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.

Linwood Tall Bull presents "Native Plants and Medicinal Uses" Nov. 10 at Washakie Museum

At the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center in Worland. 

Mt. Sinai Synagogue to screen two Holocaust documentaries on Nov. 3

Mt. Sinai Synagogue in Cheyenne will present a double feature of two short documentary films on Saturday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m.  The films are:

Shanghai Ghetto (95 minutes): A gentle, loving accounting of 20,000 mostly German Jews who were able to escape the Nazi's before World War II started and go to Shanghai, China, where the Japanese were in control of that city.

Visas and Virtues (30 minutes): 1997 Oscar-winning short by Chris Tashima. Haunted by the sight of hundreds of Jewish refugees outside the consulate gates, a Japanese diplomat and his wife, at the beginning of World War II, must decide how much they are willing to risk. Inspired by a true story, this Academy Award® winning portrait gracefully captured in period black and white by noted cinematographer Hiro Narita poignantly pays tribute to the rescuer of 6,000 Jews from the Holocaust.

The movies will be shown in the Social Hall at the Synagogue. For more information, go to
http://mtsinaicheyenne.org/special_events.asp, or contact Jaimee Sodosky, 303-503-1844

Carlos Mellizo's "Faces from the Hispanic World" exhibit opens Oct. 5 at at UNC Michener Gallery

From a UW press release:

A selection of pencil sketches by Carlos Mellizo, University of Wyoming professor emeritus of philosophy, will be displayed this month in the University of Northern Colorado Mari Michener Gallery, at the north entrance of the James A. Michener Library.

His works, “Faces from the Hispanic World,” will be displayed as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Photographs from the Gabe & Jody Lopez collection “Beets, Baseball and Beyond” also will be exhibited.

The opening reception for the event will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5. UNC Professor Emeritus Alfonso Rodriguez will read from his poetry collections and refreshments will be served.

Born in Madrid, Spain, Mellizo has published widely in Spain and Latin America, and has received numerous academic awards for his teaching, research and creative work. Painting and drawing are two of his favorite hobbies.

Photo: This is among the Carlos Mellizo pencil sketches that can be seen this month at the University of Northern Colorado’s James A. Michener Library. (Carlos Mellizo)

UW American Heritage Center invites you to "Name the Tribble"

To celebrate American Archives Month, the UW American Heritage Center invites you To  

Submit your entry to ahc@uwyo.edu (please include Tribble Contest + [your name] in subject line or post it on our Facebook page http:www.facebook.com/ 

Entries must be received by October 22, 2012  

The American Heritage Center holds an authentic Tribble as part of the Forrest J. Ackerman papers, one of its many science fiction collections.

Social justice film series and cultural workshops highlight Lincoln Community Center activities

The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund newsletter features happenings about the WCTF and its grant recipients. Here's news on events at the Lincoln Community Center in Laramie:

Keep your eyes open…there are some new events that will be occurring at the Lincoln Community Center in Laramie this year with a Cultural Program Series under development. The Wyoming Cultural Trust is pleased to help with the development of these new community programs which will be exploring language and culture through cooking and cultural workshops, a social justice film series and continued work with the informal citizen group of the West Side League of Neighbors to protect and preserve the Laramie West Side’s cultural history and personal narratives.

If you’re on the road, traveling through or near Laramie, plan on stopping by and seeing the wonderful work which has already occurred in the rehabilitation of the old Lincoln School on South Cedar Street! The mission of the Lincoln Community Center is to be a social, cultural, education, recreational and healthcare resource for the neighborhood, city and county. A large share of their efforts is aimed at providing programming, services and a conduit for services to people with low incomes or limited opportunities.

For more information about upcoming programs and events, contact Paul Weaver, Executive Director, 307-742-2556 or laramielcc@gmail.com. 

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.

In the news: "Celebrating Dutch Hop"

Dutch Hop street dance. Photo by Ronna Lee Sharpe.

Last summer's "Celebrating Dutch Hop" event in Loveland, Colo., was featured in the Colorado Creative Industries newsletter. Similar gatherings were held in Wyoming and Nebraska. Organizers of the events featuring German Rusian Culture were Annie Hatch, Wyoming Arts Council folk and traditional arts specialist, and Georgia Wier, former CCI folklorist.

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.

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.

Rebecca Lindenberg reading on April 2 dedicated to Craig Arnold

Poet Rebecca Lindenberg will read from her first book Monday, April 2, at Second Story Books. Her collection is dedicated to the memory of University of Wyoming Associate Professor Craig Arnold, who disappeared while conducting research three years ago.

Her free public reading, sponsored by UW's MFA Program in Creative Writing, is at 7 p.m. at the bookstore, located at 105 Ivinson Street. A book signing follows.

Lindenberg will read from her new collection of poems, "Love, an Index" (McSweeney's Books 2012). The collection recounts the loss of Arnold, a former UW faculty member and well-known poet who disappeared while hiking in Japan in 2009.

For more information about Lindenberg or the MFA Program, visit the MFA website at www.uwyo.edu/creativewriting or contact Gwynn Lemler at (307) 766-6453 or cw@uwyo.edu .

Photo: Poet Rebecca Lindenberg will read from her first book Monday, April 2, at Second Story Books.

Click now for CLICK! conference early registration

If you plan to attend CLICK! A Weekend for Wyoming Visual Artists, March 30 - April 1, you may want to register now. Early registration means lower fees for both the conference and for hotel rooms at the Hampton Inn.

The deadline is tomorrow, Thursday, March 15. You can register at the door, but fees will be higher.

Whether you register now or later, we hope to see you and many other Wyoming artists at this opportunity to share, discuss building our careers, celebrate the Wyoming Arts Council Fellowship winners, and have fun!

The registration form is available here. Updates on confirmed speakers and schedule details can be found at http://wyomingarts.blogspot.com/p/click-conference-details.html 

Gillette's April 21 Prairie Wind Culture Festival celebrates the region's "rich cultural diversity"

The Prairie Wind Culture Festival (PWCF) will take place in Gillette on Saturday, April 21. Sponsors include the Wyoming Arts Council.

Here's a description from the web site:

PWCF was started in 2004. It is an all volunteer, non-profit, secular organization with one goal: to celebrate the rich cultural diversity that exists in northeastern Wyoming.

The PWCF is an annual Festival that is free and open to the public. As with any culture, the three main elements of the Festival are food, music and art! This unique event brings people together to celebrate their differences while discovering the many ways in which we are all related.

By creating an environment where people can be proud of who they are and that teaches respect for all people, we hope to strengthen our community and avoid cultural divisions.

African Awareness Week Feb. 13-18 at UW

From a UW press release:

Ghana's representative to the United Nations will be the keynote speaker at the University of Wyoming symposium, "Africa in the 21st Century," from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Wyoming Union West Ballroom. The presentation is part of African Awareness Week 2012.

William Azumah Awinador-Kanyirige, minister/deputy permanent representative of Ghana to the U.N., has been invited by the Wyoming African Student Association (WASA). His talk will be among the many African Awareness Week activities Monday, Feb. 13-Saturday, Feb. 18.

"This event will provide the opportunity for Wyoming to experience the history, culture, cuisine and music of Africa," says Nike Kabwar, WASA president. WASA's mission is to create a strong bond among Africans, increase the number of African students at UW and create awareness about African culture at the university and in Wyoming, Kabwar says.

African Awareness Week 2012 events scheduled are:

Monday, Feb. 13 -- African countries presentation at the breezeway tables, Wyoming Union.

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7:30-9 p.m. -- African music by Zouk Love Soiree, Wyoming Union West Ballroom.

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. -- African drumming workshop, Wyoming Union Skylight Lounge.

Thursday, Feb. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m. -- Symposium "Africa in the 21st Century" by keynote speaker William Awinador-Kanyirige, Wyoming Union West Ballroom.

Friday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. -- Free movie "Goodbye Bafana" in the Wyoming Union Family Room, sponsored by Friday Night Fever.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 4:30-6:30 p.m. -- African cultural programs, College of Education auditorium.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 7-8:30 p.m. -- African supper, Washakie dining center. The event is free, but tickets are required and may be obtained at the Wyoming Union information desk Feb. 14-15, beginning at 11 a.m.

Photo: African drummers will perform from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, in the Wyoming Union Skylight Lounge. (WASA Photo)

UW's African-American and Diaspora Studies launches new speaker series named for Liz Byrd

Wyoming State Sen. Harriet Elizabeth "Liz" Byrd (left) looks on as Gov. Mike Sullivan signs the legislation establishing the Martin Luther King, Jr./Equality Day holiday in 1990. Sen. Byrd worked for almost a decade to get the legislation enacted. 

From a University of Wyoming press release:

To recognize her many contributions to Wyoming, both as an educator and legislator, UW African American and Diaspora Studies (AADS) recently created the Harriet Elizabeth "Liz" Byrd Speaker Series. AADS is working to raise $25,000 to endow the series, which will bring minority educators and speakers to UW and serve to honor the woman who sponsored legislation that, in 1990, established Martin Luther King, Jr./Wyoming Equality Day as a state holiday.

Liz Byrd in the classroom

"I can't think of a better person to represent the University of Wyoming," says AADS Director Tracey O. Patton. "She's emblematic of what we all hope to accomplish in life. I think every person on this planet would like to affect positive change for the world. Very few of us get to do that but she did. She has made lives better in the state of Wyoming."

http://www.uwyo.edu/profiles/extras/liz-byrd.html

Start planning now to attend the 30th annual Plains Indian Museum Powwow in Cody

30th Annual Plains Indian Museum Powwow
High Energy, History, and Fun!

June 16 – 17, 2012

Joe Robbie Powwow Garden
Grand Entries: Saturday, Noon & 6 p.m. and Sunday, Noon

Take part in the dancing, music, and energy of the Plains Indian Museum Powwow. Dancers, drum groups, and artists gather from across the Northern Plains to celebrate the vibrant cultural traditions and histories of the people of the Plains that are still present today. Our Powwow is not a demonstration but a competitive event that brings in talented dancers and drum groups who will show you what a Powwow is all about.

A popular educational program is the Powwow Learning Tipi. Gloria Goggles, a Lakota educator from Ethete, Wyoming, invites visitors to discover the traditions of powwow. Young visitors have the opportunity to try on different types of powwow clothing. The tipi provides a relaxed atmosphere to explore different powwow dance styles and their origins.

Over forty Native artists will have booths on the Powwow grounds, along with fry bread vendors and a grill menu and beverages in the concession stand.

Curious about the history of powwows and powwow dance styles? Our website is just the beginning to your powwow experience...

Admission Prices and Schedule

Gate opens to the public at 9:30 a.m. Admission is good for one day of the event, please check the event schedule, which is a general guide and subject to change due to weather and number of participants.

·                   $7 for adults (18 and older)

·                   $3 for youths (7 – 17)

·                   Children 6 and under are free

·                   Tickets may be purchased at the gates only

·                   No senior or group discounts

·                   Press passes are available with prior arrangements

·                   BBHC Members receive $1 discount on admission price each day with a valid membership card

Visitors are welcome to bring chairs or blankets for our outdoor, grass ampitheater. Please—no pets. For travel and lodging information contact the Cody Chamber of Commerce. For questions about visiting the Buffalo Bill Historical Center contact Nancy McClure at 307.578.4102, email nancym@bbhc.org.

For Our Dancers

2012 officials and invited drums will be announed in the spring. Dancers and their families recieve a free pass to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center exhibits at dancer registration. Registration 8 a.m. – noon Saturday; late registration or for specials on stage both days. Contact: Rebecca at 307.578.4049, email rebeccaw@bbhc.org.

Dance Categories and Schedule of Events

Competitive dance categories include men's and women's traditional and fancy, women's jingle, men's grass, and men's and women's golden age. Several special are yet to be announced.

·                   Adults (18 – 54) & Golden Age

·                   Teens (13 – 17)

·                   Boys & Girls (7 – 12)

·                   Team Dancing Special

Vendor Information

The Powwow welcomes vendors who are selling arts and crafts made by enrolled members of North American Indian tribes and Nations. No food booths please. For more information on vendor spaces, e-mail Rebecca West or call 307.578.4049.

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!

The creativity is in these creatives' custom pies

Jackson Farmers' Market - Creative Bakeries from Indie Media: The New Journalism on Vimeo.

WAC staffer Randy Oestman and videographer Alan O'Hashi have been traveling the state gathering footage for a film about Wyoming's Creative Vitality Index (CVI). Most of you won't be surprised to learn that Jackson, Wyo., has one of the highest CVI rates in the region. And who can quibble with that once you see pies like these? This was filmed at Jackson's Saturday Market.

Fiercest and baddest of rabbits perform Sept. 24 in Casper

Fierce Bad Rabbit performs on Saturday, Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m., at the American Legion Hall in Casper.

When Fierce Bad Rabbit formed in 2009, regional media called them a “supergroup.” The standout talent of each member of the band was already well established in Northern Colorado. But supergroups are engineered by record labels. The members of Fierce Bad Rabbit were magnetically drawn together to create indie pop music with a hook and a heart.

Featuring Chris Anderson (vocals/guitar/piano), Alana Rolfe (viola/vocals), Dayton Hicks (bass), and Adam Pitner (drums/percussion), Fierce Bad Rabbit found regional success nearly immediately after coming together. Songwriting came natural, and the band soon released a self-titled EP that had airplay before it hit the streets. They were voted “Best Indie Rock” by peers in the Fort Collins Musicians Association, and Westword nominated the band for “Best Indie Pop.” They performed at the 2010 South by Southwest in Austin, received featured airplay on stations throughout the region, and were selected for the inaugural class of SpokesBUZZ Fort Collins, a non-profit that raises awareness of Fort Collins as a music hub.

With the October 2010 release of their first studio LP, Spools of Thread, the band is poised to gain broad attention. The songs on the album are an emotionally powerful, infectious brand of indie pop. Songs like “Everything’s Alright” and “All I Have Is You,” are radio-ready sing-a-longs without the triteness and disposability too often found in pop music. Instead, Anderson pens songs with an honesty and depth that captures and connects listeners.

Get tix at http://www.artcorewy.com/tickets.php

Call for applications: Creating the "Snow White Sessions" in Laramie

From Works of Wyoming in Laramie: On December 4, 2011, Ballet 7220 will perform the Brothers Grimm version of Snow White at the Laramie Plains Civic Center. Works of Wyoming, in partnership with the Laramie Dance Center, is inviting artists to attend rehearsals to document the making of Snow White through whatever media they choose.... painting, drawing, film, etc! Selected works created during the "Snow White Sessions" will be on display in the Works of Wyoming gallery Dec. 2-Jan. 6. An opening reception will be held on Dec. 9.  Download an application here.