Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Reception tonight at CFAC for art exhibit by Rock Springs High School seniors

During the past four months, the Community Fine Arts Center in Rock Springs has been showcasing the creative efforts of the students of Sweetwater School District No. One. The series wraps up with an exhibition by 20 seniors at Rock Springs High School. The exhibit will be open through May 21. The reception is on Wednesday, May 11 (tonight!), 6 p.m., at the CFAC, 400 C St., Rock Springs. FMI: 307-362-6212.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

"Where the Wild Things Are" -- Cheyenne celebrates Maurice Sendak

Klezmer music and Israeli folk dancing highlight Yiddish Food Festival May 22

The sixth annual Yiddish Food Festival is scheduled to take place in Cheyenne at Mt. Sinai Synagogue on Sunday, May 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Festival is an open house type event with free admission and cultural food for sale. Mt. Sinai Synagogue is located at 2610 Pioneer Ave in Cheyenne Wyoming. The Festival is designed to introduce visitors to Mt Sinai Congregation's historic building, rituals, music and delicious ethnic foods. Synagogue President Marv Wolf says "You'll kvell over the food, music, and hospitality."

FMI: Michael Sherman, YiddishFoodFestival@MtSinaiCheyenne.orgwww.MtSinaiCheyenne.org

Check out "Elefinger"

Sent to me this morning was an invitation to check out published illustrator David Ostow. After publishing Young Adult graphic novel So Punk Rock (and other ways to disappoint your mother) under the Flux imprint with his author sister, he is back with a blog called 'Your Words Not Mine', a collection of editorial material, and other people's stories that they can submit.

Links take you to the book on Amazon, and to David's blog, where you can peruse his work.


So Punk Rock: http://www.amazon.com/So-Punk-Rock-Disappoint-Mother/dp/0738714712
Your Words Not Mine: http://yourwordsnotmine.com/

Also, from Your Words Not Mine: Go to http://yourwordsnotmine.com/about/ for an interesting proposition for creative writers. 

Call for applications: PlatteForum in Denver

2011-2012 Creative Residency
Application deadline May 20, 2011
Apply Now

PlatteForum selects artists annually from applicants of all artistic genres. The six-week residency gives artists the time, support and space to advance their work.  PlatteForum inspires them to take risks and explore new possibilities. Each resident dedicates time to groups of youth in Learning Labs or intensive workshops that build upon the ideas and forms of the resident artist. The Creative Resident also mentors ArtLab, PlatteForum’s internship program participants. The Creative Residency culminates in a performance or exhibition of the artist’s work presented in tandem with the youths’ work at our studio.

PlatteForum is a member of the  Alliance of Artist Communities, an international organization that advances creativity.  In short, they are research-and-development labs for the arts. While there are many ways to support and experience the arts – books and paintings, performances and poetry, movies, museums, and music – artists’ communities support individuals in the creation of new art and ideas.

Joshua Wiener, one of the 2011 WAC visual arts fellowship judges and workshop leaders, conducted a PlatteForum residency in 2009. Read more about it, and his presentation "Elevating Nature: The Germination of Ideas," by going to http://www.platteforum.org/residency.php?residency=Joshua%20Wiener&program_id=5

"Architecture Speaks in Black & White" at Corridor Gallery May 20-22

From a press release:

The Corridor Gallery in downtown Casper proudly presents “Architecture Speaks In Black & White”, a photographic exhibit by Casper resident and artist, Michael Flicek. Michael has been shown in numerous galleries nationwide and is an award-winning photographer with a vast resume´. “Architecture Speaks In Black & White” will be Michael Flicek’s second solo show to Casper.

Michael is partial to black and white photography working in the digital realm. Capturing the image on locations is only the beginning of his process. Once Michael composes a photograph, he’s on to the next step of immersion within his “digital darkroom.” Michael then manipulates the image to fit his vision of a final work of art. Once satisfied, he creates immaculate digital prints in limited edition on archival quality glossy baryta finished paper. Due to the high quality print and stock used, Michael’s photographs take on a traditional look.

“Architecture Speaks In Black & White” will only be featured for 3 days at the Corridor gallery. The press and public are invited to attend the free opening reception on Friday, May 20th at 7 p.m. The public and press are invited to attend an artist’s talk with Michael on Saturday, May 21 at 2 p.m. Michael’s work will show only through Sunday, May 22. We hope to see you there!

Event Details

Event: “Architecture Speaks In Black & White” by Michael Flicek

Specifics: Located at The Corridor Gallery: 120 E. 2nd St. Casper, WY 82601

Tickets Cost/Avail: Free Admission

Opening Reception: Friday, May 20th at 7:00pm

Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21st at 2:00pm

Open Showing: Saturday, May 21st 10:00am to 5:00pm

Sunday, May 22nd noon to 4pm

Information: For more information, please contact The Corridor Gallery at (307) 333-7035, Reed at (307) 259-8001 or visit www.thecorridorgallery.com

Michael Flicek: mflicek@michaelflicekgallery.com, 307-259-3963

Monday, May 9, 2011

Call for entries: Mature artists only!

UW Fine Arts Building enters next phase of renovation

From a UW press release:


Additions to and renovations of the University of Wyoming Fine Arts Building will move forward following Friday's selection of an architect/engineering firm for the project, the second phase of improvements to UW fine arts facilities. UW's Board of Trustees on Friday selected Tobin Associates P.C./Hammel, Green & Abrahamson of Cheyenne and Minneapolis, Minn., as the project's architect and engineer. A silver equivalent LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating, with alternative energy and systems approaches to sustainability, will be a requirement of the facility design and construction. Portions of the Fine Arts Building will be vacated by the Department of Art upon completion of the first phase, the Visual Arts Building expected to be completed late this fall. The Performing Arts project may include approximately 50,000 gross square feet of new construction and renovation of portions of the existing building of approximately 120,000 gross square feet. The improvements to the building will include: Personnel and faculty offices; office support such as work rooms, reception, conference/seminar rooms, lounges and storage rooms; teaching laboratory/studios such as music, music rehearsal, acting and dance; and performance spaces such as concert halls and theatres. The funding is available through a 2011 appropriation to complete the design and construction documents to obtain a guaranteed-maximum price to present to the 2012 Wyoming State Legislature to construct and equip the Performing Arts addition and renovate the Fine Arts Building, says Douglas H. Vinzant, the university's vice president for administration.

"Starving" to Successful -- live on-line art marketing workshop

Xanadu Gallery owner Jason Horejs has for the last couple of years, been working at helping artists get into galleries.  Jason is a 2nd generation art businessman; his father was a professional landscape and floral painter. Jason's first job at 17 was at a major art gallery in Scottsdale, Ariz., and he has owned his own gallery for the past nine years. He has worked with hundreds of artists around the country helping them to understand the business side of their careers.

Jason's newest professional development offering, "Starving" to Successful is an on-line marketing workshop. Two 4-hour sessions are available -- Tue, May 10 and Sat May 14. Registration fee is $59. The workshop is designed for artists at every level of their careers.  

Learn how to:
  • How to create a consistent body of gallery-ready work
  • What you should do to present your work in a manner that will appeal to galleries
  • How to price your work
  • How to organize your work and track your inventory
  • How to best allocate your marketing efforts and dollars with an eye toward getting into galleries
  • How to build your resume
  • How to pick the best markets for your work and how to find the galleries in those markets that would best suit your work
  • How to confidently approach galleries and what to say when you meet the director or owner.
Here is the link for a short course in how to create a powerful portfolio (in windows media player).
For more information, email at  info@xanadugallery.com

Suite 1901 receives Dubois Award May 11 from Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board

From Don Threewit: The Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board is presenting its annual Dubois Award for Excellence to Suite 1901 at -- you guessed it -- Suite 1901. On Wednesday, May 11, 7-10 p.m. This downtown business is a spectacular example of adaptive reuse of a a hotel and lounge and is the newest of Cheyenne's hot spots. Please join us to celebrate John Harrison and his team's success and imbibe in a tasty infused martini. Any questions, feel free to call me, Don Threewitt, at 307-256-4879

Sign up May 16 for sizzlin' summer classes in theatre, local foods, archaeology and history

From a Casper College press release:

The “Sizzlin’ Summer Sign-Up” for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Casper College will be held on Monday, May 16 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The summer offerings include classes, day trips, lectures, overnight trips, and even dinner and a movie, according to Vicki Pollock, lifelong learning specialist.

“We have tried to come up with a wide variety of topics to appeal to as many folks as we can this summer,” said Pollock. “’Acting Up: A Hands-On Introduction to Theatre’ will culminate in a reader’s theatre production, while students in ‘Starry Starry Night: An Introduction to Astronomy’ will learn about the phases of the moon, how to navigate the night sky, and about objects in our solar system,” Pollock noted.

For those feeling a bit more adventurous, there are classes involving travel including “History and Tradition on the Wind River Reservation,” “Made in Wyoming: A Visit to Nanny Kid Farms,” and “Written in Stone: Old Rocks, Old Art, Old Tales.”

Lectures will include a look at the Battle of Little Bighorn and on Khe Sanh, South Vietnam: “The Battle for Khe Sanh,” and “Khe Sanh Revisited.”

“We are also offering some favorites of our OLLI’s including ‘Old Books, Fresh Eggs,’ where we will travel to the Mad Dog and the Pilgrim Bookstore on Highway 789, and ‘Olives to Olive Oil,’ with George Vlastos teaching on the benefits of olive oil, as well as cooking delicious Greek dishes,” said Pollock.

A highlight of the summer session will be the “Dinner and a Movie: State Fair.” “We thought it would be fun this summer to bring back memories of a summer night at the fair,” Pollock said. “The night will include a pie-baking contest, barbecue dinner, fresh cotton candy we will be making during the evening, and a screening of the 1945 movie ‘State Fair’ starring Dana Andrews and Jeanne Crain, with wonderful music by Rodgers and Hammerstein.”

The Sizzlin’ Summer Sign-Up will feature “yummy snacks and beverages.” OLLI members are asked to bring their membership cards to the event. Those who are not currently members of OLLI can join during the event and register for classes.

For more information contact Pollock at 268-2097 or Karen Arnold, administrative assistant at 268-3401.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mother's Day grand-reopening of Night Heron Books in downtown Laramie

From the Downtown Laramie Facebook site: "It was a beautiful Mother's Day downtown. Perfect for celebrating the grand re-opening of Night Heron Books!"

Friday, May 6, 2011

Art Association in Jackson hosts reception tonight for four new exhibits

From Tammy Christel's Jackson Hole Art Blog:

A quadruple opening this Friday night, May 6, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Art Association.


Y.A.R.D. Art Year 10 – “Works created by this year’s YARD (Young Artists Revolutionary Designs) Art students feature repurposed furniture made from recycled items in collaboration with the Habitat Restore. Their creativity knows no bounds – come see what these talented students in the YARD High School outreach program have created over the course of the schoolyear with instructors Sam DowdJavier Baez Armenta and Ben Carlson.”  On exhibition at the Artspace Main Gallery through May 23, 2011.


Y.A.R.D. Art Alumni & Instructors – celebrate a decade of Y.A.R.D. with former students & teachers–Artspace Loft Gallery, on display through May 23, 2011.


Figures: Eliot Goss at the Art Association – “A collection of ink wash drawings” by painter and architect Eliot Goss – Artspace Conference Gallery – on display through May 27, 2011.


On the Other Side: Teton Mudpots and Driggs Clay Group Collaborative Ceramics Exhibition – Artspace Lobby Gallery – on display through May 27, 2011

BBHC exhibit of arts & crafts from Heart Mtn. Internment Camp opens June 1

View of Heart Mountain Relocation Center barracks, 1942. Photo by Jack Richard. Jack Richard Collection. 

Beauty Behind Barbed Wire: Arts and Crafts from the  Heart Mountain Internment Camp

June 1-September 6, 2011, Cody Firearms Museum Breezeway, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody
A small exhibit showcasing the craftsmanship of the Japanese-American internees confined at the Heart Mountain Internment Camp during the years 1942-1945 will be on display at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center during this 2011 summer. The exhibit will feature twenty-four arts and crafts objects on loan to the Historical Center from the Heart Mountain, Wyoming Foundation along with another three items from other lenders. Wood carvings, jewelry, needlework, oil paintings, and a doll are among the artifacts in the exhibit.
Through this exhibit the Historical Center aims to call the attention of its visitors to the opening of the Interpretive Learning Center at Heart Mountain on August 20, as well as to honor the artisans who made these incredible pieces. The skill and artistry involved in crafting these objects is outstanding, and the exhibit is certain to be informative and enlightening.

Ensemble entertainment with George & Kristi Armijo May 15 at Casper College

“Ensemble Entertainment with the Armijos” on Sunday, May 15, 4 p.m., in Durham Hall, Aley Fine Arts Center, Casper College in Casper.

George and Kristi Armijo are active members of Casper’s musical community. Both sing with the Casper Civic Chorale and are members of the Casper Recorder Consort. George is a freelance trumpet player in the Casper area and has performed with the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Beach Civic Symphony, Augusta, GA Symphony Orchestra, Armed Forces School of Music Bands, Casper Municipal Band and Casper College organizations. Both Armijos are graduates of the University of Wyoming in Music Education. George has done graduate work in music at the University of Northern Colorado, University of Wyoming and George Washington University. Kristi has a MA in Curriculum and Development from National Louis University .For more info and tickets, go to http://www.artcorewy.com/event.php?id=218

Harmony, Hops & Hope May 7 in Casper benefits Cancer Action Network

Saturday, May 7th, 4-8pm
The Yellowstone Garage, 355 W. Yellowstone, Casper, Wyoming

While raising funds for a great cause, "Harmony, Hops and Hope" also promises to be a fun community event, with homegrown Wyoming music and beer tasting, highlighting the craftsmanship of Wyoming breweries.

Bands include: Chad Lore, John Kirlin and the Highplains Drifters, and the Dang Ol' Boys!

The entire event will covered live, on-air by Casper's Pure Rock Station, 100.5 FM, KTED's own Rood Dogg.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), along with 307 Magazine, Wyoming's premium magazine, would like to personally invite you to attend the First Annual Fundraising Event, Harmony, Hops and Hope!


Proceeds from this event will go to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the nonprofit, nonpartisan, advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society. ACS CAN is committed to making the fight against cancer a national priority.

Because we use your donations to support our citizen-based advocacy and lobbying efforts to end cancer, contributions to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc. are not tax deductible.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

"An Evening of Poetry at the White House May 11

From a press release:

The President and Mrs. Obama will host a celebration of American poetry and prose by welcoming accomplished poets, musicians and artists as well as students from across the country to the White House next week. Participants include Elizabeth Alexander, Billy Collins, Common, Rita Dove, Kenneth Goldsmith, Alison Knowles, Aimee Mann and Jill Scott who will read, sing, and showcase the impact of poetry on American culture. The President will make opening remarks at this event held in the East Room, which will be pooled press and streamed live on www.whitehouse.gov starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.
  
As part of this special event, Mrs. Obama will host a daytime workshop for hundreds of students from California to New York on May 11th at 2:00 p.m. ET, where students will work with and learn from many of the evening’s performers.  First Lady Michelle Obama and administration officials will deliver brief remarks to highlight a new study detailing the importance of arts education. This event will be streamed live on www.whitehouse.gov and students all over the country will be invited to watch the workshop. This event is open press but space is very limited so please RSVP to firstladypress@who.eop.gov.

First Lady Michelle Obama kicked off the White House Music Series in 2009 with a Jazz Studio, and since then has hosted a celebration of Country Music, Classical Music, Motown, a Fiesta Latina, a salute to Broadway, Music of the Civil Rights Movement and a dance tribute to Judith Jamison. Many of these events included evening performances as well as daytime educational workshops designed to educate and inspire talented young people to use their gifts to develop a future for themselves in the arts community whether as a hobby or as a profession.

Pam Houston to serve as judge for 2012 WAC creative writing fellowships

The judge for this year’s creative writing fellowships in fiction is Pam Houston.

Pam Houston is the author of two collections of linked short stories, Cowboys Are My Weakness and Waltzing the Cat, the novel Sight Hound, and a collection of essays called A Little More About Me, all published by W.W. Norton. Her stories have been selected for volumes of Best American Short Stories, The O. Henry Awards, The Pushcart Prize, and Best American Short Stories of the Century. She is the winner of the Western States Book Award, the WILLA award for contemporary fiction, and The Evil Companions Literary Award and multiple teaching awards.

She is the Director of Creative Writing at University of California at Davis and teaches in The Pacific University low residency MFA program, and at writer’s conferences around the country and the world. She lives on a ranch at 9,000 feet in Colorado near the headwaters of the Rio Grande. Her new book, Contents May Have Shifted, will be published by W.W. Norton in early 2012. Read more about Pam and her work at www.pamhouston.net.

At the Casper College Literary Conference Sept. 22-24, 2011, Pam will read from her work together with the fellowship winners. She also will conduct a writing workshop.

For more information, contact Michael Shay, 307-777-5234 or mike.shay@wyo.gov, or visit the WAC web site at www.wyomingartscouncil.org. Print applications will be mailed out next week. Printable applications will be available at the WAC web site. Guidelines available on the right sidebar of this blog.

Postmark deadline is June 20, 2011.

Call for artists: ArtCorps in Central America

Calling all artists!

Join ArtCorps and strengthen sustainable development in Central America with your creative talents.  Through theater,storytelling, music, digital media and other creative facilitation techniques, ArtCorps Artists educate and inspire people to participate actively in improving the environmental, health and social conditions in their communities. Each ArtCorps artist works directly with a local development organization that is an expert in its field, strengthening their work through the arts.

Artists will:
  • Work and live in his or her host community from January 2012 through December 2012.  Artists have the option to extend their stay for a second year if agreed upon by the host organization. 
  • Receive room and board, medical insurance and a small personal stipend.
  • Receive training and technical assistance from ArtCorps staff in the region in order to integrate ArtCorps methodology into the host organization.
Apply now for opportunities in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Belize!  For info and initial application, visithttp://www.artcorp.org/Become-an-ArtCorps-Artist. The early application deadline is May 15, 2011 and the regular deadline is June 20, 2011.

Wyoming Plays the WYO features Jalan Crossland and Doug Andrews May 7

Via Facebook:

Wyoming Plays the WYO is an annual showcase of the best of Wyoming musicians and songwriters, including young upstarts, local favorites and top professionals from throughout the Cowboy State. This year at the WYO Theater in downtown Sheridan we feature a true Wyoming native and crowd favorite, Jalan Crossland Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. Many have seen and heard Jalan live with his boot kickin band but this concert features Jalan, solo, with only his dusty vocals and trusty music makin’ gadgets to back him up and as an extra special treat, Doug Andrews will open the evenin’ with his own entertainin’ style. Join Doug & Jalan spinnin’ the tales of the Rocky Mountain West in a comfortable little place we call home.

And after the concert, join Jalan & Doug next door for an after party. $20 gets you into the party with Jalan, Doug, free beer, hors d'oeuvres from Oliver's and a cash bar. You're gonna spend that money anyway, might as well stick around for the party!

WAC roster artist Jenny Dowd conducts workshop at Lander Art Center May 14-15

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Connie Norman's work featured at Plinth Gallery in Denver

"Stamina of love" by Connie Norman
The Plinth Gallery, 3520 Brighton Blvd., Denver, is featuring an exhibition by Cheyenne artist Connie Norman. An artist reception will be held at the gallery on Friday, May 6,  6-9 p.m. This is a participating gallery in the River North Art District's "First Friday" art walk.
Plinth Gallery will host a workshop with Connie on Saturday, May 7,  from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost is $85 per person which will include lunch. Contact us by email or call 303-295-0717 for more information.
Connie Norman’s current work deals with inner dialogue, words, phrases, and “snippets of conversation” often inspired by stories from her life, memories, or things overheard, that are repeated again and again. She is fascinated by the rhythmic qualities created by color, texture, and patterns, and her application of text to her pieces enhance both the surface texture and the message itself.   
Plinth Gallery Curator Jonathan Kaplan describes Connie Norman’s ceramic work as, “Graphically bold in color and surface decoration. Her unique use of impressed words and phrases evokes our emotions as we ponder a connection to our individual experience. While her ceramics are a conversation with herself, we are invited into a dialog with the work and then really, with ourselves. Connie’s work has a message for many of us.”

Buy a ticket to win a quilt


Click on image for larger view
The Wyoming State Quilt Guild (WSQG) is selling tickets for a chance to win the quilt, "Scottie's Victory"  (image), pieced and quilted by Jan Barnett of Shell, WY. The pattern was taken from the Eleanor Burns book, Victory Quilts. Jan added her own special touches.

Each year an Opportunity Quilt is made and raffled to raise funds for the organization. WSQG donates quilting books to each Wyoming county library. It also supports educational activities through Kids' Camp, which are held throughout the state. Young people ages 8-12 construct a quilt with WSOG providing teachers and partial funding for supplies.

Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Please direct inquiries to Elaine Decker, 307-347-6382, for info on a WSQG member who may be selling tickets in your town or area.

Also, quilters will be gathering in Powell, July 14-17 for Quilt Wyoming's "Simple Pleasures" festival.




Early bird registration deadline May 9 for Wyoming Writers, Inc., conference in Casper

2011 Wyoming Writers, Inc. Conference
June 3-5 in Casper, Wyoming

Presenters:
Peter McCarthyVice President of Marketing
Editor Katie Dublinski, Graywolf Press
Agent Peter Steinberg, The Steinberg Agency

Register here. Early bird registration deadline is May 9!

Works of Wyoming flyer lists May 21 workshops

Click image for larger version

Ensembles and soloists take the stage May 5 at Casper College

A concert consisting of small ensembles and soloists will take place on Thursday, May 5 beginning at 7 p.m. in Durham Recital Hall at Casper College in Casper.

The concert will feature the Casper College Brass Ensemble under the direction of Douglas Bull, brass instructor, and the Casper College Flute Ensemble under the direction of Delores Thornton, adjunct flute instructor.

In addition to the ensembles, the concert will feature brass duets, flute duets, a flute solo, a scene from an opera, and others to be announced at the concert.

Durham Recital Hall is located in the Aley Fine Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public.

Follow Casper College events on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/caspercollegeadmissions 

Save the date: 4Cs conference in Cody Oct. 6-9

More info coming soon from the Wyoming Arts Council

Cheyenne International Film Festival to screen 47 indie films at Historic Atlas Theatre

The 2nd Cheyenne International Film Festival (CIFF) screens at the Historic Atlas Theatre in Downtown Cheyenne May 19-22. The program will consist of 47 independent films at the historic Atlas Theatre.

Last year, CIFF honored BIFF alumnus and Oscar nominee Daniel Junge. His documentary, “The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner” was nominated for an Academy Award in 2010.

“We like to include the community as much as possible in CIFF,” CIFF Producer Alan O’Hashi said. “We have a Call2ACTion program similar to BIFF’s which links up with local non-profits and we show films that allow each organization to ‘talk-back’ with the audience about their issues in the save space of art, in our case, film.”

The Call2Action partners this year include, The Old West Museum (1911 Silent Film), the Southeast Wyoming Intertribal Powwow Association (Divided Trails by Jerry Aronson), V.F.W. Post 1881 (A Warm Wind), Safehouse (Mother by Chris Fauchere) Grant Family Farms (What’s Organic About Organic) and the Wyoming Children’s Action Alliance (Your Neighbor’s Child).

Kicking off the CIFF is a day-long event called Exploring the Creative Economy Conference and Expo featuring Hollywood screenwriter Rachel Powell and a video production seminar by Michael Conti. 

For more information about the festival program, visit the website at http://www.ciff1.com and join the CIFF facebook page at http://www.cheyenneinternationalfilmfestival.org

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Call for entries: Gallery 234 at UW

To apply for Gallery 234 exhibits at UW, go to http://www.uwyo.edu/union/cac/gallery234/exhibit-application.html

Postmark deadline draws near for WAC visual arts fellowships

The postmark deadline for the Wyoming Arts Council’s 2011 Visual Arts Fellowships is Friday, May 13. The applications will be judged by mixed-media artist Nancy Bowen, photographer Mark Klett and sculptor Joshua Wiener.

The WAC will award up to three fellowships of $3,000 each to honor the work of visual artists that reflects serious and exceptional aesthetic investigation. Painters, sculptors, printmakers, potters, media artists, craftspeople, video, film and others are invited to apply by submitting digital images of their work.

This competition is open to Wyoming residents only.

Printable applications are on the WAC web site at www.wyomingartscouncil.org. For more information, contact Mike Shay at the WAC at 307-777-5234 or mike.shay@wyo.gov.

Call for proposals: Arizona Historical Advisory Committee Goldwater statue project

The Arizona Historical Advisory Commission is seeking proposals for a commemorative, site-specific sculpture of Barry M. Goldwater for placement in National Statuary Hall, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. The RFP requirements http://www.spo.az.gov/docs/Notices/Solicitations/AHAC-Goldwater2012.pdf should be reviewed carefully before submitting a proposal. RFP is open April 29, 2011 through July 29, 2011.

Next Art Design & Dine tour takes place May 12

Schedule announced for May 21 WAC workshops for artists

The Wyoming Arts Council is sponsoring a series of professional development workshops for visual artists on Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Works of Wyoming, 710 Garfield St., Laramie. There is no fee for the workshops (lunch included) but you do have to register in advance. Contact Michael Shay at the WAC at 307-777-5234 or mike.shay@wyo.gov

Here is the workshop schedule:

9-10:30 a.m.: Joshua Wiener, sculptor, Louisville, Colo.: “Everything you wanted to know about successful public art proposals.”

10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Mark Klett, photographer, Tempe, Ariz.: "Rethinking landscape photography (and all photographic practice) in the digital age." 

12:30-1:30 p.m.: Lunch and announcement of WAC visual arts fellowship winners.

1:45-3:15 p.m.: Nancy Bowen, mixed-media artist, Brooklyn, N.Y.: “How to prepare and organize your work for visual arts competitions.” 

3:30-4:30 p.m.: WAC debuts its online Artist Image Registry; Annie Wood speaks about the Business Council’s Wyoming Made program; and a Q&A with workshop instructors.

Construction update: National Museum of Wildlife Art

Excavation preparation began this week on the underpass that will link the Jackson-to-Grand Teton North 89 Pathway to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. When completed in late May, the new underpass will connect the pathway for bicyclists, pedestrians and other non-motorized users to the museum and its new sculpture trail, which is also under construction and slated for fall 2011 completion.

“Wingwalls” for the underpass are being installed this week on the sides of the road, according to Pathways Coordinator Brian Schilling, who adds that signs are being placed this week to alert travelers about the construction. The week of May 8, traffic cones will narrow multiple lanes of Highway 89 to two lanes for 3,000 feet in each direction, with excavation taking place around the clock all week for quick completion. The underpass itself will be installed by mid-May with construction completed by the end of the month. The museum will remain open on its regular schedule during all phases of the construction.

In addition to the Teton County/Jackson Hole Community Pathways underpass project, the museum is undergoing capital improvements of its own, including a new roof and upfit to exterior walls, as well as construction of the new multimillion-dollar sculpture trail designed by renowned landscape architect Walter Hood , which will further integrate the museum’s collection with its natural Wyoming setting. Beginning June 1, free hard hat tours of the under-construction sculpture trail will be available twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

A member of the Museums West consortium and accredited by the American Association of Museums, the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States provides an exciting calendar of exhibitions from its permanent collection and changing exhibitions from around the globe. A complete schedule of museum exhibitions and events is available online at www.wildlifeart.org . The museum is also active on Facebook at wildlifeartjh and on Twitter at @wildlifeartjh.

Media Contacts: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, 307.734.5335, darla@wordenpr.com; Ponteir Sackrey, National Museum of Wildlife Art, 307.732.5444, psackrey@wildlifeart.org.

Students screen their films tonight at Casper College

Students will present a variety of short films during the Fourth Annual Casper College Student Film Festival on Tuesday, May 3 (tonight!) beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Durham Recital Hall located in the Aley Fine Arts Center in Casper.

The festival features the works of the college’s two video production classes offered last fall and this spring. Films will include mockumentaries, advertisements, movie trailers, musical pieces, and commentaries. The 90-minute program will conclude with the showing of two short narrative movies developed by the student teams.

“The Casper College students were in charge of every aspect of the production process, from the writing of the script to the filming of the scenes to the long hours spent editing the materials,” said Pete Van Houten, Casper College communication and media instructor. “Some of the early work is a little rough, though you can really see some growth in their abilities with the addition of each new assignment,” he added.

The student filmmakers include Greg Bullinger, Brian Castillo, Blake Trimmer, Jason Reinhardt, Calvin Grinder, Karen Hatlestad, Kellan Hawley, Nikki Stevenson, Stephen Christensen, Justin Pehrson, Scott Long, Austin Martinez, Cody Box, Danielle Brown and Trevor Wroble.

The film festival is free and open to the public. Food and refreshments will be served.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Song-writing workshop with Miss "V"

Miss "V" The Gypsy Cowbelle will teach a song-writing workshop May 20-22 at the Miner's Delight Bed & Breakfast in Atlantic City.

Registration is limited to 16 students. Workshop-only fee: $150. Workshop and lodging fee: one person: $315 in a room or $285 in a cabin. For two attendees who desire to share a room or cabin, call us for rates. The lodging fee includes breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday's lunch and dinner are not included, but are available within walking distance. For more information, contact Barbara and Bob Townsend at 307-332-0248 or bandb@minersdelightinn.com, or “V” at 307-231-9252 or gypsycowbelle@gmail.com.

Editor's note: Let me say that "V" is one heck of a song-writer. She's been doing it now for over fifteen years, and can craft a song lyric with the best of them. I had a chance to listen to her newest songs,(she's in the process of recording a new CD), and they are a nostalgic reflection of her life at this point in time. --Linda

Buffalo Bill Historical Center competes in the EPA’s “Battle of the Buildings”

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center has been selected to participate in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Energy Star National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings to help improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings and protect the environment. In the spirit of popular weight-loss competitions, the Historical Center will battle it out against hundreds of other teams from buildings across the country to work off the waste through improvements in energy efficiency with help from EPA’s Energy Star program.

“The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is honored to be a part of this competition,” says Phil Anthony, operating engineer at the Center and a leader of its sustainability program. “We are committed to continuing to improve our energy efficiency and we look forward to seeing how we measure up against other buildings across the nation.”

--snip--

According to EPA, energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and energy use at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. On average, 30 percent of the energy used in commercial buildings is wasted. Thousands of businesses and organizations work with EPA’s Energy Star program and are saving billions of dollars and preventing millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering our atmosphere each year.

To watch the competition unfold, visit www.energystar.gov/BattleOfTheBuildings. More information on the Buffalo Bill Historical Center can be found by exploring www.bbhc.org.

In Memoriam: Harry Jackson


Always supportive of the arts community, Harry Jackson attended an artists’ reception at Stone Soup Studios in 2007 with (from left) Janet Bedford, Melodie Ferri, Stephanie Hedrick, Sybil Hedrick, the Rev. Daphne Grimes and Lura Brewes. Cody Enterprise photo.

From the Cody Enterprise:

Cody lost a living legend and the art world an icon when Harry Jackson died Monday, April 25.

The internationally-renowned artist, who turned 87 on April 18, passed away at the V.A. Hospital in Sheridan. He finally succumbed to the life-long effects of head wounds he suffered as a front-line combat marine and combat artist in the Pacific Theatre of World War II.



Steve Traylor's departure leaves music department vacancy at Central Wyoming College

Robert Hussa, Fine Arts Department Coordinator at Central Wyoming College in Riverton, sends this news:

Central Wyoming College would like to announce that Steve Traylor, Director of Bands and Fine Arts Recruiter, will be leaving us after this year to take a position at Hutchison Community College in Hutchison, KS.

Steve has been with us for five years, bringing his expertise in concert band, jazz ensemble, and low brass to our students and to the State of Wyoming.  However, the position at Hutchison is close to his parents and brothers (he grew up in eastern Kansas), and he was recruited by the man who is retiring out of the position. It was a choice for “family.”

We are very sad to see him go, but we wish him the best in his future endeavors!  Steve will be writing to all of you in a separate email.

So, this message is to inform you of the upcoming faculty vacancy in Instrumental Music here at CWC.   Central Wyoming is one of the seven community colleges in Wyoming; we offer a transfer program for music majors and we also have strong music support  in the community.  It’s a great place to work!  Please log into www.cwc.edu, click on QuickLinks, then jobs@Central, to look at the position announcements.  This particular one is not posted yet, but it will be very soon. Check it out if you are interested; or you have friends/colleagues who might be interested, please send this email to them.

Tickets still available for Laramie County Library Foundation May 7 luncheon with sci-fi author Connie Willis

From Tina Ann Forkner, president of the Laramie County Public Library Foundation:
We still have tickets to the Library Luncheon this coming Saturday to hear Sci-Fi author Connie Willis. If you haven’t decided yet, I urge you to go, but please hurry and RSVP! This is always a fun community event and the price for your meal ticket benefits the Library. You will love this luncheon. It is always a low key, casual time at our spring event. There is no pressure for you to do anything, but enjoy the author/speaker, Connie Willis, and enjoy a wonderful lunch out at Little America. 
RSVP to Mary Meyer at the foundation today: 307-773-7221
Mary would prefer she hear from you asap today if you plan to go. (She might take reservations tomorrow morning, but I am not sure, so today would be best.) *Please tell Mary that you are “with” me.
She will be happy to sit all my friends together, or feel free to get some friends together and request to sit with them (still mention my name so she will know who referred them).  I’m afraid I must attend a field trip with my child, so I cannot be there, but please don’t let this deter you from going. 
I hope to hear about your RSVP from Mary! Please let me know if you go.
Travel Through Time With Award-Winning and Best-Selling Author, Connie Willis, from Greeley Colorado 
May 7th, 12:00 p.m. (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) at Little America in Cheyenne, Wyoming
$30 for a great lunch and entertaining talk by author (I heard she’s funny)
Meet the author during and after the lunch
Books available for purchase or bring your own if you wish to have it signed
Call the Foundation ASAP:
Mary Meyer, DirectorTelephone: 307-773-7221
http://www.lclsonline.org/foundation/events/


Raising Readers fund-raiser May 14 in Cheyenne

Raising Readers in Wyoming board members Sherri Geringer, former Wyoming First Lady, and Judy Catchpole, former Superintendent of Public Instruction, were on Channel 5's morning show to promote their upcoming fund-raiser. FMI: http://www.raisingreadersinwyoming.org