlanticarts.org.

Students can expand their horizons at UW International Night


From a UW press release:
Students can experience cultures from around the world during International Night Friday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m. the University of Wyoming Union lower level.
International Night will educate students through culturally diverse games, performances and information booths. Activities begin in the Skylight Lounge and will continue to the Union Gardens at 8:30 p.m. for an International Game PlayStation competition.  At 9 p.m., song and dance performances will start in the Skylight Lounge. Pizza will be served after the performances.
Additionally, the movie “The Bourne Legacy,” starring Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton, will be shown in the Wyoming Union Family Room at 6:30, 9, and 11:30 p.m.
Friday Night Fever and the International Student Association sponsor this event. For more information, visit www.uwyo.edu/cac. Individuals needing assistance to attend should call the Campus Activities Center at (307) 766-6340.

Opening reception Nov. 17 for June Glasson exhibit in Laramie



Friday, November 9, 2012

Read our latest Five Question Friday Q&A with Powell photographer Wayne Thomas


We interviewed photographer and filmmaker Wayne Thomas of Powell for our latest Five Question Friday feature on Facebook. For the full Q&A go here

Wayne sent us links to samples of his work. He wrote the story and shot the photos for an excellent photo-essay in Doubletake Magazine Online marking the 50th anniversary of the Selma Civil Rights March. View it at http://www.waynethomasphotography.com/selma

One of his favorite photographers is William Albert Allard of the National Geographic. Wayne likes his work so much that, when they met, he asked the photographer if he could do a short film about him. The trailer for this recently completed film on Allard can be found here: http://www.waynethomasphotography.com/allard.

Saturday workshop at Laramie County Library outlines steps to getting your novel published

Local writers are staging a one-day conference "designed to help you navigate the next steps toward the publication of your novel." It will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10, 10:15 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Laramie County Public Library, 2200 Pioneer Ave., Cheyenne.

Presenters include Mary Gillgannon, who writes historical novels as well as Celtic and Regency romances; Liz Roadifer, mystery and sci-fi fantasy novelist; Amanda Cabot, author of Christian romances; teen novelist and library board member Tina Ann Forkner; "Saucy Lucy" series mystery novelist Cindy Keen Reynders; and memoirist and sci-fi writer Marjie Smith.

The workshop is free. The day includes a lunch-hour book signing, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Laramie County Library Foundation. You can brown-bag it, or get a delicious lunch at the library cafe. 

FMI: 307-634-3561.

Gary Small & the Coyote Brothers howlin' at the Riverton library on Saturday

Promo poster of Saturday's concert shot at the Fremont County Public Library by Michael Lange during a break in Thursday's WAC quarterly board meeting.  FMI: 307-856-3556

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Call for entries: Love + Light at the Loveland Feed & Grain

Call for entries from our southern neighbors in Loveland, Colo.:

We are currently looking for artists to submit their photos, conceptual sketches and art work for the 2nd Annual Love + Light at the Loveland, Colo., Feed and Grain. Artists are invited to show work that speaks to love or light in a contemporary way, paying tribute to Loveland’s rich cultural history in the fine arts and Valentine’s Day traditions.
All work must reflect the artists vision of love and light. We are looking for video artists, photographers, sculptors, installation artists and all other media. See samples here.

Love: a profoundly tender, passionate affection
Light: is at once both obvious and mysterious
This is a juried exhibition. 

Entries are due on or before: January 5, 2013
Notice of Acceptance: January 10, 2013

submit up to 3 photos of work or conceptual sketches     
* Submit a one-page artists statement or resume
* All entries must be sent to megan@studiobluebird.com

Call for applications: UW Gallery 234

From a University of Wyoming press release:

Applications for spring 2013 art exhibitions at the University of Wyoming Gallery 234 will be accepted through 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4.All UW faculty, staff and students can apply. For an application, go to www.uwyo.edu/union/cac/gallery234/ and click on “exhibit application.” Applications can be submitted to the UW Campus Activities Center.

Gallery 234 is an educational gallery that provides a space for “creative and critical expression of the visual arts,” as well as offer “exhibitions of social responsibility and artistic substance” for the university. The gallery has hosted a variety of exhibitions this semester.
“Photographs are a common medium, but other media such as comic-book style storytelling, drawing and sculptures have been represented in the gallery,” says Ashley Dallum, the Gallery 234 coordinator.

"Silverspot: A Graphic Novel" debuts this evening at Mix'd Media in Jackson


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Ginny Rowland's work featured at Cheyenne Artists Guild for Art Design & Dine

Ginny Rowland, "Moments in Monument," oil
From the Cheyenne Artists Guild:

Ginny Rowland is a long time supporter of the Cheyenne Artists Guild. Her work will be featured on Thursday, Nov. 8, from 5-8 p.m. at the newly remodeled art guild located on off of Morrie Avenue in Holladay Park. Drop in to enjoy Ginny’s art and company!

Artist Statement:
“In 1964-1968, we were in Alaska, my husband was in the Air Force. He gave me a box of oils for my birthday and I had no idea what to do with them.  The Service Club offered art lessons for $1 for 1 night per week with a local artist.  I painted for a couple of years until Bob was transferred.  We came to Cheyenne in 1973 but it wasn’t until after the flood of 1985 that I joined the Cheyenne Artists Guild.  I took a class called  Sponges and Rags from Cheyenne artist  Maryalyce Larsen.  I’ve taken several workshops at the Guild and when attending the Wyoming Artists Association Conventions I would sign up for whatever was offered.   I prefer painting in oil but the paintbox got too heavy to carry to the CAG loft where I painted each Thursday.  I joined the Weekly Art Challenge a couple of years ago and have painted  with a box of Pelikan half pans.I had a one person show at the Cheyenne Civic Center in 1994.  Was honored to sell several pieces. The first time I entered the CFD Western Spirit Show, 2000, both my 16 x 20 and miniature painting were purchased. I’ve been juried into the CAG National show twice.”

Art Association in Jackson invites you to Nov. 12 celebration at St. John's Living Center


Exhibition of artwork created during weekly classes with the Art Association will be shown,  followed by cake and refreshments. At St. John’s Living Center in Jackson, 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12. The event is free and open to the public. FMI: http://www.artassociation.org/

Artwork by Connie Norman and Lili Francuz featured at studio sale in Old Town Fort Collins

This studio sale is down the road in Fort Collins, CO, but it features an artist from Cheyenne in Connie Norman and another artist with strong Wyoming roots -- Lili Francuz. Until he moved to Colorado, Lili was visual arts coordinator of the WAC and then the curator at the State Museum. So if you're in FoCo Dec. 1, drop in, say hey, and buy some art. 

Simpson Family performs classic Civil War poem, "John Brown's Body"

Pete and Lynne Simpson interviewed on Wyoming Public Radio. Listen to interview here