Nina McConigley reads from "Cowboys and East Indians" on Aug. 2 at Wind City Books in Casper

Nina McConigley on Medicine Bow Peak, August 2010 (from Nina's Facebook photo album)

Wyoming author Nina McConigley will be reading from her short-story collection COWBOYS AND EAST INDIANS, at Wind City Books, 152 S. Center St., Casper, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 2. She was the 2010 recipient of the Wyoming Arts Council’s Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Writing Award. She read from her work – and served as emcee – for the Wyoming Arts Council’s annual fellowship reading at the 2010 Equality State Book Festival at Casper College. Nina was born in Singapore and grew up in Wyoming. She holds an MFA from the University of Houston. She has received scholarships to the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference and the Sewanee Writers’ Conference. She also received a full fellowship to the Vermont Studio Center. She has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and for The Best New American Voices 2009. Her work has appeared in The Virginia Quarterly Review, American Short Fiction, Slice, Asian American Literary Review, Puerto del Sol, and others.

Casper College Multicultural Film Festival features India's "Hum Tum" and "Amu"

“Exploring India” is the theme for the 2012 Casper College Multicultural Film Festival, which will show two films: “Hum Tum” and “Amu.”

The first film, “Hum Tum” will be shown on Friday, April 27, and according to Erich Frankland “is a modern Bollywood romance.” “This 2004 film is a refreshing look at the eternal battle of the sexes and the trials and tribulations of 'every man' and 'every woman' and their attempts to understand each other,” said Frankland, film festival director and political science instructor.

“Hum Tum” was directed by Kunal Kohli and features major Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Kirron Kher. The post-film discussion will be led by Dr. Joseph Campbell, English instructor at Casper College.

The second film, “Amu” was released in 2005 and “received a number of international film honors including at the Berlin Film Festival, the Toronto Film Festival, and the American Film Institute Film Festival. It also won two National Film Awards in India,” said Frankland. The film features Konkona Sensharma as a young Indian-American who returns to India to visit her family, and in the process learns more than she anticipated about the nature and problems of the country. The film also starred Ankur Khanna and Brinda Karat, and was directed by Shonali Bose.

“Amu” will be shown on Friday May 4 with the post-film discussion to be led by David Zoby, English instructor and director of Casper College's Honors Program.

“India's growing economic, political, and cultural importance make it a logical choice for the 2012 festival. It is a country of multiplicities: cultures, languages, regions, castes, etc. As the world's largest democracy India continues to wrestle with these multiplicities as it modernizes and urbanizes, and fully enters the increasingly globalized world. India also has made a growing cinematic splash with "Bollywood" alone responsible for the production of over 800 feature-length films a year, compared to Hollywood's less than 600,” said Frankland.

The 2012 Multicultural Film Festival “Exploring India,” is sponsored by the Casper Committee on Foreign Relations, the Casper College Political Science Department, the Casper College International Studies Program, the Casper College Honors Program, and Casper College.

Both films will begin at 7 p.m. in Wheeler Auditorium, Room 103 of the Wold Physical Science Center on the Casper College campus. The showings are free and open to the public.

Ragamala Dance comes to Casper April 16

April 16, 2012 • 7:30 p.m.
John F. Welsh Auditorium, Natrona County High School

Ranee Ramaswamy and Aparna Ramaswamy, Artistic Directors Sacred Earth, featuring soloist Aparna Ramaswamy

The indigenous Warli people of western India revere the land, where their shelters derive, their food is grown, their lives find bounty and harmony. From southern India come kolams, floor designs drawn by women with rice flour to create a sacred space every morning. Gone in the space of a day, a kolam’s geometric shapes are a reminder of beauty’s impermanence, and its perishable materials nourish birds and small creatures as a way to give back to the earth. Against a backdrop of paintings from the Warli folk artist Anil Chaitya Vangad, each dancer in Sacred Earth summons the spirituality of this earthly connection into tangible existence. Imbuing the graceful and dynamic dance form of Bharatanatyam with its own distinctive vision, Ragamala Dance, called “a transcendent experience” and “rapturous and profound” by The New York Times, conveys to audiences worldwide that Bharatanatyam is contemporary and distinctly current. Sacred Earth couples eternity and transience, body and nature, soul and Earth in a celebration of the divine balance found in the universe’s continuous pulse.

Additionally on April 15, there will be a Dance Master Class at 1:00 p.m. at 307 Dance Academy, as well as a Hands On Kolam demonstration at 3:00 p.m. at Nicolaysen Art Museum.

Co-Sponsored by KCWY-13, the Nicolaysen Art Museum, Town Square Media, The Bon Agency/The Des & Carrie Bennion Family, La Cocina, KWYF – the CW, and the Ramada Plaza. Partial funding is from the Wyoming Arts Council through the National Endowment for the Arts and the Wyoming State Legislature, the Western States Arts Federation, the Schneider Fund in the Wyoming Community Foundation, Natrona County School District No. 1, and the McMurry Foundation.

The presentation of Ragamala Dance was made possible by the MetLife Community Connections Fund of the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project. Major support for NDP is provided by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation with additional support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Boeing Company Charitable Trust.

"Celebrate India Week" March 26-31 at UW

India's culture and history will be showcased at the University of Wyoming during "Celebrate India" March 26-31, sponsored by the Indian students' organization, Milaap. All events are free.

"Food and refreshments will be served at all the events," says Pooja Saraff, Milaap president. "Come and experience what makes India so special."

The schedule:

Monday, March 26, 7-8 p.m. -- Documentary on India, "Incredible Innovation," Wyoming Union Central Ballroom.

Tuesday, March 27, 12:15-1:15 p.m. -- Panel discussion on "Steps Toward a Caste Free India," Wyoming Union West Ballroom.

Wednesday, March 28, 7:30-10:30 p.m. -- Bollywood Movie Night, Wyoming Union Family Room.

Saturday, March 31, 5-6 p.m. -- Workshops will be held on wearing Indian costumes, cricket, Bollywood dancing and singing, and henna tattoos. Zesty Indian appetizers will be served. Bollywood Dance and Dandiya Night is from 6-11 p.m., Wyoming Union Ballroom. The event includes a workshop from "Mudra Dance School," followed by a Bollywood night after party.

Photo: Bollywood Dance and Dandiya Night are among events during "Celebrate India" March 26-31, at the University of Wyoming.

UW Indian Students' Organization/Milaap presents Diwali Night Oct. 22

From the University of Wyoming Office of Multicultural Affairs newsletter:

Indian Students' Organization/Milaap presents Diwali Night on Saturday, October 22.

Evening begins with a cultural program at 5 p.m. in the Arts and Sciences Auditorium at UW in Laramie.

Watch Mudra Dance Studio's dance troupe entertain you non-stop with Indian dance extravaganza along with UW's bands -- Exit this Way, Chutney and Cosmologists!

Cultural night is open to all; no tickets required. Tickets are required for dinner (Union Ballroom, 7:30 p.m.) and will be distributed at the information desk at 11 a.m. on Oct. 11, 12 and 13. Two tickets per UW ID. Come to the cultural show to have a chance at winning 10 raffle tickets for dinner!

Pravina Gondalia exhibit opens with Sept. 14 lecture and reception at LCCC

Cheyenne artist Pravina Gondalia will exhibit her work Sept. 14-Oct. 19 at the Esther and John Clay Fine arts Gallery at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne.

Her “artistic investigation of culture, identity and spirituality are presented through her mixed-media art.”

Schedule:

• Wednesday, Sept. 14 Artist Lecture, 7 p.m., LCCC Science Center, Room 121
• Wednesday, Sept. 14 Gallery Show and Reception, 8 p.m., Esther and John Clay Fine Arts Gallery
• Artwork on display Sept. 14-Oct. 19

UW Social Justice Research Center presents free public lecture on nonviolence by Gandhi's grandson

From a University of Wyoming press release:

The grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Arun Gandhi, peace activist and proponent of nonviolence, will speak at the University of Wyoming Tuesday, Nov. 16, as part of the UW Social Justice Research Center's semester speaker series.

His free public lecture, "Lessons Learned from My Grandfather: Non-violence in a Violent World," -- offering firsthand insights into one of history's most influential leaders -- is from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts main stage.
"We are excited to have Mr. Gandhi here at the University of Wyoming. At a time of such contentious societal dialogue around the war in Afghanistan, immigration reform and restrictions, and even the meaning of social justice, a voice of peace and civility is much needed," says Francisco Rios, UW Social Justice Research Center director and head of the Department of Educational Studies.

Few names in world history evoke such powerful images of integrity, courage, social harmony and -- perhaps most of all -- hope, than Gandhi. Arun Gandhi carries within himself the same guiding principles as his grandfather, the legendary peace-maker and spiritual leader.

Growing up in apartheid South Africa as a person of Indian heritage meant racial confrontations with both blacks and whites. Filled with rage and plotting to avenge his beatings, Arun Gandhi subscribed to Charles Atlas' bodybuilding magazines so he would have the strength to fight back. When his parents discovered the reason for their 12-year-old son's sudden fascination with exercise, they decided that a visit to his grandfather in India was in order.

What followed was an 18-month stay with one of the world's great leaders that would give him the keys to the powerful philosophy of nonviolence and help shape the foundation for his life's work.

After leading successful projects for economic and social reform in India, Arun Gandhi came to the United States in 1987 to complete research for a comparative study on racism in America. In 1991, Gandhi and his late wife, Sunanda, founded the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, now headquartered at the University of Rochester, N.Y. The institute promotes nonviolence through workshops, lectures and community outreach programs.

UW's Social Justice Research Center, Indian Student Association and the Department of Theatre and Dance sponsor the talk. For more information, call the UW Social Justice Research Center at (307) 766-3422.

Photo: Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, will discuss "Lessons Learned from My Grandfather: Non-violence in a Violent World," from 4-5:30 p.m. Nov. 16, in the Fine Arts main stage.

At Teton County Library Oct. 1: "How (Not) to Understand India through Bollywood"

"How (Not) to Understand India through Bollywood: Dreams and Desires in the New World Order," is a pr4esentation by Mir Ali Husain, Bollywood songwriter and New York Institute of Technology Management Studies Professor.

The event will be held on Friday, Oct. 1, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Teton County Public Library in jackson.

The presenter asks: "What defines a Bollywood movie? What can the world's largest film industry tell us about India? About the U.S.?" Presentation includes film clips and Q&A. Indian tea and cookies served!

Sponsored by Wyoming Council for the Humanities, University of Wyoming's Gender & Women's Studies, International Programs, History & International Studies Departments. Location: Ordway Auditorium. Free. Adult Humanities Coordinator, Oona Doherty, 733-2164 ext. 135 or odoherty@tclib.org.

Work by Wilson glass artist Laurie Thal given as White House gift

Wilson glassblower/glass artist and two-time Wyoming Arts Council visual arts fellowship winner Laurie Thal has a friend at the White House. Laurie was exhibiting her work last November at the Washington, D.C., craft show when the State Department's Tracy Bernstein stopped to admire the work. She asked if Laurie had something with a peacock on it and Laurie pulled from a box the piece shown above. The peacock was designed by Laurie's partner, Lia Kass. The State Department's Senior Gift Officer Liza Ballantine saw the bowl and bought it. President and Mrs. Obama gave the bowl as a gift to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife during their Nov. 24 White House visit. In 1997, Laurie also made a glass ornament for the White House Christmas Tree for Bill and Hillary Clinton. Several of her pieces are on display at the Wyoming Governor's Residence in Cheyenne. FMI: http://www.thalglass.com/

Listen to oral history podcasts featuring Thyra Thomson

From a SPCR preess release:

A series of oral history podcasts of former Wyoming Secretary of State Thyra Thomson are now available on the Wyoming State Archives, wyoarchives.org.

Originally interviewed by historian and author Mark Junge in 1993 for his book, “The Wind is My Witness,” Thomson speaks about her strong advocacy for women’s rights and her life in public office.

“I quickly saw around me in State Government how it was a man’s world, women’s place,” Thomson said. “There were so many things going on in which there was not a justice, and it was natural for me to pursue it not only in Wyoming, but nationwide because Wyoming was the Equality State.”

She first ran for office after the untimely death of her husband, Republican congressman and senator-elect Keith Thomson.

To listen to the podcasts of Thomson or to read the transcript, log onto www.wyoarchives.org and click on “oral histories,” then click on “Wyoming stories” for a complete list of oral histories.

Nina McConigley to celebrate new story in American Short Fiction with Texas reading

Wyoming fiction writer Nina McConigley (upper right) is one of the writers featured in the new issue of American Short Fiction.

Casper's Nina Swamidoss McConigley (now teaching at UW in Laramie) has a new story out this fall in American Short Fiction magazine. The story is "Curating Your Life." A reading featuring contributors to this issue of ASF will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Austin, Texas, home of Kelty Christman. This is free and open to the public.

The event features readings by writers Nina McConigley and Josh Weil. Actor Gabriel Luna, fresh from his title role in Cambiare Productions’ Orestes, will also read. Buzz Moran and LB Deyo of Dionysium will emcee. Music from the fall issue's diskette will also be played.

FMI: http://www.americanshortfiction.org/blog/?p=1236

Raghu Raj P leads Indian dance class at UW

From a UW press release:

The University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance will offer a classical Indian dance class, led by acclaimed Bharathanatyam dancer Raghu Raj P, from 8:10-9:25 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in the Margaret Mains Dance Studio in the UW Fine Arts Building in Laramie. The class is free and open to the public.

A research assistant in the UW Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Raghu began studying Bharathanatyam dance at age three. He has been developing and refining his expertise in this art form ever since.

Raghu has given more than 400 performances and won more than 100 prizes in this dance form, including the Supreme Dancer Award by the Forest Minister Sri Rabganathji.
Additionally, Raghu has worked as the director of Shivashakthi School of Dance for more than four years, guiding students to complete their junior and senior exams in dance. He is currently the team leader of SANSKRITHI, a dance team of PES Institute of Technology. Raghu has also won more than 30 awards for choreography, both at state and national levels, in a short span of three years.

This event is sponsored by the UW Fine Arts Artist-in-Residence endowment.

Gamelan concert at UW

One end of a Balinese hand-carved gamelan instrument. Image provided by Rod Garnett.

The Wyoming Gamelan Chandra Wyoga will be present, "An Afternoon of Balinese Music and Dance," November 9, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in the University of Wyoming Fine Arts Concert Hall.
Admission is free.

Featured performers are :
I Made Lasmawan, Gamelan Master
Ni Kethut Marni, Ni Nyoman
Erawati, Luh Made Dwi Wahyuni, I Made Wijaya,Guest Dancers
And the members of the Wyoming Gamelan!
For further information, contact Rod Garnett at – rgarnett@uwyo.edu – 766-2512

A Gamelan is a musical ensemble of Indonesia typically featuring a variety of instruments such as metallaphones, xylophones, drums and gongs, bamboo flutes, and bowed and plucked strings. Vocalists may also be included. A gamelan is a set of instruments as a distinct entity, built and tuned to always stay together. Instruments from different gamelan are not interchangeable. For more information go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/gamelan

Classical North Indian music at UW

This is an update on an Oct. 1 post:

Alam Khan (shown in photo) and Javad Butah will perform a full evening concert of classical north Indian music Sunday, Oct. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the University of Wyoming Fine Arts Center concert hall.

That morning at 10, they will present a one-hour demonstration/workshop on north Indian music, also in the concert hall. Both events are free and open to the public.

Khan plays the sarod, one of the most popular Hindustani stringed instruments, known for its rich and introspective sound. As the son of famed sarodist Ali Akbar Khan, the younger Khan carries on the traditions of a long line of Indian musicians.

Butah plays the tabla, a set of drums used for performances of classical and popular music throughout the Indian diaspora, says Rod Garnett, UW professor of Music.

The UW Department of Music and the UW Indian Student organization sponsor both events.
For more information, including downloadable photographs and sounds, visit Alam Khan's Web site at http://www.alamkhan.com/ or contact Garnett at rgarnett@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-2512.