UUCC WinterMart Dec. 14-15 offers local handmade wares for the holidays

Gifts made by artists, crafts people and other vendors of handmade wares can be found at the annual Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne WinterMart, 3005 Thomes Avenue, December 14-15, Friday 4:30-6:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Lunch and baked goods will be available. Proceeds benefit programs supported by UUCC. For information, call Terry at (307) 214-3932, UUCC at (307) 638-4554 or go to www.uucheyenne.org.

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.

Cheyenne Family YMCA launches Holiday Craft Fair season Nov. 3

FMI: 307-634-9622

Cody's Steve Schrepferman is featured artist at Clay Paper Scissors Gallery

From artist, gallery owner and WAC colleague Camellia El-Antably:

This month we are featuring Steve Schrepferman, a Cody ceramicist, at Clay Paper Scissors in honor of National Crafts Month. Steve is a highly versatile potter with work from the gorgeously functional (drinking from one of his cups is lovely experience in balance and texture) to quirky functional to large scale urns and vases and wall hangings. The work is often thrown and then modified and always glazed with rich, deep colors. Some of the pieces in the gallery now have an almost African sense to them. You can get a taste of his work at his website, http://www.steveschrepferman.com/, where he says:

My visual sensibility is rooted in the colors, textures, and rugged forms in the landscape of the American West. I am in awe of the immense vistas and canyons and feel a strong connection to the great physical and spiritual energy of this land. These are the energies I strive to capture in my work.

Art Design & Dine will be tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 11, from 5-8 p.m. Clay Paper Scissors is located at 1506 Thomes, Ste B, at the southeast corner of the building facing the tracks. Steve's work will be up through November.

Also during ADD: Mark Vinich, a studio artist, has artwork in the Teacher Show at the Civic Center; Mark and Camellia El-Antably's show, "Memories & Curious Conversations," continues at the Hynds Building at the corner of 16th and Capitol.

Studio Space is available! Please come talk to us about it.

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

Don King Days features cowboy polo, bronc riding and a concert by Jalan Crossland

Don King Days will take place at the Big Horn Equestrian Center in Sheridan County Sept. 2-3. Ten Sleep's Jalan Crossland will perform at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 2.

Events feature classic equine events like polo, steer roping, bronc riding and wild cow milking, both days. The Big Horn Equestrian Center’s few fences and big fields put the crowd right in the middle of all the action. The Don King Days events began when local ranchers came up with this unique combination of equestrian events to be held in honor of King, owner of King’s Saddlery and renowned saddle maker world-wide. King was the recipient of a Governor's Arts Award from the Wyoming Arts Council and a National Heritage Fellowship from the NEA.

FMI: http://www.sheridanwyoming.org/activities/rodeos/don-king-days/

WANTED: Artists and Craftspeople to help install exhibits at SE Wyoming Welcome Center

HELP WANTED

WHO: Artists and Craftspeople

WHAT: To help with the installation of exhibits at the Office of Tourism's new Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center

WHEN: Most of August, starting around 8/6/12

WHERE: New Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center, south of Cheyenne on I-25

SKILLS: Sculpting cement, scenic painting, basic assembly, some carpentry, some welding, set dressing, general handyman skills

COMPENSATION: Contract work, $12-15/hour, dependent upon skill set

CONTACT: annetoxey@tmdaexhibits.com

PROVIDE: 1) a telephone number, 2) photos of work or link to portfolio, and 3) resume or references

Western & Jahiel team up for Wyofile profile of custom bridle and bit craftsman Tom Balding

Tom Balding in his shop. Photo by Adam Jahiel.

Two Wyoming Arts Council fellowship winners teamed up to profile custom bridle and bit craftsman Tom Balding in the latest issue of WyoFile.

The story was written by Sheridan’s Sam Western, a 2012 creative writing fellowship recipient in fiction and author of Pushed off the Mountain and Sold Down the River: Wyoming’s Search for its Soul. The excellent photos were shot by Adam Jahiel of Story. Adam has received two WAC visual arts fellowships and his “Cowboys on the Range” exhibit was seen in 2008 at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne.

Sam explores Tom Balding’s intriguing life and delves into the details of his craft:

His passion for the last 28 years… has been horses and what riders use to influence their behavior: bits and spurs. Some of the world’s top riders use his custom-crafted products.

Balding’s snaffle bits, many made with gleaming bits of stainless steel, have a stark, sleek look. They feature mouthpieces of copper inlaid sweet iron, a cold-rolled carbon steel preferred by horses because the rusting tastes sweet.

His shanks, western-style bits connected together by a metal bar, range from bare-bones pieces of modern art to the more ornate, decorated with silver plate or initialed in bronze. They go by the name of Switchback, Steamboat, and Diamond Cross.

That's just a sample. Read the entire story at http://wyofile.com/2012/06/tom-balding-custom-bridle-bit-craftsman-was-inspired-when-bucked-off-a-horse/

Help get Katherine Palochak's jewelry on the cover of The Crafts Report -- vote today only!

"Moon Risng"

From WAC roster artist Katherine Palochak in Carbon County:

One of my necklaces was selected for consideration to be featured on the cover of The Crafts Report. I’ve made the first draft of the submissions that have been narrowed down to 64 entries, selected by the staff of Crafts Report. I’m really excited that there’s someone in Wyoming made it this far, especially when you consider our low populace. The contestants have been divided into groups of 4. Each group will have a popular vote on Facebook to decide which of the four will advance to the next round. My voting round is today, June 11th! Will you take a few minutes and help me get to the next round? All you have to do is go to the link at http://www.facebook.com/CraftsReport#!/CraftsReport and “like” my piece and that will get me a vote. There is only this one day, Monday, that you can vote for my necklace. Invite your friends and family to vote too! Thanks for your support, everyone!

Katherine Palochak
Website: http://metalsandgems.com/
Etsy: http://jazznjewelry.etsy.com/
Blog: http://jazznjewelry.wordpress.com/

Artful Hand Studios offers Ukranian Easter egg workshops through March 2

Traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs classes will be offered by Artful Hand Studios in Cheyenne. Wax and dye combine to create unique and beautiful Pysanky creations! Historical and contemporary designs will be demonstrated.  All supplies including a tasty homemade snack are included! Cost is $20 per student. Classes fill fast so register today. Call Georgia at 229-546-5183 or email at artsygeorgia@yahoo.com.

Class times:
Sunday Feb 26th 2:00 till 5:00pm
Monday Feb 27th 9:00 till Noon
Thursday March 1st 9:00 till Noon
Friday March 2nd 6:00 till 9:00 pm

Wyoming shines at National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko

Award-winning bosal by Lander's Mike Alley

I just returned from representing the Wyoming Arts Council at the 28^th annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. The Western Folklife Center sponsors the annual event and brings regional folklorists in to introduce sessions, stage manage the evening shows and interact with the guest artists. 

While there, I witnessed good things happening for the Cowboy State. Wyoming was well represented in the humorous poetry of Andy Nelson of Pinedale and sage rhymes of Kaycee’s Georgie Sicking.

Rawhide braider Mike Alley of Lander had two pieces place in the juried gear show at the Northeastern Nevada Museum. His bosal received first and his headstall third. Mike attended the Gathering through an Individual Artist Professional Development grant from the WAC and brought along his mentor, Jack Mease. 

Sheridan saddlemaker Don Butler taught in “A Gathering of Masters: Leather Carving Workshop,” and later demonstrated his skill at the Center’s Wiegand Gallery.

Finally, Miss “V” The Gypsy Cowbelle of Cora attended to participate in the open mic performance stage where she caught the eye and ear of Baxter Black and was invited to open for his sold-out, one-man show the following day!

The event was fun, illuminating and exhausting, and I can’t wait for next year!

--Annie Hatch, WAC Folk and Traditional Arts Program Specialist

Call for entries: Habitat for Humanity's "Salvage Art Show & Auction"

Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County will be hosting a Salvage Art Show & Auction in conjunction with Habitat’s ReStore Annex grand opening in late spring and you are invited to participate! The Salvage Art Show & Sale will focus on pieces made primarily of recycled, salvaged and found objects. If chosen to participate, artists will receive a $15 voucher to use to buy items from the ReStore. If you would like to be a part of the show or have any questions, contact Elizabeth Williams at elizabeth@cheyennehfh.org or 307.637.8067 by Wednesday, February 29.

Accentrix Horsehair Pottery featured in Wyoming Business Council newsletter

Accentrix Horsehair Pottery is this month's featured Wyoming business by the Wyoming First program (as featured in WBC's January newsletter):

Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Glenrock, Wyo., Accentrix Horsehair Pottery is owned by Adele Young who creates one-of-a-kind pottery from a small studio in her home.

She mixes her own clay and uses a unique firing process. Each hand cast piece is pulled from the kiln while glowing red hot. Horse hair and other organic materials are placed on the surface and spontaneously ignite. The black designs are the carbon that is left behind. No two patterns are ever alike. Her work includes vases, pots and lamps, as well as statues depicting wildlife, horses and rodeo themes. She also creates lovely hand-loomed knitted items and custom pet memorial pendants.

Visit Adele's website for more information.

Young Riverton man with autism creates Autisticks, the city's latest arts-based business

Leonard Williams colors a walking stick in his Riverton bedroom. Williams, who was diagnosed with autism as an infant, started creating walking sticks as a hobby. As people began to request his creations, he opened a business called Autisticks. Each stick he creates is different. Photo by Kelsey Dayton, Casper Star-Tribune. Read the entire article here. Listen to Riverton Radio interview here. 

Proceeds from AVA's Dec. 22 Miracle Tree Raffle 2011 go to scholarship fund

http://www.avacenter.org

Culinary artists meet creative placemakers at Wyoming Winter Farmers' Markets

Roy Pilcher transforms bug-kill trees into works of art

Roy Pilcher - Chain Saw Artist: Devils Tower, Wyoming from Indie Media: The New Journalism on Vimeo.

Roy Pilcher is a chainsaw artist from Devils Tower. He's on the Wyoming Arts Council artist roster. Bring him and his amazing carving skills to your town with an Arts Across Wyoming grant. Go to www.wyomingartscouncil.org and click on "grants." Thanks to Alan O'Hashi for this fine video.

Buy local and buy handmade for the holidays

We couldn't agree more. This is on the Colorado Creative Industries Facebook page.

Call for applications: Penland School of Crafts

October 28 deadline: Penland School of Crafts, founded in 1929 in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a Resident Artist Program which invites artists working in traditional and nontraditional studio crafts to live and work at the school for three years. There are three openings in the program for 2012, to be filled by artists working in books/paper, clay, glass, metals, photography, printmaking, iron, textiles, wood, sculpture, or mixed-media. Studios are available beginning February 2012. Eligible applicants must have a clear objective for their residency and be willing to live and work as part of a close-knit community. Penland Resident Artists pay $187.50 per month for unfurnished housing and studio space, plus $150 to $200 per month for utilities, depending on the season. Apply with a portfolio of 15-20 images, the primary basis for selection, as well as a personal statement, résumé, and two letters of recommendation. A $25 processing fee is required to apply. Applicants with no prior connection to the school are strongly encouraged to visit or take a class before applying for the program. For more information and submission guidelines click here.

Georgia Rowswell's Artful Hand Gallery in Cheyenne celebrates American Craft Week