THE Sweet Potato Queen drops in on the Jackson Hole Writers Conference

News from the 2013 Jackson Hole Writers Conference, June 27-29 at the Center for the Arts in Jackson:

Multiple #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Jill Conner Browne, THE Sweet Potato Queen™, has created a global phenomenon — 6,300 chapter groups in 37 countries — based upon her philosophy and world-view as recounted through her rollicking, raucous and riotously funny essays. Women and smart men understand that the bawdy, sassy, down-to-earth humor is simply the vehicle by which the greater message is conveyed — that is, one of self-reliance and empowerment, inspiring all to do what makes their hearts sing.

FMI: http://www.sweetpotatoqueens.com/

Auditions for rock musical "Rent" set for Feb. 3-5

"Rent" cast performs "Seasons of Love" on Broadway on Broadway in 2005

Auditions for the rock musical "Rent" will be held on Sunday, February 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Monday, February 4, 4:30-6:30 p.m., and Tuesday, February 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call-backs will be Wednesday, February 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. All auditions held at the Historic Atlas Theater in downtown Cheyenne

Here's more info from the Cheyenne Little Theatre Players web site:

To audition, we ask that you sing a song from the show "Rent" or another contemporary musical. You may bring your own accompanist or an accompanist will be provided. There will be no cold readings of dialog. We may ask you to sing a song from the show after your initial audition. You will also be learning and performing a short dance. For call-backs, we will be assigning songs from the show "Rent," including duets.  

IMPORTANT!! The Director, Brenda Lyttle, is looking for singing actors who are confident and fearless. "Rent" is an adult show with adult roles, language and situations. The characters must be believable and real. The singing must be strong and confident. This show is set in the Lower East Side of New York City. Racial diversity is crucial. We  strongly encourage singing actors of African-American and Hispanic descent to audition.  

Go to this link for more details: Rent Auditions

Artists' reception for Pinedale's public art initiative Feb. 8 at Sublette County LIbrary

Sue Sommers' mural "Our Glittering World" in downtown Pinedale

Pinedale’s public art initiative, IN|SITE EX|SITE, hosts an artists reception on Friday, February 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Sublette County Library. Artists contributing work to the community will be honored, including Bronwyn Minton, JB Bond, Kirsten and Palmer Klarén, and Sue Sommers.

In Memoriam: Rod McQueary

We end of the year on a sad note. Rod's poetry enlivened almost every Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko. He served on the WAC artist roster for many years. Recluse, Wyoming, won't ever be the same. R.I.P., Rod.

Rod McQueary

July 16, 1951–December 29, 2012

Beloved husband of Sue Wallis; treasured father of Porter, Cecile, Ian, and Justine McQueary, stepfather of Isaac Wallis, Megan Kruse, and Rys Martin; Boppa of Ezra, Cora, and Maddox Kruse; son of Eloise, and brother of Lyle and Neil McQueary; who has touched the lives of so many, many family, friends, compadres, and like-minded souls who appreciated his articulate wit…has followed his father Howard over that Last Great Divide. He was the epitome of kind.

A memorial service will be held at the Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nevada at 10 am on Wednesday, January 2^nd. Instead of flowers, please send generous contributions to the Western Folklife Center for the support of the Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the center of the art and the culture that Rod defined his life by, and the gathering place of his far flung friends. 501 Railroad Street, Elko, Nevada, 89801.

If you can make it to Elko on Wednesday, please come ready to share stories, songs, poems, and especially jokes. After a short service in the G Bar Three, we will have a potluck dinner in the Pioneer Saloon, please bring something to share. Rod’s daughter Ceci is putting together pictures and videos…if you have images of Rod that we can include please send them to cecilem@cashmanpro.com.

Family and friends will gather again on the full moon of July in Ruby Valley, Nevada and Bitter Creek, Wyoming to scatter his ashes over the mountains and ranches that he rode for the majority of his life.

Please feel free to forward and post, call each other and hold each other close…he loved you all so much…

Grants available to develop "tourism assets" in the Lander area

If an arts organization isn't a "tourism asset" we don't know what is:

Lander's Tourism Asset Development (TAD) Program offers assistance through the Lander Area Chamber of Commerce from lodging tax proceeds from the Wind River Visitor’s Council.

All applicants are subject to guidelines for requesting Tourism Asset Development funds from the Lander Area Chamber of Commerce.  All requests require appropriate application materials and recommendation of the TAD committee and approval of the Lander Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.  Eligible candidates include groups that are able to demonstrate that their programming has a direct benefit to the tourism industry specifically in the Lander area.  The purpose of the TAD Grant program is to attract potential visitors from outside of the Lander area.

Those eligible to apply for the TAD program are non-governmental tourist-related organizations, non-profit organization, Civic organizations or tourism related organizations for the purpose of developing tourism assets in the Lander area.  Eligible expenditures include but are not limited to print media, website, radio, television.  Other expenditures may be eligible dependent upon approval of the Lander Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

TAD grants may be awarded for applications in any amount up to $1,000.

Applications must be submitted to the Lander Area Chamber of Commerce by February 1, 2013 for projects to be completed in 2013.

Call the Lander Area Chamber of Commerce at 307-332-3892.

Beth McIntosh and Friends in concert Dec. 22 in Jackson

At the Center for the Arts In Jackson. Get tickets here. 

2Shot Art Show in Torrington offers close encounters with work by 21 regional artists

From Laramie's Joy Keown: This watercolor painting, "Close Encounter," was done from a photo that I took during our 2009 visit to the Serengeti in Tanzania.  I will be showing several Africa paintings as well as landscapes, western and wildlife paintings at the 2Shot Goose Hunt Art show this Friday and Saturday in Torrington.

View work by 21 artists from around the region at the annual 2Shot Goose Hunt Art Show at the Goshen County Fairgrounds Rendezvous Center in Torrington. Hours are noon-4 p.m. today with a quick draw from 6:30-7:30 p.m. with an auction to follow. Hours on Saturday, Dec. 8, are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., followed by a banquet and art auction from 7-10 p.m. FMI: Toby Lewis at 307-532-7364.

"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

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. 

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.

Opening reception Nov. 17 for June Glasson exhibit in Laramie

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.

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

​

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

"Beyond Supplementary: Northwest College Adjunct Faculty Exhibit" opens Nov. 8

Plucked from the Northwest College online calendar: adjunct |ajˈ ungkt: a thing added to something else as a supplementary rather than an essential. Adjunct faculty of the Northwest College Art Department in Powell will be exhibiting recent works.  Participating artists / educators are: Dana Childs -- ceramics  Zak Pullen -- illustration  Steve Schrepferman -- ceramics Rebecca Weed -- painting and drawing An opening reception will be held November 8 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm in the lobby of the Cabre Building. Free and open to the public, refreshments provided.

Contact Information: Name: Denise Kelsay Phone: 307.754.6499 Email: Denise.Kelsay@northwestcollege.edu

Professional theatrical agent Craig Holzberg to present master class at Casper College

Press release from Casper College:

Professional theatrical agent Craig Holzberg will present a free master class for those interested in professional theatre on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Thomas H. Empey Studio Theatre at Casper College.

Holzberg is president and founder of Avalon Artists Group, a full-service talent agency with offices in both New York and Los Angeles. “Avalon Artists Group represents actors and models of all ages for film, TV, theatre, commercials, voice-over, and print,” Holzberg said.

During the master class, which is free and open to the public, Holzberg “will cover what to expect, look for, and focus on in an audition for agents,” said James Olm, Casper College music theatre and voice instructor.  A question-and-answer session will follow Holzberg’s presentation.

A guest artist at Casper College, Holzberg is also the agent for another Casper College guest artist, Lindsie VanWinkle, who is playing the lead of Eva Peron in the Casper College fall musical “Evita.”

WOW announces Nov. 10 deadline for Affordable Art Show

This Works of Wyoming (WOW) exhibition will showcase Wyoming artists working in varied media. Works are to be retail priced under $100. We'll be promoting this event as an alternative to the big box store's Black Friday. This was our most successful event last year for sales, and we're expecting even more this year! Back up inventory should be anticipated. Submit up to 5 pieces for consideration in the following categories: original 2-D paintings, drawings, mixed media, printmaking, digital media, & photography. 3-D work: sculpture, metal, ceramics, glass, jewelry and mixed media. All work must be new to the gallery at Works of Wyoming (not previously shown), not mass produced, and copyright adherent. All work must be suitably framed, mounted, and wired for installation. Non-glare glass is preferred for photography purposes. Jurors reserve the right to disqualify any work not suitably presented, or any work not corresponding to the entry image or community standards. Size restriction for 2-D work: Outside frame dimensions no larger than 100 total inches.

How to Submit: submit up to 5 images of work via email to:wow@uwyo.edu as an attachment in jpeg format. Please include title, media or technique, & size of the work in the body of your email. Application will be sent upon acceptance.     Schedule:  Nov 10:  Deadline for email submissions  Nov 13: Email notification  Nov 17: Work delivery deadline to begin set up. Nov 23-24: Opening of the show is Black Friday & Saturday, 10- 6pm. Join Us for cookies and a warm mug of hot chocolate. Help sell your and other's work! Jan 5: Show closes at 6 pm  Jan 8-9: Artist pick up their work     *When shipping work, pre-calculate the return shipping and enclose a check for that amount (made payable to WOW) with work. Application forms will be emailed to accepted artists and must accompany work, along with artist statement. $15 entry fee for accepted artists- NO CHARGE for members of WOW. Receipt of the completed application form constitutes your agreement to all conditions established in this prospectus. WOW will provide insurance for all work while onsite; artists are responsible for insuring work in transit. Consent to use photos of work for promotional purposes is assumed unless otherwise stated by artist. Sales: Wow promotes the show via website, email marketing, social marketing, posters, and press releases. Artists will set their own selling price. Wow will retain a 30% commission on all sales in the gallery and commissioned pieces as a result of the show. Questions? We are here to help! WOW Gallery/Gift Shop (307-460-3304), email: wow@uwyo.edu

Silk painting, pastels and snowflake-making on the schedule for next Art Design & Dine

Art Design & Dine, Cheyenne's monthly in town art tour is happening on Thursday, November 8, from 5-8 p.m . This month features a silk painting demonstration at The Ancient Sage, The Art Abandonment project at Artful Hand Studio and Gallery, a pastel show at the Nagle Warren Mansion and much more. Go to www.ArtDesignDine.org for all the details.

What is the Art Abandonment project?

Artful Hand Gallery located at 302 East 1st Avenue will be holding its annual snowflake-making party during the next Art Design & Dine. This year come and make one for yourself and one to abandon! Also Win Ratz will be showing participants how to make an origami envelope to put the snowflake and Art Abandonment tag in. This event is free and family friendly! For full details go here.

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

From a UW press release:

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

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

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

The Student Activities Council, Gallery 234 and the Wyoming Arts Council sponsor this event. Individuals needing assistance to attend this event should contact the Campus Activities Center at (307) 766-6340. For more information, visit www.uwyo.edu/cac.

Photo: Shaolin Jazz mixes modern rap vocals with traditional jazz influences.