Call for applications: Rosemary Kennedy Internship Initiative

The 2013 Rosemary Kennedy Internship Initiative is now open and accepting applications from qualified organizations. This initiative provides funding of up to $25,000 to arts organizations, from across the country, to initiate internship and apprenticeship programs for youth with disabilities that provide pre-professional skill development in the fields of arts, arts management and arts education.

Application deadline is January 7, 2013.

FMI:  Sonja Cendak, Assistant Manager, Artist Services, VSA / Accessibility Department, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, (202) 416-8823 or http://www.kennedy-center.org/accessibility/career.cfm

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

1-800-543-3622 ext. 214

rjones@fmca.com

 

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

O: 307-777-8561

M: 307-214-1530

alan.dubberley@wyo.gov

www.wyomingtourism.org

www.wyomingofficeoftourism.gov

President Obama's proclamation for National Arts and Humanities Month

NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH, 2012

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

After the bombing of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key reached for his pen and captured the resilience of the American people. His poem became our National Anthem, and almost two centuries later, it continues to speak to the American spirit just as it did on that September day so long ago. Throughout our history, the arts and humanities have given us comfort and confidence, drawn us together, and called on us to strive for a more perfect Union. This month, we celebrate our Nation's rich artistic heritage.

Artistic expression and memorable ideas can resonate with us, challenge us, and teach us important lessons about ourselves and each other. At their best, great works of literature, theater, dance, fine art, and music reflect something common in all of us. They open dialogues between cultures and raise poignant questions about our world. They are also vital components of our children's education and our national growth -- not only teaching our youth to observe closely, interpret creatively, and think critically, but also bringing new cultural experiences to our communities and helping drive economic progress. That is why my Administration is committed to strengthening arts and humanities programs in schools and communities across our Nation.

When children read their first book, pick up their first instrument, or perform in their first play, they demonstrate the power of the arts to ignite wonder and imagination. This month, let us pledge to invest in America's next generation by ensuring our children have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the arts and humanities. If we give them the tools to create and innovate, they will do their part to disrupt our views, challenge our perceptions, and stir us to be our best selves.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2012 as National Arts and Humanities Month. I call upon the people of the United States to join together in observing this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to celebrate the arts and the humanities in America.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

Entrepreneur magazine looking for artrepreneurs who make unique holiday gifts under $50

Entrepreneur magazine is looking for artrepreneurs who make distinctive holiday gifts priced $50 or less. Here are the details:

With the holiday season just around the corner, we want to hear from the artists, craftspeople, designers and other independent merchants who make one-of-kind gifts. 

From now until Nov. 1, we invite all eligible businesses to tell us about ONE item that you sell that is the perfect gift for someone special this holiday season. 

Please tell us in 250 words or less the story behind the item: the reason you decided to create it; why it's absolutely unique; why it's different than anything you'd find in a mass-market space; whom it's suitable for; and what customers say when they buy it. The item must be priced at $50 or less. (Read all entry rules in our FAQ section.) 

On Nov. 26, we'll begin unveiling the items that editors at Entrepreneur.com have selected for inclusion in our “Indie Merchant Gift Guide.” Editors will look at both the originality and creativity of the business owner's story, and take into consideration the gift idea's value, functionality and uniqueness, as well as variety. This year, we'll reveal our favorites in 10 categories: Pets, Jewelry, Kids, Unusual/Quirky, Food/Beverage, Eco-Friendly, Beauty, Practical, Apparel, Sports. 

The deadline for entry is Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. EST. Good luck and we look forward to hearing your story. 

Questions? Consult our FAQ 

View Sample Entry

October is National Arts & Humanities Month

FMI: Check our blog often for arts events around the state. For info on the national scene, go here. 

Call for entries: Veteran Artist Program

Deadline Oct. 30. FMI: http://www.veteranartistprogram.org/submissions

Lecture about the Grand Army of the Republic launches State Museum's Civil War reading series

From a Wyoming State Museum press release:

Shannon McKinzinie will kick off the Wyoming State Museum’s reading series, “Making Sense of the American Civil War,” with a look at the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), September 26 at 7 p.m. The lecture and reading series are free to the public.

A fraternal organization founded in 1866, the GAR provided support and a sense of community for Union veterans of the American Civil War. The history of the organization, its contributions to American veterans, and its contributions to American politics will be discussed. Local monuments dedicated to the GAR (located in both Cheyenne and Laramie) also will be examined.

“This is a great opportunity to explore a part of American social history that many people today are unaware of, “ Chris Hanson, curator of education said, “I encourage anyone interested in American history to attend this lecture.”

McKinzinie is an instructor at Laramie County Community College, Albany County Campus.

She will serve as facilitator for the upcoming Wyoming Humanities Council sponsored “Making Sense of the American Civil War” reading series that is being hosted at the Wyoming State Museum. The reading series will begin September 26, 2012 at the Museum and continue through January.  The reading series is presented by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association.

The Wyoming State Museum is located at 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. The general public is invited. For more information about the lecture or the upcoming reading series, call Chris Hanson at 777-6670.

Dedication ceremony for new Wyoming state flag stamp set for Aug. 23

The Wyoming Postal Service honors Wyoming and the state flag with a dedication ceremony for the Wyoming stamp August 23 at 2 p.m., at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne.

A part of the new "First Class, Flags or our Nation" series, the public and press are invited to this free event.

“With the release of this impressive stamp we pay homage to the majesty of our state’s flag,” Wyoming Postal Operations Manager Gary Sims said.

Sims will join Governor Matt Mead, Wyoming History Professor Dr. Phillip J. Roberts, and Post Office Operations Manager Catherine Wright during the ceremony.

The stamp is included in the final set of “Flags of Our Nation” stamps, available for nationwide purchase. The stamps are only available on a roll which includes similar flag stamps from other states and territories. The flag stamps are sold as a series, in a coil of 50 stamps only, priced at $22.50. The “Wyoming Flag” Stamp is part of the series and is not sold separately. Stamps will be available in local Post Offices on Aug. 17.

            

The Wyoming State Museum is located at 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. For more information about this or other State Museum programs, please call 777-7021.

Call for applications: USArtists International

From USArtists International:

The guidelines and new online application are now available for the 2013 USArtists International (USAI) program. 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.

The application deadline for the first of three grant rounds of the 2013 program will be Friday, September 7, 2012 for projects taking place between November 1, 2012 and October 31, 2013. This is a receipt deadline.

Additional deadlines for the 2013 program cycle include:

• December 7, 2012 for projects taking place between March 1, 2013and February 28, 2014
   
• April 19, 2013 for projects taking place between July 1, 2013 andJune 30, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call for entries: "Embracing our Differences"

"Embracing Our Differences" invites art submissions for its 10th annual outdoor art exhibit celebrating diversity. National and international submissions are encouraged. 39 artists will be selected for the exhibit. The exhibit will be displayed April and May 2013 at Island Park along Sarasota, Florida’s beautiful bayfront. Since 2004, the exhibit has been viewed by more than 1,300,000 visitors. The exhibit will contain 38 billboard-sized (16 feet wide by 12 1/2 feet high) images of the selected artworks.

Final selections will be chosen based on artistic excellence in reflection of the theme “embracing our differences”. Submissions will also be evaluated on how effectively it will read outdoors when enlarged to billboard size. Final selections will be made by a 3-judge panel of professional artists, curators and art professionals. A total of $3,000.00 in awards will be presented.

Submissions must be postmarked no later than January 7, 2013. There is no submission fee nor limit on the number of entries.

The mission of Embracing Our Differences is to use art as a catalyst for creating awareness and promoting the value of diversity, the benefits of inclusion and the significance of the active rejection of hatred and prejudice.

Submission forms and more information concerning past winning entries are available at http://www.embracingourdifferences.org/ or by emailing mailto:emailingInfo@EmbracingOurDifferences.org.

Blue Star Museums offer free summer admission to active-duty military personnel and families

From a National Endowment for the Arts press release:

Today, Blue Star Families announced the launch of Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,600 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel, including active Reserve and National Guard, and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2012. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. Find the list of participating museums in Wyoming at http://www.nea.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index2012.php?st=WY#list

The launch of the program was announced today at a press event at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The event was hosted by Metropolitan Museum President Emily Rafferty, who was joined by Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet, NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman, A. Dennis White, CEO and President of MetLife Foundation, local military families and representatives from the more than 40 New York City museums participating in Blue Star Museums this summer. Following the event, the presenters escorted local families representing the Armed Forces on a tour of several galleries at the Metropolitan Museum, which has been a Blue Star Museum since the program began in 2010.

Wind River Reservation's North Bear drum group wins National Hand Drum prize

North Bear drum group from the Wind River Reservation wins 2012 National Hand Drum prize in Albuquerque NM this past weekend.

"Between Heart and Place" -- New landscape paintings by Kathryn Mapes Turner

"Summer Storm," 9x20, Kathryn Mapes Turner

“Between Heart and Place,” An Artist Explores Homeland in Collection of New Landscape Paintings

Trio Fine Art Gallery, 545 N. Cache Avenue, Jackson, will host an exhibition of the works of Kathryn Mapes Turner August 1-18. Artist Reception will be held on August 9, 5-8 p.m., Turner will lead a conversation on creativity as it relates to the landscape at 6:30 p.m. FREE and open to the public. Gallery hours Wednesday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m.

About the artist and her work:

Turner was born into a fourth generation ranching family in Jackson Hole. As a teen, Turner had the opportunity to study with acclaimed landscape painters and then continued her art education in such celebrated places as Italy, Mexico and Washington DC. The artist has since returned to her native Wyoming, but remains committed to her evolution as an artist beyond the sphere of her youth. Kathryn’s hard work has yielded both local accolades and national recognition. Last fall, her painting, “Siena” won the “Best in Show” at the American Impressionist Society. Her work is also featured in celebrated national exhibitions such as Birds in Art at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum and Western Visions at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Southwest Art Magazine once distinguished Turner among the “Artists to Watch,” predicting what has indeed become a most promising career.

Indian Removal Act topic of next Wyoming State Museum lecture

The Indian Removal Act, an unpopular and controversial part of the settlement of the American West, will be the focus of this month’s Wyoming State Museum lecture series presentation, May 8 at 7 p.m.

Dr. Robert Munkres, of Estes Park, Colo., presents “Indian Removal: The Dark Side of American History.” His presentation discusses the problematic relations between the Anglo population and the tribes native to the regions being settled.

Increasingly, white authority called for the removal of native tribes to the West, culminating in the passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

This presentation describes the implementation of the act, together with the terrible cost it imposed upon the Native American population.

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

17th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta May 5 at Forum 619 in Cheyenne

One of the vendor tables at Cinco De Mayo Fiesta 2010

The Cinco De Mayo Celebration is presented by the Cinco De Mayo Hispanos Unidos Committee. The 17th annual Cinco De Mayo Fiesta will be held on Saturday, May 5, at the Forum 619 on South Greeley Highway in Cheyenne. It will be from noon to 5:00 pm and is FREE to the public. The fiesta consists of vendors, live entertainment, food, kid carnival and a car show! We also recognize our Cinco de Mayo king and queen, high school students displaying involvement and a positive image for Hispanics. FMI: Contact Linda at 307-635-4369 or by email at ljlovato@bresnan.net.

Chattanooga public art project open to all U.S. artists

THE BRIGHT SCHOOL CENTENNIAL PUBLIC ART PROJECT

Deadline: May 17. Public Art Chattanooga and the Bright School in Chattanooga, TN, are looking for artists or artist groups to create a permanent piece for the entrance of the school. This call is open to all applicants in the United States over the age of 18. Project proposals must maintain the ability to withstand weather and public interaction with the piece.

FMI: www.publicartchattanooga.com/about/callstoartists.htm

National Poetry Month is here

Couple of things from poet out-in-the-field Christine Valentine, who is also a member of WyoPoets and Wyoming Writers. One is a link to a wonderful spoken word performance by Joshua Bennett, Princeton scholar, who was chosen to be part of the very first White House Poetry Jam in 2009.

http://paw.princeton.edu/issues/2012/04/04/pages/9489/index.xml

And a poem from Ted Kooser's American Life in Poetry series, Column 367

Prairie Sure by Carol Light

Would I miss the way a breeze dimples
the butter-colored curtains on Sunday mornings,
or nights gnashed by cicadas and thunderstorms?
The learning gossip, the half-alive ripple
of sunflowers, sagging eternities of corn
and sorghum, September preaching yellow, yellow
in all directions, the windowsills swelling
with Mason jars, the blue sky bluest borne
through tinted glass above the milled grains?
The dust, the heat, distrusted, the screen door
slapping as the slat-backed porch swing sighs,
the hatch of houseflies, the furlongs of freight trains,
and how they sing this routine, so sure, so sure-
the rote grace of every tempered life?

"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.

Call for entries: 6x6x2012 -- International Small Art Phenomenon

Call for Entries: 6x6x2012 - International Small Art Phenomenon

Deadline May 6 (International Postmarked May 1 please)
http://www.roco6x6.org

Rochester Contemporary Art Center's (RoCo) invites you and your constituents to participate in the international small art phenomenon which yields thousands of original artworks, made and donated by celebrities, international & local artists, designers, college students, youths, and YOU. Each artwork must be 6x6 square inches (15x15cm) or mounted to a 6x6 board, and signed only on the back, to be exhibited anonymously. All entries will be accepted, exhibited and will be for sale to the public for $20 each (in the gallery and online for global purchasing) to benefit RoCo. Artist names will be revealed to the buyer upon purchase and all artworks remain on display through July 15th. Sold Out artists' names will be revealed next to their work on July 6. Anyone may enter up to 10 artworks of any medium (2D or 3D) and there is no fee to enter the exhibition.

Last year’s exhibition included 5,000 artworks by 2,000 artists from 50 US states and 36 countries! Over 7,000 people attended 6x6x2011 and over 1,700 artworks were sold! Past contributors have included Bill Viola, Dexter Dalwood, Jerry Uelsmann, Wendell Castle, and many more. This year’s exhibition will introduce the new RPO Bravo Award (A collaboration with Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra) for which all entries will be eligible. New partnerships with Its Liquid, Ovation TV, and Professional Artist Magazine bringing even greater international visibility to 6x6.

Early Celebrity Artist entries have already arrived from Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist; Garth Fagan, choreographer, founder and artistic director of Garth Fagan Dance; Robert Marx, internationally renowned artist; Tom Otterness, NYC-based sculptor; Lorenzo Fonda, LA-based film director; Steve Gadd, influential drummer; US Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter; Andrea Barrett, novelist and short story writer and many others. Join these celebrities and artists and send your artwork early!

Prospectus, FAQs, Celebrity Artists, and online gallery: http://www.roco6x6.org
Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/215498401874728/

Artwork Entries should be mailed directly to:
Rochester Contemporary Art Center
137 East Ave.
Rochester, NY 14604
USA