Week of Feb. 18-23 to be lively in Cheyenne (and not just because of the Legislature)

Next week is a biggie for the Wyoming Arts Council. The annual Governor's Arts Awards gala will be held on Friday, Feb. 22. While in town, visit the WAC Gallery show of "Wyoming Folk Masters." Follow the image above to the WAC web site and further info.

UW art auction benefits juvenile diabetes

From a UW press release:

Cardinal Key, the University of Wyoming junior honorary, will hold its annual banquet and art auction to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research, "Hearts of Gold." The event will be Saturday, Feb. 23, in the Wyoming Union Yellowstone Ballroom in Laramie.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with a silent auction and dinner served at 6 p.m. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Juvenile Research Foundation International. For more information or for tickets, e-mail Kimberly Cranford at kimvc@uwyo.edu or Sandy Smylie at ssmylie@uwyo.edu.

The silent auction will consist of gift certificates and other items from local businesses. Three meal options, all diabetes-friendly, will be provided by French Creek Catering.

A highlight will be a live art auction featuring donated artwork from galleries in Jackson Hole. This includes eight prints and an ironwood bear from Buffalo Trail Galleries. The auction will also include pieces by Robert Summers, Roy Kerswill, Henry Holdsworth, and Jim Wilcox.

The evening will also feature a testimonial from a child with diabetes and entertainment by UW's Happy Jack Singers. Dress is formal.

Promoting Women's History

From the National Women's History Project web site:

March 2008 had been designated as National Women's History Month to ensure that the history of American women will be recognized and celebrated in schools, workplaces, and communities throughout the country. The stories of women's historic achievements present an expanded view of the complexity and contradiction of living a full and purposeful life.

The knowledge of women's histroy provides a more expansive vision of what a woman can do. This perspective can encourage girls and women to think larger and bolder and can give boys and men a fuller understanding of the female experience.

To honor the originality, beauty, imagination, and multiple dimensions of women's lives, we have chosen Women's Art: Women's Vision as the 2008 theme for National Women's History Month.

The history of women and art is quintessential women's history. It is the story of amazing women's accomplishments acclaimed at the time but written out of history. Join us in ensuring that their accomplishments are never forgotten.

This year's theme provides a special opportunity to discover and celebrate women's visual arts in a variety of forms and mediums that help expand our perceptions of ourselves and each other.
FMI about the National Women's History Project, go to http://www.nwhp.org/

Art for the Cure seeks donated artwork

Art for the Cure will be accepting donated artwork until March 26. It will be featured at the Art for the Cure event on April 11, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Little America Hotel, 2800 W. Linconway, Cheyenne,

According to its web site, "Art for the Cure is a live and silent art auction open to the community that includes an evening of light fare, friendly company, and incredible artwork donated generously by regional artists. All monies raised at the Art for the Cure event are donated directly to the Wyoming Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

"Art for the Cure owes its origination to two incredible women who had the foresight and inspiration to reach out to the Cheyenne community in a most unique way to advance the fight against breast cancer. Art for the Cure was founded by two-time cancer survivor Sandy Pedersen and Oncology Surgeon, Carrie Thoms, MD in 2001 to bring the love for quality artwork and the passion to find a cure together. Over 70 percent of the funds raised at Art for the Cure stay within the state of Wyoming to fight breast cancer for friends and neighbors within our borders.

"During the last ten years, the Wyoming Komen Affiliate has granted over $1,350,000 across the state of Wyoming for various breast health related grants. In March of 2007, eight organizations were granted a total of $191,957."

FMI: Art for the Cure at 307-432-0606.

Black History Month

Tuesday, February 26, is the final event in the Cheyenne Depot Museum's Downtown Entertainment Program of their literary/historical series with a Black History Presentation.
Free to all, the talk/presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. Takes place in the historic Depot Lobby.

Looking to fill position of Dean of Conservatory of Music at Purchase College

Unique among the sixty-four SUNY campuses in combining professional conservatory programs in the performing and visual arts with rigorous and complementary studies in the liberal arts and sciences, Purchase College has grown to become an academic, intellectual and artistic center for the West Chester county region with highly regarded and increasingly well-known programs. Considered one of the premier public conservatory programs in the country, the Conservatory of Music, within the School of the Arts, offers a comprehensive musical education to gifted students who wish to pursue music at a professional level. To carry out its mission, the Conservatory of Music seeks an innovative and energetic dean who will contribute to positioning the School of the Arts as a vital and dynamic educational and cultural force locally with a national and international reputation.

The Conservatroy of Music in located in Purchase, New York, 20 miles north of NYC. There are approximately 350 undergraduates and 100 graduate students pursuing Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees as well as post-baccalaureate Performer's Certificates and post-master's Artist's Diplomas. Staff consists of 20 full-time and fifty part-time faculty, actively involved in the music field, performing regularly with classical and jazz ensembles in NYC.

The successful candidate will be a strong leader with vision, intellectual breadth, with a deep commitment to the creation of vibrant, diverse academic community.

FMI, please call Kim Morrison or Esty Collet at (410) 745-5191 or email at
SUNY-Purchase.Music@divsearch.com

Pilot program helps Wyoming veterans

From Mike Shay:

The following isn't primarily an arts issue, but it is one that affects us all. Art and art therapy are playing a big part in mental health issues. The Cheyenne V.A. Hospital runs an annual arts competition and exhibition. The National Endowment for the Arts sponsors Operation Homecoming, a program that offers writing workshops for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. There are similar programs all over the U.S.

I've served on the Governor's Mental Health Planning Council. Writing poetry or painting a picture can't begin to address the many mental health challenges facing the state's citizens, in general, and returning combat veterans, in particular. But it can play a part. See the links on the right sidebar for arts resources in your community.

Larry D. Barttelbort, executive director of the Wyoming Veterans Commission, sent out this press release today:

A joint venture pilot program between the Wyoming Military Department, Wyoming Veterans Commission, and the Wyoming Department of Health will ensure Wyoming Veterans are connected with state and federal resources. This pilot program is based on a recommendation from Wyoming's Veterans Mental Health Task Force. We have combined end-of-biennium funds to hire two contract Veteran's Advocates. They will link our Wyoming Veterans, their families, and their employers directly with state and federal resources. We will use Wyoming Military Department federal resources to assist with scheduling, data collection and reporting.

This program will help Veterans overcome the stigma of seeking help and help them connect with these wonderful resources. The advocates will meet with the Veteran, the family, and the employer to ensure the Veteran is using all the resources available to them.

Wyoming is also blessed with two of the finest VA Medical Centers in the U.S., at Sheridan and Cheyenne. The VA's Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) in Casper, Gillette, Green River, Newcastle, Powell, Riverton and Rock Springs provide outstanding care. The Vet Centers in Cheyenne and Casper provide confidential mental health counseling and also provide contract services in some outlying areas.

If you are approached about a Wyoming Veteran experiencing problems with readjustment issues at home, with friends, or at work don't hesitate to call one of our advocates or the VA resources.

Veteran's Advocates:
Leon Chamberlain (307) 359-2430 (Northern Wyoming)
David Hall (307) 631-3736 (Southern Wyoming)
VA Health Information 1-877-222-8387

FMI: Larry D. Barttelbort, 307-772-5016

Poetry Out Loud schools announced

Seven schools from around Wyoming have signed up to participate in the 2008 Poetry Out Loud recitation competition.

Participating schools (with teachers' names):
Buffalo H.S., Buffalo, Kira Wages
Carey J.H.S., Cheyenne, Angel Katen
East H.S., Cheyenne, Michael Starks
Cody H.S., Cody, Michael Riley
Guernsey-Sunrise School, Guernsey, Tess Bandalos
Star Valley H.S., Afton, Robyn Johnson
Wheatland H.S., Wheatland, Scott James

The school competitions will be held through the end of February. Champions and their teachers (or chaperones) from each school travel to Cheyenne March 10-11 for the state finals. The winner of that competition will travel to Washington, D.C., in April for the national finals.

These events are sponsored nationally by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. The Wyoming Arts Council is in charge of the Wyoming competition. If you're interested in participating next year, call Mike Shay at the WAC and he'll send you more information.

For more info about Poetry Out Loud, go to http://www.poetryoutloud.org/

Young Musicians Fest March 7-8 in Evanston

The Young Musicians Festival will take place March 7-8 at Davis Middle School in Evanston. Registration deadline is Feb. 22. Register online here.

Schedule of events (all included with festival registration):

Friday, March 7, 7 p.m. Molly's Revenge in concert -- Super high-energy Celtic style band, featuring Irish flutes, Scottish bagpipes and more. This concert will especially appeal to teenagers and young adults. In addition to the Series concert, the group will also do seven pre-concert educational performances in Evanston and Bridger Valley schools.

Saturday, March 8, Achievement Day, 8 a.m.-noon -- Students of all ages and ability levels perform in 4 rooms simultaneously. All participants receive an evaluation of their performance, a certificate, and a ribbon. Students must register in advance to perform. From 11 a.m.-6 p.m., there will be a series of educational workshops, including a variety of classes for all ages. The Honors Concert will be held at 7 p.m. Outstanding students from Achievement Day are invited to perform in a formal concert for the community.

FMI: http://www.youngmusicians.net/festival2008.htm

Chul Hee Yoon in concert at UW

Korean pianist Chul Hee Yoon will perform a guest artist recital Sunday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the University of Wyoming Fine Arts Center concert hall in Laramie.

Tickets cost $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the Fine Arts Box Office or through its Web site at http://www.uwyo.edu/finearts.

A native of Ulsan, Korea, Yoon made his public concert debut at the age of 10 with the Pusan Philharmonic Orchestra. He later earned his concert diploma in Germany and then his master's and performer's certificates at the Trossingen School of Music.

Yoon gained public recognition in 1994 by winning both the Ibla Grand International Competition with the Ginastera Prize and the Le Muse International Competition in Italy. He now appears as a soloist at more than 50 concerts a year across the world, playing solo recitals, chamber music concerts and with major orchestras. Yoon recorded a CD of Chopin Etudes, which was widely praised by reviewers.

FMI: 307-766-6666

Chamber music enlivens winter nights

Grand Teton Music Festival winter concerts:

CHAMBER MUSIC FOR BRASS QUINTET
Friday, February 15, 2008
7:30 p.m., Walk Festival Hall

Featuring Festival Musicians from the Houston Symphony:
Mark Hughes, trumpet
Theresa Hanebury, trumpet
Nancy Goodearl, horn
Mark McConnell, trombone
David Kirk, tuba

HOLST Suite No. 2 in F
EWAZEN Frostfire
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 9 (excerpts)
BERNSTEIN West Side Story Suite
COPLAND Simple Gifts

SINGLE TICKETS
$25 Adults, $5 Students (ages 6-18 or with college ID)

Don't miss our other winter chamber music concerts!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Chamber Music for Woodwind Quintet
7:30 p.m., Walk Festival Hall
Featuring Festival Musicians from the Atlanta and Houston Symphonies

Thursday, March 20, 2008
Chamber Music for Percussion
7:30 p.m., Walk Festival Hall
Featuring the Festival's beloved Percussion Section

FMI: Amanda Flosbach, GTMF, 307.733.3050 x107 or amanda@gtmf.org

Mortenson reschedules Jackson apperance

Here's an update from the Teton County Public Library about a schedule change:

New, free tickets to Greg Mortenson's "Three Cups of Tea" presentation will be available for pick up (first-come, first served) beginning at 9 a.m., Thursday, February 21 at Valley Book Store in Jackson.

Mortenson will discuss his best-selling book, "Three Cups of Tea," at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 2 in the Grand Room at Snow King Resort. His originally scheduled visit to Jackson was canceled due to weather. Individuals holding tickets to the previously-scheduled event will need to pick up new tickets for the April presentation. (Old tickets will not be valid for the rescheduled event.) Tickets are free and limited to two per person.

Tickets may be picked up at Valley Book Store, open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For ticket information, contact Valley Book Store at 733-4533.

"Three Cups of Tea" recounts Mortenson's unlikely endeavor to promote education and peace in the Middle East. The "New York Times" bestseller was written by Mortenson and author David Oliver Relin. Mortenson's school-building mission began after he drifted into an impoverished Pakistan village in the Karakoram mountains in 1993 after a failed attempt to climb
K2. Mortenson wanted to thank the villagers for their hospitality and experienced a "eureka moment" when he saw 84 children writing with sticks in the dirt. So far, his Central Asia
Institute has built more than 60 schools, especially for girls, in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

To discover more about the Central Asia Institute, visit www.threecupsoftea.com.

UW art students receive purchase awards

The University of Wyoming Art Museum has announced the awards for the 33rd Annual Juried University of Wyoming Student Exhibition. More than $19,000 in prize money was awarded during an award ceremony on Feb. 1. The exhibition was selected by juror Linny Frickman, director of the Hatton Gallery at Colorado State University.

The annual exhibition, on view until March 1, recognizes and celebrates the creative work of students at UW. The Student Art League organizes the Salon des Refusés, ensuring that every student’s work submitted to the museum exhibition is placed on public view. The Salon remains on view in the Fine Arts Building through Feb. 9.

An Art Talk by the award-winning students is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m. A selection from the exhibition will be on view until April 19 in the Centennial Complex Gallery.

Above: Jeff Hubbell, Laramie, with a painting purchased by the College of Health Sciences, titled At the Market.

The students who received awards are listed by hometown, award and title of work:

Casper -- Rebecca Wessman, Law School purchase award, One Way or Another;

Leighton White, Office of Academic Affairs purchase award, Untitled, UW Libraries purchase award, Untitled,

Joe C. Tull Jr. Memorial purchase award, First Interstate Bank award, and UW Art Museum National Advisory Board award, School Is In.

Cheyenne -- Molly Box, College of Health Sciences purchase award and Juror’s award, Anniversaire.

Cody -- Clint Mulbay, College of Health Sciences purchase award and Ann Simpson and Family award, Rolling Thunder.

Colorado Springs, Colo. -- Michelle Winchell, Margaret Arth Award for Excellence, Book of Beasts.

Crow Agency, Mont. -- Judd Thompson, UW Libraries purchase award, One long trip.

Dayton -- Betsy Rae Mock, Law School purchase award, "Old Town” Market Life and Kibokoni; Seth Schwaiger, College of Health Sciences purchase award, Smithing.
Encampment -- Sammy Basinger, Office of Academic Affairs purchase award, Fruit.
Gillette -- Danielle Alvarado, Jacque Buchanan graphic arts award, Pangea.
Kimball, Neb. -- Andrew Flores, UW Division of Administration purchase award, Different Point of View.
Lakewood, Colo. -- Hannah Benigno, Jacque Buchanan graphic arts award, Pangea.
Laramie -- Kathy Buckardt, College of Health Sciences purchase award, Sanctity?

Heather Duncan, Office of Academic Affairs purchase award, Lonesome Tree and Solitude;

Jeff Hubbell, College of Health Sciences purchase award, At the Market;

Travis Ivey, Student Art League honorable mention, BLANKO;

Tina McCarty, Outreach School purchase award, Sleeping Elephant;

Alanna Reid, Office of Academic Affairs purchase award, Almost Home, Staff Senate purchase award and Student Art League honorable mention, Victorian Head;

David Sircin, College of Health Sciences purchase award, Boat on the Water.

New Castle -- Sarah Hayman, Office of Student Affairs purchase award, FMC honors award, and Lisa Lewis Dubois student exhibition award, Elephant Ear; UW Division of Administration purchase award, Connected.

Ocean Springs, Miss. -- Courtney Googe, UW Division of Administration purchase award, Her Blanket and Gretchen and Bean; A&S Dean’s award, Reeve’s Vase.
Omaha, Neb. -- Hollie Engdahl, President’s Office purchase award, My Grandpa’s Ageless Beauty; John Paul Militti, Staff Senate purchase award, Self Portrait.
Rapid City, S.D. -- Luke Gorder, President’s Office purchase award, Untitled.
Spearfish, S.D. --Mike Hurley, President’s Office purchase award and Student Art League cash award, Across the Earth.
Thermopolis -- Everett Woodward, President’s Office purchase award, Black Teapot and Black

Pot.

Bringing the world of art to Wyoming, the Art Museum is located in the Centennial Complex at 22nd & Willett Drive in Laramie. The Museum and Museum Store are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Mondays Feb. through April. Admission is free.

"Cats" in Casper for one show March 10

Broadway in Casper presents "Cats" at the Casper Events Center on March 10, 7:30 p.m.

Based on T.S. Eliot’s "Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats," and with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, "Cats" won seven 1983 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Lighting and Best Costumes.

In October of 1991, "Cats" became the longest continuously touring show in American theatre history. Five continents, 26 countries, over eight and a half million audience members and 25 years later, it is still America’s most loved family musical.

Tickets are on sale now and are $30.50, $35.50, and $40.50.

For tickets or more information, call the Casper Events Center Box Office at (307) 577-3030 or (800) 442-2256 or at www.caspereventscenter.com.

Learn how to slab, coil, and pinch at AVA

Winners of Warren Adler writing competition announced

The winning short stories have been announced in the Warren Adler on-line writing competition. The theme this year was New York. You can read the outstanding stories at
http://www.warrenadler.com/contest07.shtml and vote on which one you like the best. It will be awarded the People's Choice.

Part of what Warren had to say to those whose stories were rejected:
I had to choose only one winner and four runner ups. It will be interesting to see how other readers will judge these stories in our People's Choice contest. Until our new contest is announced shortly, I wish all contestants the best of luck in their writing. In my view there is no more fulfilling calling than the life of the creative writer and no more skillful exercise in craft and talent than the short story. It is my fervent hope that this medium will once again attain the heights and interest it deserves. And remember: What seems like a rejection is merely one person's opinion and it is often a poor indication of future success.

UW Libraries add AP digital images

From a UW press release:

The University of Wyoming Libraries has added Associated Press images to its digital collections.

UW students, faculty and staff members will have access to AP material, including photographs, images, graphics, historical photographs and audio clips.

"This resource is useful for any discipline," says Nancy Marlatt, marketing coordinator for the UW Libraries.

Materials can be located at the library Web site, http://www-lib.uwyo.edu/. The database can be found under the link "Articles and Databases," and select "A" to access the AP Images database. Users can conduct a basic or advanced search, and pop-up blockers may need to be disabled in order to download and save images to your desktop.

Content from AP Images may be used for educational purposes only, including lesson plans, tests, research papers, homework, book reports, school Web sites, webquests, education Web sites constructed by students and/or faculty, projects, and school newspapers that do not compete with any community or town publication.

Content from AP Images may not be used for commercial purposes, yearbooks, or any use for monetary gain or promotion.

AP Images, a division of The Associated Press, is one of the world's largest collections of historical and contemporary imagery. Serving as an essential source of photographs and graphics for professionals, AP Images provides superior image quality, selection and service.

For additional information, call the reference department at (307) 766-2070 or e-mail coeref@uwyo.edu. Assistance is also available at the information desk in Coe Library.

New arts classes at AVA in February

Coming Soon at AVA in Gillette:

For kids: Early Release Day Art Class. Looking for something fun to do on Early Release Day? Join Becky Thompson for art projects, fun, and games. For grades 1-6. February 13, 2-5 p.m. Fee is $15 (includes all supplies!) Click Here to Register!

For teens and adults: Beginning Pottery Classes. Join local potter, John Werbelow, and learn how to use the potter’s wheel. Use the slab-roller and the extruder for hand-building. Six classes, February 19 - March 6, 6:30-9 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Class fee is $90 (includes clay & firing). Pre-registration Required. Click Here to Register!

VISIT www.avacenter.org/events to find more classes.

Mike Shay and the Arts Council receive recognition

From Assistant Editor Linda C.:

WyoPoets has selected the Wyoming Arts Council, and Mike Shay, to receive one of their Excellence Awards. He will recieve their undying gratitude and a certificate suitable for framing.

He was nominated, then approved by two committee members. Myra Peak will be in Cheyenne on February 19 to present the certificate. She will give a short speech and photos will be taken. Myra will also send press releases to local newspapers.

WyoPoets recognizes individuals and organizations who have excelled in poetry, have mentored members of WyoPoets, served WyoPoets, or supported WyoPoets in some fashion. Receiving, and giving the certificate, provides recognition to recipients of the Excellence Awards and to WyoPoets.

Mike Shay has been an instrumental part of the literary scene at the Arts Council and in Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region for many, many years, and his expertise and enthusiasm for Wyoming authors, and artists in general, are legend!
Congratulations, Mike, for a well deserved recognition.

Collecting and displaying Wyoming artwork

A new program is working to acquire a collection of Wyoming artwork for display in the State Capitol Building.

Through the Wyoming Legislative Artwork Donation Program, Wyoming artists can donate or loan pieces to be included in a collection for exclusive display in the Capitol. Senator Jayne Mockler, a member of the Legislative Facilities Committee, is a longtime advocate of the Capitol acquiring its own collection for exhibit in the Wyoming Senate and House of Representatives chambers and the respective lobbies and galleries.

Artwork donations may be made by, or on behalf of, a current or former member of the Wyoming Legislature, or any private citizen. Artwork can also be bequeathed to the program in a will or trust.

A Legislative Artwork Donation Committee comprised of legislators, State Museum staff and an Arts Council representative will meet annually to review and select artwork into the collection.

The preferred mediums for artwork are oil or acrylic, although other two-dimensional mediums will be considered. Artwork must relate to Wyoming or the Rocky Mountains West with Wyoming landscapes the preferred content. Other themes that represent the natural, social, cultural, political or economic history of Wyoming may also be considered.

Due to the large size of the Senate and House of Representative Chambers and lobbies, only larger two-dimensional work will be considered.

Guidelines are available at www.artsparkshistory.com or www.wyomuseum.state.wy.us, or by contacting Lili Francuz, Wyoming State Museum art curator, at lfranc@state.wy.us, or 777-7677.