Artful Hand's Japanese Design show puts the "D" in Dec. 13 Art, Design & Dine

The Dec. 13 Art Design and Dine art walk in Cheyenne features this show at Artful Hand Studio & Gallery. This is the final AD&D of the season. Stay tuned for the spring 2013 schedule. 

Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering Dec. 15 at Buffalo High School

Trail End Historic Site Holiday Open House Dec. 7-9 in Sheridan

Our State Parks and Cultural Resources colleagues at Trail End Historic Site in Sheridan sent us this announcement:

 

Kick off the holiday season right this year and make plans to attend the Trail End Holiday Open House in Sheridan. This three-day event celebrates the season with live music and tasty treats served up in a historically elegant atmosphere complete with all the traditional trappings of the holidays.

An annual tradition for over twenty-five years, the Open House is scheduled for December 7-9, at the Trail End State Historic Site. Sponsored by the Trail End Guilds, Inc., the event features live entertainment and holiday decorations throughout the spectacular 1913 mansion. Open House hours are 4-7 p.m. each day. Admission is $2 for adults. Children are admitted at no charge, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Trail End – a 14,000 square foot brick mansion overlooking Sheridan’s Kendrick Park – is decorated from Thanksgiving through mid-December (open daily from 1-4 p.m. for self-guided tours). Seven ornately decorated trees stand throughout the house, from the Drawing Room to the Ballroom. Windows and staircases are draped with garlands and ribbons, while potted poinsettias enhance nearly every horizontal surface.

 

One major attraction of the Open House is the live music, with a different act featured each hour. This year’s schedule is as follows (subject to last-minute changes):

Friday, December 7

4:00 p.m. – Barbara Campbell (piano)

5:00 p.m. – Cathy Storm (pump organ)

6:00 p.m. – Micah & Julie (guitar & vocal duet)

Saturday, December 8

4:00 p.m. – Canary Joe (jazz vocal/instrumental)

5:00 p.m. – Juliet’s Muse (instrumental ensemble)

6:00 p.m. – Methodist Handbell Choir (instrumental ensemble)

Sunday, December 9

4:00 p.m. – Sheridanaires (vocal ensemble)

5:00 p.m. – Patchwork Singers (vocal ensemble)

6:00 p.m. – Just Harmony (vocal ensemble)

 

Guided tours of the mansion, home of former Wyoming Governor and United States Senator John B. Kendrick, are also offered during the Open House. Conducted by Trail End staff and volunteers, the tours feature the history of the house and grounds, plus a look at what the holidays were like earlier in the Twentieth Century.

In the mansion’s historic kitchen, Trail End staff and volunteers will serve up tasty seasonal treats. This year, hot, spiced cider is paired with delicious homemade Figgy Pudding – a holiday tradition at Trail End.

In addition to Trail End’s regularly displayed furnishings – nearly all original to the house – many additional Kendrick family items are included in the annual holiday exhibit. Visitors have an opportunity to see toys, sleds, skates, dishes, and Christmas cards from the 1910s, 20s and 30s, as well as a nativity scene made in Germany prior to World War Two, and an old-fashioned “feather” tree.

This year’s focus exhibit is “The Ad Made Me Buy It: The Power of Advertising in the Early Twentieth Century.” The whole-house panel exhibit explores the art and science of advertising, and how potential consumers were influenced by the ads placed in their reading material.

The Holiday Open House is nearly the last opportunity for visitors to enjoy the historic site this year. Trail End is closed during the winter months, from December 15, through March 31.

Over the winter, staff will be busy updating the site’s interpretive panels. The current exhibit will be replaced by a special exhibit celebrating the hundredth anniversary of Trail End’s occupation by the Kendrick family (John, Eula, Manville and Rosa-Maye Kendrick moved into the house on July 27, 1913). Keep an eye open for more information on upcoming centennial activities.

The Trail End State Historic Site is located at 400 Clarendon Avenue in Sheridan (exit 23 off Interstate 90; turn onto Fifth Street; then left onto Clarendon). Parking for the Open House is available on Delphi, Clarendon and Victoria Streets. Limited handicapped parking is available in the circular drive between the Kendrick Mansion and the Carriage House Theater. An elevator provides access to the upper and lower floors for the mobility challenged.

Trail End is operated by the State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails Division of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. For more information on the Trail End State Historic Site, the Holiday Open House or the Trail End Guilds, phone307-674-4589, or visit their website at www.trailend.org.

WOW offers workshops for the holidays

 Click on image for larger, readable version. Get more info here.

Artwork by Connie Norman and Lili Francuz featured at studio sale in Old Town Fort Collins

This studio sale is down the road in Fort Collins, CO, but it features an artist from Cheyenne in Connie Norman and another artist with strong Wyoming roots -- Lili Francuz. Until he moved to Colorado, Lili was visual arts coordinator of the WAC and then the curator at the State Museum. So if you're in FoCo Dec. 1, drop in, say hey, and buy some art. 

Cheyenne Family YMCA launches Holiday Craft Fair season Nov. 3

FMI: 307-634-9622

WY Historic Governors' Mansion will be closed through Nov. 30 to prepare holiday exhibits

The Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion will be closed October 15 – November 30 (open by special appointment only) to prepare for the “Tinsel Through Time” exhibit at the Mansion.

A free opening reception of this exhibit will be held on November 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  This annual exhibit is a favorite and a traditional beginning to the Christmas season for many.

The Mansion is located at 300 E. 21^st Street in Cheyenne. Please call 777-7878 for more information.

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

Juneteenth celebration set for June 16 in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Park in Cheyenne

The annual Juneteenth celebration will take place on Saturday, June 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Park in Cheyenne. Speakers include Mayor Rick Kaysen, Wyoming State Rep. Jim Byrd and Cheyenne NAACP President Elder Rodney McDowell. Performances throughout the day by DJ Riley Jeleneic, singer/songwriter Brandon Mucklow, Flores De Colores, singers/dancers Rashinda Calloway and Maricruz, and poet Stephen Stinger with Dr. James Peebles on the bongos. The Excel Perry 3on3 Basketball Tournament goes all day. Food vendors and informational booths will be located throughout the park. FMI: http://www.naacpcheyenne.org/meetings-and-events

Make old-fashioned valentine cards Feb. 4 at the Fort Caspar Museum

From a Fort Caspar Museum press release:

Fort Caspar Museum invites families to participate in hands-on activities on Saturday, February 4, between 10:00 am to 1:00 pm to make old-fashioned Valentine cards. These hand-made cards of paper, ribbon, and doilies are sure to be treasured! This is a great activity for the entire family on a cold winter day.

Recommended for ages 5-12. The activity is included with paid admission. Children 12 & Under are Free, Youth 13-18 are $1.00 and Adults are $1.50.  All participating children must be accompanied by an adult.   For more information call Curator of Education Erin Rose at 235-8462.

FMI: http://www.casperwy.gov/ParksRecreationandEntertainment/ConcertsCulturalPastimes/FortCasparMuseum/tabid/188/Default.aspx

Make your own dreidel Dec. 21 at Paul Smith Children's Village in Cheyenne

"Exploration: Dreidel" will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m. 

For elementary-aged children. Make your own dreidel and learn how to play this fun Hanukkah game. $5 per child. Please call 637-6349 to pre-register.

Paul Smith Children’s Village at the Botanic Gardens.
616 S. Lions Park Dr., Cheyenne

FMI: (307) 637-6349 or www.botanic.org.

Teton Village glass art shows Dec. 19 & 21 feature work by Laurie Thal

Get your affordable art for the holidays at WOW in Laramie

http://www.worksofwyoming.org/

Shop locally in downtown Laramie during Mistletoe Mosey

Night Heron Books is one of the Downtown Laramie businesses
 participating in the Mistletoe Mosey through  Dec. 23

From the Wyoming Lifestyle blog:

Have you purchased your Mistletoe Mosey button in Downtown Laramie yet? You can learn more about the program in our upcoming winter issue of Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine, but in the meantime, here’s some information about one of Downtown Laramie’s energetic and successful programs that links the business owners together, as well as with the community!

Primed for an enthusiastic repeat of 2010’s success, the Mistletoe Mosey was launched on Black Friday (Nov. 25) and will run until 6 p.m. on Dec. 23.  The program is simple, and a lot of fun:  purchase a button with your favorite number on it, and search through 50 participating businesses (buttons can be purchased for $5 at any participating business).  Match the number on your button to the number displayed at one of the stores for a chance to win a $50 prize!  You’ll also be entered into a drawing for $1,000 in downtown gift certificates. The Grand Prize Drawing will take place at the First Street Plaza in Downtown Laramie on December 24 at 11 a.m.  Businesses will also be offering extended hours on Tuesdays during December – shop until 7 p.m. on these days for extra time to search for that number! Participating is easy and fun – plus you can take care of your holiday shopping and support the local economy at the same time.

As a thank you for shopping local, bring your gifts to the Laramie Main Street Alliance office at 207 Grand Ave. for free gift wrapping Dec. 10-23, Monday through Saturday, 2-6 p.m. and Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Be sure to visit Downtown Laramie on Facebook and if you’re in Laramie, get your button today! Whether you’re in Laramie or not, remember to SHOP LOCALLY and give your friends & neighbors your business whenever you can this holiday season!

Lobby sale at UW Art Museum Dec. 12-14

Lander Art Center Holiday Art Fair set for Dec. 4

The Lander Art Center Annual "Art in the Afternoon" Holiday Art Fair is scheduled for Sunday, December 4, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  A special members’ preview will take place from 9-10 a.m.  If you aren’t already a Lander Art Center member, sign up now to beat the rush!

A $2 entry donation will be requested at the door.  Proceeds will go to the Lander Art Center.

The Lander Bar will sell drinks, including mimosas, bloody marys,  and non-alcoholic drinks.

Apple Valley market will be selling soup for lunch.

The Lander Valley High School Choir will sing holiday carols throughout the day.

Participating artists for Art in the Afternoon 2011 are:

Anita Thatcher: wool and recycled felted items

Anna Hulme: wool felted humans and creatures

Annie Reber: traveling massage/bodywork

Audrey Eaton: classic jewelry made from natural stones and cultured pearls

Bill Yankee: intaglio printmaking

Byron Seeley: multi colored textured clay work

Chris Hulme: hand-blown glass ornaments and pendants

Colleen Drury: oil and watercolor original artwork and reproductions

Cristin Zimmer: decorative ceramic platters and small encaustic paintings

Dannine Donaho: miniature watercolors and pen and ink drawings and oil paintings

Deanna Trumble: hand-made soap

Diantha States: woven rugs, placemats, stuffed animals and more using natural fibers and recycled trimmings

Doug and Sandy Lowinske: handcrafted woodwork made from native aspen

Jacquelyn Oliver: copper and feather jewelry

Jagoe Reid: hand-dyed crepe de chine (silk) scarves and colorful hand-made hula hoops

Jennifer Schiefen: beaded jewelry

Joanne Rubino: prints of paintings

Kenneth Reiman: stoneware and porcelain clay work

Lander Valley High School Art Club: soup bowls and lino-cut holiday cards

Lennie Poitras: handmade fine silver and sterling silver jewelry with a botanical theme

Linda Johnson: watercolor paintings

Lori Hunter: children’s clothing, accessories, and mixed media children’s room décor

Lucille Kara: marbleized paper

Mary Johnson: hand-made soaps packaged in colorful cotton bags, natural jewelry made from local rocks, semi-precious stones, recycled pottery and glass

Matlynn Snodgrass and Andalusia Reed: origami crane mobiles, hand-made journals, and recycled wool hats

Mountain Aven Baby by Blair Stone Schneider: high quality, unique, handmade children's clothing and women's accessories

Pam Spencer-Hockett: clay work

Rebecca Steinke: fine silver, gold, and beaded jewelry

Sali Allard: wildlife to sunsets depicted in acrylic, watercolor and pastel

Scott Copeland: photography

Shawna Pickinpaugh: stoneware pottery and recycled wool mittens

Sherry Shelley: hand-made sagebrush wreaths

Shining Mountain Mercantile by Sarah Susanka: crocheted and knitted afgans, blankets, hats, and more using wool, cotton, and specialty yarns

Stacy Wells: hairclips, kids belts, watercolor cards and wire-wrapped earrings

Susan Grinels: mixed media paintings, drawings, and collages

Terri Miller: cleverly painted recycled tire mirrors

Tonya Pepper: mixed media hand- made greeting cards

Tracey Dobbins: hand-painted silk scarves

Wanderlust Jewelry by Elana Cox: AA-AAA semi-precious stone jewelry using sterling and fine silver hand-forged findings

Zach Even: local wildlife watercolors and oils painted with humor and printed t-shirts

FMI: http://www.pitchengine.com/landerartcenter/art-in-the-afternoon-holiday-art-fair-at-the-noble-hotel

Greybull's GPS Art Club chosen to create ornaments for Wyoming's Christmas tree for D.C. display

Greybull’s GPS Art Club has been chosen to design and create the ornaments for Wyoming’s tree for the 2011 National Christmas Tree display in President’s Park in Washington, D.C., the National Park Foundation announced today. [Shown above: Video from 2010 Christmas tree lighting ceremony.]

Local artists and local youth were selected from each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia to design and create 24 ornaments.  Twenty-three of the ornaments will be hung from the state or territory tree as part of the National Christmas Tree display in President’s Park.  One of the ornaments will decorate the White House Visitor Center Christmas tree, which showcases one ornament from all 56 states, territories and the District of Columbia.

“The decorating of the state and territory trees in President’s Park is a highly anticipated holiday tradition,” said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation.  “We look forward to including the creations of Karyne Dunbar and the GPS Art Club, representing Wyoming during the 89^th annual celebration.”

As one of America’s oldest holiday traditions, the National Christmas Tree Lighting began on Christmas Eve in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree in front of 3,000 spectators on the Ellipse in President’s Park.  Since 1923, each succeeding President has carried on the tradition of what now has become a month-long event presented by the National Park Foundation and National Park Service.  In addition to the National Christmas Tree display, President’s Park hosts a variety of family-oriented holiday attractions, such as the Santa’s Workshop, nightly holiday performances, a Yule log, nativity scene, and model train display. 

“It is an honor to be selected because we are a small community, yet typical of so much of Wyoming, said Karyne Dunbar, artist and teacher. “We are excited to be a part of the National Christmas Tree display because Wyoming has a very wonderful blend of cultures that we can hope to represent with our ornaments.”

“Our participating young artists were quick to get involved as we discussed possible themes that would best represent our state. They have been inventive with materials, trying for a good blend of images that really say Wyoming mixed with Christmas sparkle and optimism.”

Four weeks of holiday events in President’s Park will kick off with the 89th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony hosted by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, on Thursday, December 1, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. EST. This year’s talent line up for the lighting ceremony will be announced in November.  Talent announcements, as well as other event details and a live web stream of the ceremony will be available at www.thenationaltree.org.  

Tickets for the event will be awarded via an online lottery system, providing the general public a chance to obtain free tickets to the ceremony.  The online lottery will be available beginning at 10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday, November 3 (or 9:00 a.m. CST, 8:00 a.m. MST and 7:00 a.m. PST).   The ticket lottery remains open through 9:59 a.m. EST on Monday, November 7 (or 8:59 a.m. CST, 7:59 a.m. MST and 6:59 a.m. PST). Visit www.thenationaltree.org for more information.

About the GPS Art Club: Students have been meeting with teacher Karyne Dunbar for after school studio time for the past 29 years. Both middle school and High School students can participate and adults have joined in activities from time to time. Art Club  members participate in art activities, special workshops, field trips and fund raisers. They provide prize money for purchase awards and scholarships.

FMI: www.nationalparks.org, http://www.facebook.com/nationalpark, http://twitter.com/goparks

Buy local and buy handmade for the holidays

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

Tha BossFoundation performs at VFW 1881 for Fourth of July weekend concert

Get updates at Tha BossFoundation on Facebook

Dang Ol' Boys presents St. Patty's Day Throwdown March 17 in Casper