The Senate and House of Representatives are set to vote on final passage of the economic stimulus legislation – H.R.1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – which includes $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts.
The compromise version of the bill with tax breaks and spending totaling $789 billion stipulates that the arts funding goes for grants to activities and projects “which preserve jobs in the nonprofit arts sector threatened by declines in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn”, with 40 percent of the amount going to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations (“in a manner similar to the agency’s current practice”) and the remainder going out in competitive grants from the NEA. Matching requirements are waived.
House and Senate negotiators on the bill dropped the language prohibiting stimulus funds from going to museums, theatres, and arts centers which was included in the version of the bill passed by the Senate. However, the legislation still excludes support from going to fund projects at zoos and aquariums along with casinos, golf courses and swimming pools.
Congratulations and appreciation to all of you who contacted your legislators in Washington urging their support for the arts funding in the stimulus package. The House allocated the money for the NEA from the beginning of the process, but the Senate did not include the arts funding in its draft of the stimulus bill. Your advocacy and the insistence of our champions in the House and Senate made the difference.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Arts funding remains in stimulus bill
The following "Legislative Alert" comes to us from Thomas L. Birch, Legislative Counsel for the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. The Wyoming Arts Council is a NASAA member.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Meet Greg Esser, visual arts fellowship juror
The Wyoming Arts Council is bringing in three great jurors for the 2009 visual arts fellowships. The adjudication will take place on Thursday, April 2, at the UW Conference Center in Laramie. While the jurors are making their decisions, registration for the Public Art Symposium: Inspiration and Reflection, will be going on from 1-5 p.m. in the Conference Center. The symposium's kick-off reception starts at 5 p.m. To register for the symposium, call the WAC at 307-777-7742 and we'll mail you a form. They're also available through the UW Art Museum.
Over the next week, we'll introduce to you our three jurors. Greg Esser of Phoenix will serve as a juror and speak at the symposium. Here's some info on Greg:
GREG ESSER (shown in photo) is an artist, advocate, and writer living in Phoenix, Arizona. He directed the public art program for the City of Phoenix from 1996 to 2004. In addition to serving as chair of the Public Art Interest Area and a co-founder of the Public Art Network, he served for two years as the Public Art Manager for Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading arts advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. He has developed numerous artist studio and exhibition spaces in downtown Phoenix including eye lounge gallery, 515 Arts, Sixth Street Studios and MADE Art Boutique. He is a founding member and the current chairman of the Evans Churchill Community Association and president of the Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation. Greg speaks internationally on public art and the role of artists in community revitalization. His writing has appeared in publications such as Art Papers, Public Art Review, Java Magazine, and Downtown Phoenix. His artwork is represented in public and private collections. He received a BFA in art and social change at Oberlin College and a MFA in intermedia at Arizona State University. Web site: http://www.gregesser.com/
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Salter coming to UW
The marvelous writer James Salter (r) will visit UW on Wednesday March 4th, for a reading and booksigning at 7:00 p.m. at Second Story Bookstore in Laramie. There will be more details about his visit at a later date.Also, fiction writer Jennifer Davis and poet Jake York will read in Mathison Library on February 17th at 6 pm.
Tips on selling work to national parks
Wyoming authors, artists and crafters might find this conference helpful:
Attend the Annual GRO-Biz Procurement Conference to learn about the procurement process from experts such as Jeff Sneddon who currently serves as the Northern Rockies Major Acquisition Buying Office (MABO) Lead Contracting Officer, located in Yellowstone National Park. The Northern Rockies MABO consists of twelve National Park Service locations in Wyoming, Montana, and Northern Utah. Jeff has a procurement certification at the FAC-C Level III with a $20,000,000 level Certificate of Appointment (Warrant).
Jeff is the keynote speaker for lunch on Feb. 19. Don't miss a chance to speak with him about your small business.
The GRO-Biz Annual Conference will be held Feb. 18-19 at the Holiday Inn in Cody. Pre-conference workshops will be held on Feb. 17.
For more information or to register for this event, visit www.gro-biz.com
Listen to legislator debates
Here's the website for the state legislature listing all sorts of links. You can also listen to archived podcasts -- debates of bills.
http://legisweb.state.wy.us/
http://legisweb.state.wy.us/
About Abraham Lincoln
From one of my fellow graduate students -- This website will take you to The Economist's 1860-1865 coverage of Abraham Lincoln's election, assasination, and a retrospective briefly after (from their archives).
Call for entries: Spraygraphic poster show
Spraygraphic.com is calling for designers and artists to submit original posters for your favorite local bands from around the world.According to a Spraygraphic release:
This show wants to showcase both the artist and the musicians they love by asking designers and artists to create a poster for their favorite local band. We expect to end up with a gallery full of diverse, compelling, and fresh posters from all over the world. More importanly, each poster helps support and spread the word about the hardworking local bands out there trying to make ends meet with their love for music. The show will be at Hoodlums Records in Tempe, Ariz., on March 28, 2009.
The deadline for entry is March 25, 2009. THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE!!!
Submission guidelines: www.spraygraphic.com/postershow
Poet Evie Shockley at UW Feb. 23-26
Poet Evie Shockley will participate in the UW Creative Writing MFA Program’s Visiting Writers Series on Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., at Second Story Books, 105 Ivinson Avenue, Laramie. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature a book-signing with the author after the reading.
Shockley is the author of a half-red sea (2006) and the chapbook The Gorgon Goddess (2001), both published by Carolina Wren Press, and a second chapbook, 31 words -- prose poems (2007), published by Belladonna Books. Her poetry has also appeared in numerous journals and anthologies.
The critic Nancy Kuhl has said of Shockley’s full-length collection, "united by a voice that is both sure and supple, the poems here consider individual and collective American histories through a complex of lenses; matters of sex, race, culture, nationalism, and power are turned in the poet’s hands, revealing smooth planes and sharp edges. The result of Shockley’s attentiveness to language and to a complicated cultural and emotional record is a moving and surprising book that is ‘prickly with bloodless truths.’"
Shockley is also a literary scholar and critic.
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Shockley now lives in Jersey City, N.J., and teaches African American literature and poetry at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.
FMI: Contact Beth Loffreda at loffreda@uwyo.edu
Shockley will also participate in UW's "Teaching Creativity" conference Feb. 24-26.
Shockley is the author of a half-red sea (2006) and the chapbook The Gorgon Goddess (2001), both published by Carolina Wren Press, and a second chapbook, 31 words -- prose poems (2007), published by Belladonna Books. Her poetry has also appeared in numerous journals and anthologies.
The critic Nancy Kuhl has said of Shockley’s full-length collection, "united by a voice that is both sure and supple, the poems here consider individual and collective American histories through a complex of lenses; matters of sex, race, culture, nationalism, and power are turned in the poet’s hands, revealing smooth planes and sharp edges. The result of Shockley’s attentiveness to language and to a complicated cultural and emotional record is a moving and surprising book that is ‘prickly with bloodless truths.’"
Shockley is also a literary scholar and critic.
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Shockley now lives in Jersey City, N.J., and teaches African American literature and poetry at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.
FMI: Contact Beth Loffreda at loffreda@uwyo.edu
Shockley will also participate in UW's "Teaching Creativity" conference Feb. 24-26.
"Naturally Nude" exhibit at Ciao Gallery
Ciao Gallery in Wilson invites you to the opening of its "Naturally Nude" show on Saturday, Feb. 14, 6 p.m. The gallery says that "Ciao is celebrating Valentine's Day with the 2nd annual Naturally Nude show. Join us on Saturday 2/14 from 6-9."
FMI: http://www.ciaogallery.com/
FMI: http://www.ciaogallery.com/
Kevin Holdsworth reads at Depot Museum
Kevin Holdsworth, winner of a 2009 creative writing fellowship from the Wyoming Arts Council, will read from his work on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m., as part of the Cheyenne Depot Museum's Literary/Historical Series. The event is free and open to the public, and supported by a WAC grant.
Kevin is from Green River. His manuscript, “Silver Wings,” was selected for the fiction fellowship by novelist and short story writer Laura Pritchett of Colorado.
For more info about the Depot Museum series, contact Pam Crochet at 307-632-3905.
Kevin is from Green River. His manuscript, “Silver Wings,” was selected for the fiction fellowship by novelist and short story writer Laura Pritchett of Colorado.
For more info about the Depot Museum series, contact Pam Crochet at 307-632-3905.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Call for entries: CHEST
CHEST, the Journal of the American College of Chest Physicians, invites submissions of up to 3 previously unpublished, quality poems, maximum 40 lines, on subjects of some medical relevance. CHEST, with a subscriber base of 22,000 readers, just launched this new poetry section in January. E-mail submissions to poetrychest@aol.com.
Call for entries: Carbon Co. (Mont.) Arts Guild
Carbon County Arts Guild in Red Lodge, Mont., announces a call to artists for the 2009 Rocky Mountain Regional Juried Exhibition.
This competition is open to all residents of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Idaho.
Artwork in the form of oils, watercolor, mixed media, graphite, and small 3-D scupture will be accepted. No photography, prints or crafts.
Awards valued at $850 will be distributed as follows: 1st - $500, 2nd - $200, 3rd - $100, 4th - $50, and 8 honorable mentions.The entry fee is is $30 for the first 3 entries and $5 for each additional entry.
Sue Simpson Gallagher of the Simpson Gallagher Gallery in Cody, Wyoming, will be the the juror.
All Arts Guild members will receive an application to this competition in the mail. If you are not a member and would like to enter this competition, please call 406-446-1370.
This competition is open to all residents of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Idaho.
Artwork in the form of oils, watercolor, mixed media, graphite, and small 3-D scupture will be accepted. No photography, prints or crafts.
Awards valued at $850 will be distributed as follows: 1st - $500, 2nd - $200, 3rd - $100, 4th - $50, and 8 honorable mentions.The entry fee is is $30 for the first 3 entries and $5 for each additional entry.
Sue Simpson Gallagher of the Simpson Gallagher Gallery in Cody, Wyoming, will be the the juror.
All Arts Guild members will receive an application to this competition in the mail. If you are not a member and would like to enter this competition, please call 406-446-1370.
Glass art on display through Feb. 15
Don't miss the final five days of the "Glass Art Celebration" at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.Wyoming's largest glass art show will be exhibited through Sunday, Feb. 15. Hours on Monday through Friday are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
FMI: http://www.botanic.org/.
Alaska Museum looking for "anything fishy"
The Cordova, Alaska, Historical Museum hosts a juried national art show entitled "Fish Follies." Artists 18 years and older are invited to submit their work on "anything fishy -- oceans, water, fishing or seafood."
Postmark deadline is April 25. Exhibition dates are June 3-Aug. 27. Entry fee is $25, and you may submit up to two images.
Juror for the competition is Mike Webber, an Alaskan native or Alutiiq and Tlingit heritage.
FMI: 907-424-6665 or infoservices@cityofcordova.net
Postmark deadline is April 25. Exhibition dates are June 3-Aug. 27. Entry fee is $25, and you may submit up to two images.
Juror for the competition is Mike Webber, an Alaskan native or Alutiiq and Tlingit heritage.
FMI: 907-424-6665 or infoservices@cityofcordova.net
Western Spirit Show kicks off on March 7
The 2009 Western Spirit Art Show and Sale will be held March 7-April 19 at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum in Cheyenne.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, March 7, 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for museum members, $30 for non-members. A "QuickDraw" will be beld from 7-8 p.m.
During the day on March 7, a series of artist workshops will be held at the museum.
FMI: Kristin Ruck, 307-778-7289.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, March 7, 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for museum members, $30 for non-members. A "QuickDraw" will be beld from 7-8 p.m.
During the day on March 7, a series of artist workshops will be held at the museum.
FMI: Kristin Ruck, 307-778-7289.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Artists make bowls to benefit homeless
The third annual Empty Bowls event is set for Monday, April 27, at the Holiday Inn, 204 West Fox Farm Road, Cheyenne, to benefit the COMEA House homeless shelter.
Cheyenne school children and youth, and local and national professional artists will create and decorate bowls that will be filled with a hearty soup, for the tax-deducible price of admission of $10. The soup will be accompanied with bread and a beverage.
The event is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and includes a silent auction, entertainment, and a keynote address by Wyoming’s First Lady, Nancy Fruedenthal.
Empty Bowls was begun by junior high school teachers three years ago to help raise awareness of poverty in Cheyenne.
The COMEA House provides temporary emergency shelter to single men and women, and short-term shelter for families with the support of United Way of Laramie County, the City of Cheyenne, federal funding, and a variety of local agencies, businesses, churches and individuals. The COMEA House also operates a Transitional Living Program for clients needing housing support as they transition into self-sufficiency.
The tax-deductible support of the COMEA House through Empty Bowls will help the shelter to give a "hand up" to people who find themselves without a home.
For more information concerning Empty Bowls, visit http://www.emptybowlscheyenne.org/.
For more information about COMEA House or about a donation, contact Executive Director Teresa Garrido at (307) 632-3174 or www.comea@bresnan.net.
Cheyenne school children and youth, and local and national professional artists will create and decorate bowls that will be filled with a hearty soup, for the tax-deducible price of admission of $10. The soup will be accompanied with bread and a beverage.
The event is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and includes a silent auction, entertainment, and a keynote address by Wyoming’s First Lady, Nancy Fruedenthal.
Empty Bowls was begun by junior high school teachers three years ago to help raise awareness of poverty in Cheyenne.
The COMEA House provides temporary emergency shelter to single men and women, and short-term shelter for families with the support of United Way of Laramie County, the City of Cheyenne, federal funding, and a variety of local agencies, businesses, churches and individuals. The COMEA House also operates a Transitional Living Program for clients needing housing support as they transition into self-sufficiency.
The tax-deductible support of the COMEA House through Empty Bowls will help the shelter to give a "hand up" to people who find themselves without a home.
For more information concerning Empty Bowls, visit http://www.emptybowlscheyenne.org/.
For more information about COMEA House or about a donation, contact Executive Director Teresa Garrido at (307) 632-3174 or www.comea@bresnan.net.
Wyo. Public Radio features C.J. Box
On Friday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m., tune into Wyoming Public Radio (91.9 FM in Cheyenne and Laramie) or go to http://www.wyomingpublicradio.net for an hour-long conversation (and some great tunes) between best-selling Wyoming mystery writer C.J. Box and WPR Music Director Grady Kirkpatrick.
C.J.'s new novel, "Three Weeks to Say Goodbye," was released in January. His 2008 novel, "Blue Heaven," has been nominated for an Edgar Award.
C.J.'s new novel, "Three Weeks to Say Goodbye," was released in January. His 2008 novel, "Blue Heaven," has been nominated for an Edgar Award.
Knit-in planned for UW on Feb. 16
From a UW press release:
The University of Wyoming Center for Volunteer Service will host its first knit-in, an evening dedicated to making wearable crafts for children in need, Monday, Feb. 16, from 5-9 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Family Room in Laramie.
Participants will knit, crochet and hand-stitch hats, scarves and gloves to donate to the Linford School in West Laramie. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Snacks, coffee and tea will be provided.
This event is BYOY (Bring Your Own Yarn). Participants are also asked to bring donations of pre-fabricated children's winter wear.
Everyone, regardless of ability, is encouraged to attend. Instruction, sample patterns, limited practice yarn, needles and hooks will be provided for beginners.
"Not everyone will finish a project at this event and that's fine," says Katie Kleinhesselink, program coordinator for the UW Center for Volunteer Service. "A knit-in is just as much about creating community as it is creating products."
FMI: Kleinhesselink at (307) 766-6871 or e-mail her at kkleinhe@uwyo.edu.
The University of Wyoming Center for Volunteer Service will host its first knit-in, an evening dedicated to making wearable crafts for children in need, Monday, Feb. 16, from 5-9 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Family Room in Laramie.
Participants will knit, crochet and hand-stitch hats, scarves and gloves to donate to the Linford School in West Laramie. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Snacks, coffee and tea will be provided.
This event is BYOY (Bring Your Own Yarn). Participants are also asked to bring donations of pre-fabricated children's winter wear.
Everyone, regardless of ability, is encouraged to attend. Instruction, sample patterns, limited practice yarn, needles and hooks will be provided for beginners.
"Not everyone will finish a project at this event and that's fine," says Katie Kleinhesselink, program coordinator for the UW Center for Volunteer Service. "A knit-in is just as much about creating community as it is creating products."
FMI: Kleinhesselink at (307) 766-6871 or e-mail her at kkleinhe@uwyo.edu.
Tom Rush launches tour for new CD
Legendary singer/songwriter Tom Rush (formerly of Jackson) kicks off a tour for “What I Know,” his first full-length studio album in more than 30 years with stops in neighboring states Colorado and Idaho. Here are the February dates:
Feb. 18 - Crested Butte, CO - Center for the Arts - 8 PM
Feb. 19 - Aspen, CO - Wheeler Opera House - 8 PM
Feb. 20 - Denver, CO - Swallow Hill/Daniels Hall - 8 PM
Feb. 21 - Blackfoot, ID - Blackfoot Performing Arts Center -7:30 PM
For a complete list of tour dates, click here: http://tomrush.com
The official CD release date from Appleseed Recordings is Feb. 24. Here’s part of a press release:
Feb. 18 - Crested Butte, CO - Center for the Arts - 8 PM
Feb. 19 - Aspen, CO - Wheeler Opera House - 8 PM
Feb. 20 - Denver, CO - Swallow Hill/Daniels Hall - 8 PM
Feb. 21 - Blackfoot, ID - Blackfoot Performing Arts Center -7:30 PM
For a complete list of tour dates, click here: http://tomrush.com
The official CD release date from Appleseed Recordings is Feb. 24. Here’s part of a press release:
Rush offers up an inspired fifteen track CD of songs handpicked by the artist and producer Jim Rooney and recorded in Nashville. The album is built upon Rush's uncanny ability to deliver emotionally charged narratives and deft performances on a joyous album that features stunning collaborations with Emmylou Harris, Nanci Griffith and Bonnie Bramlett.
In addition to his contributions to the folk rock music scenes of Boston and New York in the 1960s and being credited with introducing the world to the songs of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Jackson Browne through his interpretations, Rush continues to be instrumental in championing newcomers to the singer-songwriter community via his Club 47 Music Series -- which has been host to Allison Krauss, Shawn Colvin and many notable others.
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