Reception Nov. 16 for the “Arts In Parks” calendar artwork display in the State Museum

Artwork featured in the 2013 “Arts in Parks” calendar will be on display at the Wyoming State Museum from November 8 through December 30.  An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Friday, November 16, State Museum in downtown Cheyenne, 5-6 p.m.

As part of Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails 75^th Anniversary, sponsored by Cameco and in partnership with the Wyoming Arts Council, which also provided logistics and funding as part of our Arts in the Parks programming, the calendar features 13 artistic pieces depicting different State Parks and Historic Sites. The artistic pieces include oils, photography, mixed media, acrylics and watercolors.

In conjunction with the Wyoming Arts Council and the Wyoming State Museum, the Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails invited artists from throughout the state to render artistic depictions of any of Wyoming’s State Parks and Historic Sites.

Some of the sites included in the artistic pieces are Ames Monument, Buffalo Bill State Park, Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, Glendo State Park, Guernsey State Park, Hot Springs State Park, Keyhole State Park, Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site and Sinks Canyon State Park.

Artists included in the calendar are Glenda L. Heimbuck-Haley, Anthony James and Tim Haley of Cheyenne; Alissa Hartmann and Christine Meytras of Jackson;  Joyce Keown and Mack Brislawn of Laramie; Virginia Butcher of Evansville; Mike Conaway of Evanston; Marie Elena Bramson of Frannie; Pat Schermerhorn of Cody; Nancy Brown of Gillette; and Sally La Bore of Sheridan.

Calendars will be available through the Wyoming State Museum Store and from the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

Wyoming State Museum is open Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and State and Federal Holidays.

"A Night at the Museum" Oct. 26 at the State Museum

From the Wyoming State Museum:

Children can enjoy a safe and educational Halloween event and meet some of Wyoming’s most famous characters at the State Museum’s, 5th Annual “A Night at the Museum,” from 4 to 7 p.m., October 26.

Children and their families will meet a variety of characters from Wyoming’s past while touring the State Museum’s galleries.

Expected to be on hand during the festivities are President Teddy Roosevelt, Governor John Campbell, frontier soldiers, lawmen and other historical Wyomingites.

“This is a great family event,” Curator of Education Chris Hanson said. “Come make your own trick or treat bag, and get goodies from some of Wyoming’s most famous (and Infamous) characters.”

This event is for all ages and children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information about this and other State Museum programs, please call 777-7022.

Call for entries: Curt Gowdy State Park Visitor Center

Architect's rendering of the new Curt Gowdy State Park Visitor Center

David Newell, Curator of Art at the Wyoming State Museum, sends this news:

The Wyoming Art in Public Buildings program is pleased to announce a new APB project for the Visitor Center at Curt Gowdy State Park. The project has a November 30 deadline, so we want Wyoming artists to be aware of the current opportunity.  The Call for Entries form [Wyoming residents only] is currently being mailed, but it is also available to download on the web sites for the Wyoming State Museum, the Wyoming Arts Council and State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails.

We have a second project posting soon for the new Health and Science Center at Central Wyoming College. And keep an eye out for additional projects that are coming this winter.

We area waiting final confirmation of dates, but we will also soon be having the dedications of the APB art collection at the Wyoming Military Joint Force Readiness Center in Cheyenne and Stan Dolega's sculpture Wind Code at the new Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center, just south of Cheyenne.

Lecture about the Grand Army of the Republic launches State Museum's Civil War reading series

From a Wyoming State Museum press release:

Shannon McKinzinie will kick off the Wyoming State Museum’s reading series, “Making Sense of the American Civil War,” with a look at the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), September 26 at 7 p.m. The lecture and reading series are free to the public.

A fraternal organization founded in 1866, the GAR provided support and a sense of community for Union veterans of the American Civil War. The history of the organization, its contributions to American veterans, and its contributions to American politics will be discussed. Local monuments dedicated to the GAR (located in both Cheyenne and Laramie) also will be examined.

“This is a great opportunity to explore a part of American social history that many people today are unaware of, “ Chris Hanson, curator of education said, “I encourage anyone interested in American history to attend this lecture.”

McKinzinie is an instructor at Laramie County Community College, Albany County Campus.

She will serve as facilitator for the upcoming Wyoming Humanities Council sponsored “Making Sense of the American Civil War” reading series that is being hosted at the Wyoming State Museum. The reading series will begin September 26, 2012 at the Museum and continue through January.  The reading series is presented by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association.

The Wyoming State Museum is located at 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. The general public is invited. For more information about the lecture or the upcoming reading series, call Chris Hanson at 777-6670.

Dedication ceremony for new Wyoming state flag stamp set for Aug. 23

The Wyoming Postal Service honors Wyoming and the state flag with a dedication ceremony for the Wyoming stamp August 23 at 2 p.m., at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne.

A part of the new "First Class, Flags or our Nation" series, the public and press are invited to this free event.

“With the release of this impressive stamp we pay homage to the majesty of our state’s flag,” Wyoming Postal Operations Manager Gary Sims said.

Sims will join Governor Matt Mead, Wyoming History Professor Dr. Phillip J. Roberts, and Post Office Operations Manager Catherine Wright during the ceremony.

The stamp is included in the final set of “Flags of Our Nation” stamps, available for nationwide purchase. The stamps are only available on a roll which includes similar flag stamps from other states and territories. The flag stamps are sold as a series, in a coil of 50 stamps only, priced at $22.50. The “Wyoming Flag” Stamp is part of the series and is not sold separately. Stamps will be available in local Post Offices on Aug. 17.

            

The Wyoming State Museum is located at 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. For more information about this or other State Museum programs, please call 777-7021.

Stan Dolega's "Wind Code" installed at new Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center

From David Newell, Curator of Art at the Wyoming State Museum: "Wind Code" took its place Monday at the new Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center south of Cheyenne on I-25. Laramie sculptor Stan Dolega and company endured searing heat and an unrelenting sun, and then rain and wind, to wrestle the massive steel and stone structure into place. The sculpture was commissioned through the Wyoming Art in Public Buildings Program. It will be dedicated as part of the new facility later this summer.

Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition purchase awards announced

Purchase award winner Michele Farrier of Alta, "Stateline Road," pastel, 18" x 20", $800.00. Michelle's work
 will be on display as part of the Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition
 this weekend at the Hynds Building in Cheyenne.  

This was announced Tuesday by the Wyoming State Museum:

Purchase Award recipients for the 2012 Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition have been announced, and will be recognized during the show’s awards presentation ceremony Saturday, June 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hynds Building in downtown Cheyenne.

An exhibition of all 70 artistic pieces included in this year’s show will be on display at the Hynds Building June 30 and July 1, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“We will be purchasing eight artworks from this year’s show,” said the show’s coordinator and curator, David L. Newell. “That is up from six from last year’s exhibit. This year’s show also includes 70 artworks, as opposed to 43 last year.”

This year’s eight winning artists include: Mack Brislawn, of Laramie, for his painting “Somewhere in the Powder River Basin;” Travis Ivey, of Laramie, for his painting “Spring Thaw on the Little Laramie;” Tony James, of Cheyenne, for his photograph “High Plains Thunder;” and Georgia Rowswell, of Cheyenne, for her mixed media composition “Paint Pot – Yellowstone.”

GCAE purchase award: Georgia Rowswell, Cheyenne, "Paint Point-Yellowstone,"
mixed media - compressed fiber, 21" x 21", $1,500.00

Also included are Shane Steiss, of Green River, for his mixed media composition “Aspen #14;” Michele Farrier, of Alta, for her pastel “Stateline Road;” Michael Flicek of Casper for his photograph “Prehistory Revealed;” and Joy Keown, of Laramie, for her painting “Rising From the Plains.”

“In a Hard Place,” a painting by Laramie’s Jerry Glass, received the Juror’s Choice Award.

“All of this year’s winning artworks have distinct Wyoming themes, in addition to being stunning works of art.” commented Newell.

The Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition is an annual juried group show. All the remaining artworks in the Hynds Building show are for sale, as are the works in the adjoining Artist Alley. All sales benefit the purchase fund for the permanent art collection at the Wyoming State Museum.

Established under an initiative by Governor Jim Geringer and organized under the auspices of the Wyoming Arts Council and the Wyoming State Museum, the Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition forms a collection of original Wyoming regional art for display in state offices. Works receiving Purchase Awards join this growing collection of prestigious art. The state’s five elected officials and representatives from other state agencies participated in the program to select the Purchase Award winners.

Another GCAE 2012 purchase award goes to Shane Steiss of Green River
for "Aspen #14," mixed media collage, 48" x 24", $500.00

Indian Removal Act topic of next Wyoming State Museum lecture

The Indian Removal Act, an unpopular and controversial part of the settlement of the American West, will be the focus of this month’s Wyoming State Museum lecture series presentation, May 8 at 7 p.m.

Dr. Robert Munkres, of Estes Park, Colo., presents “Indian Removal: The Dark Side of American History.” His presentation discusses the problematic relations between the Anglo population and the tribes native to the regions being settled.

Increasingly, white authority called for the removal of native tribes to the West, culminating in the passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

This presentation describes the implementation of the act, together with the terrible cost it imposed upon the Native American population.

For more information about this and other State Museum programs, please call 777-7022. The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne.

Legacy of Princess Blue Waters on display at Wyoming State Museum exhibit

Governor Matt Mead and Marirose Morris, Arts Access Specialist at the Wyoming Arts Council, at the opening reception of the "Dressed to the Nines" exhibit at the Wyoming State Museum on April 26. The beaded and fringed buckskin dress in the case was worn by traditional women dancers during the years that Princess Blue Waters brought the Lakota from Pine Ridge, S.D., to perform at the Cheyenne Frontier Days. The photo on the right is of Princess Blue Waters and Governor and Mrs. Milward Simpson. The doll is dressed in a replica of the trademark dress of Princess Blue Waters and was made by Michelle Crowe, granddaughter of Princess Blue Waters and Marirose's sister. The red purse is also Lakota-made.

"The Horse, Of Course" opens May 1 at Wyoming State Museum

Horses have had a huge influence on the western experience and Wyoming history, a new exhibit “A Horse, Of Course,” opening at the Wyoming State Museum May 1, explores that relationship.

Through photographs, artwork and artifacts drawn exclusively from the collections of the Wyoming State Museum and State Archives, the exhibit focuses on the important role horses played in opening the American West.

“Paleo horses became extinct on the North American continent around 10,000 BC and weren’t re-introduced until the Spanish arrived in what is today Florida and Central America in the 1500s. It wasn’t until the 18th century that horses were brought to this region,” notes the exhibit’s curator, David L. Newell. “So in the history of the world, modern horses have only been in this area a relatively short time.”

But as shown in the new exhibit, their impact was profound. “North America has a population of more than 9.5 million horses today, among the largest concentrations in the world, and the development of the American West would not have been possible without them. Before the invention of the internal-combustion engine, mankind was truly reliant on real horse power!”

“A Horse, Of Course” begins with Sioux ledger book drawings and works its way from the 19th to the 21st century using period and contemporary art, advertisements, documentary photographs and objects relating to horse culture. The exhibit features overviews of the relationships between American Indians and cowboys and their horses, horses at work and in sports, and symbolism relating to horses.

“A Horse, Of Course” will be on display from May 1, through March 31. There will be a public reception on May 24 from 5 - 7p.m.

The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building at 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. The museum is open Monday through Saturday. Hours are seasonal. Admission is free. Call 307-777-7022.

Get your style fix on at the Wyoming State Museum

Pretty dresses, paper flowers, and parties! The opening reception for the exhibit, “Dressed to the Nines,” is Thursday, April 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wyoming State Museum.


The reception features kids’ activities and refreshments including lemonade and coffee from Paramount Café. The reception is free and open to the public.

The exhibit features inaugural gowns worn by some of the first ladies of Wyoming and outfits worn by Princess Blue Waters, Miss Rodeo Wyoming, and Miss Wyoming, among others.

The gowns, suits and outfits present a glimpse into the personal style of each woman, and the fashion of the time. The exhibit will remain open through March, 2013.

The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. For more information about this and other State Museum programs and exhibits, please call 777-7021.

Come meet Tom O'Day and Bronco Nell and keep your horse in plain sight!

Tom O'Day

Experience the Wild West through the eyes of real life outlaws as Ray Maple and his wife, Jackie, portray the life and times of Tom O’Day and Bronco Nell, April 20, at 7 p.m. in the Wyoming State Museum Multi-Purpose Room. The presentation is free and open to the public.



Bronco Nell

Both O’Day and Nell are colorful characters in Wyoming history. O’Day, along with Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and Kid Curry, were sometimes members of the infamous Hole in the Wall Gang, and participated in a number of famous robberies throughout the region.

Nell split time between running a freight company and stealing horses. Both O’Day and Nell served time in the Wyoming Territorial Prison for their crimes.

The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. For more information about this and other State Museum programs and exhibits, please call777-7021.

Public art project at Medium Security Prison in Torrington will be dedicated in June

Front entrance of Medium Security Prison in Torrington

Close-up exterior shot of prison cupola with "Play Ball" artwork

From David Newell, Wyoming State Museum Curator and Arts in Public Buildings Coordinator: This is a photo of "Play Ball", the glass sculpture recently installed at the Medium Security Prison in Torrington through the 1% for Art in Public Buildings program managed by the Wyoming Arts Council. The piece hangs in the cupola of the vistors center and can be seen from all directions. It is a splash of color and hope in a very stark institutional environment. A stunning bit of relief from steel and razor wire to be sure! The piece will be dedicated in June.

Ben Roth's "Sandhill Cranes" sculpture lands at Military Joint Forces Readiness Center

Wyoming State Museum Arts Curator David Newell sent this photo of Jackson sculptor Ben Roth installing his steel mesh and bronze sculpture "Sandhill Cranes" at the Military Joint Forces Readiness Center in Cheyenne. Close-up of one of the cranes shown in photo below. 

 

Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition application available on WAC web site

The 2012 Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition will be held June 30 - July 1 at the Hynds Building in downtown Cheyenne. The postmark deadline for entries is March 30, 2012. Participating artists must be members of the Wyoming Arts Council's Artist Image Registry (AIR). For further details call 307-777-7677. Get application at http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/pdf/2012GCAEapplication.pdf

Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition call for entries will be in the mail this week

The Wyoming State Museum's Curator of Art, David L. Newell, reports that the Call for Entries for the 2012 Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition and Sale are mailing this week.

"The show is slightly later this year and we are also experimenting the a new venue and format. The exhibition will be held at the Hynds Building in downtown Cheyenne rather than at the State Museum. It will also be a two-day installation -- although I can't call it a pop-up show because people know about it. The new space allows us to grow the show and accept larger pieces."

The show will be June 30 and July 1. The postmark deadline for entries is March 30. Artists must be registered with the Wyoming Arts Council's Artist Image Registry (AIR) to participate in the show. There are no entry fees.

FMI: 307-777-7677

Hear the inside story of the Ames Monument Feb. 9 at Wyoming State Museum

From the Wyoming State Museum:

A unique perspective of Ames Monument is the featured Wyoming State Museum lecture series presentation on Thursday, February 9, at 7 p.m., in the Multi-Purpose Room.

Entitled “The Lonely Pyramid on Sherman Hill,” Anna Lee Ames Frohlich, great- granddaughter of Oakes and Oliver Ames, will discuss the 60-foot-high Ames Monument located in what was once Sherman, Wyoming.

The presentation will explore the history of the monument itself, its builders and the area where it is located.
            
The Ames family history and their involvement with the Union Pacific Railroad will also be discussed. 

The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Ave. in Cheyenne. For more information about this and other State Museum programs, please call 777-7021.

Mark Junge presents "Charleston to Key West" tonight at Wyoming State Museum

Everyone is invited to “Charleston to Key West,” a Wyoming State
Museum lecture by bicyclist Mark Junge at 7 p.m., tonight in the
Multi-Purpose Room.

Junge, a retiree from the State Historic Preservation Office, has
made numerous bicycle trips across the U.S. He will present a slide
show on his last trip through the southern states.

Junge will highlight his adventures along America’s back roads with
humor and short personal stories.
      
The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301
Central Avenue in Cheyenne. For more information about this and other
Stte Museum programs, please call 777-7022.

"Cow Town Victoriana" presentation Oct. 13 at Wyoming State Museum

Wyoming’s Victorian architecture is the topic of the newest Wyoming State Museum Lecture Series presentation, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m., in the Multi-Purpose Room. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the Wyoming Humanities Council, Melanie O’Hara’s presentation, "Cow Town Victoriana" discusses how Wyoming tent towns such as Cheyenne, Laramie, Rawlins and Rock Springs burgeoned into impressive statements of American Victorian architecture.

The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne. For more information about this and other State Museum programs, please call 777-7022.

The presentation will include vintage photos of early Victorian architecture in Wyoming’s premier railroad towns.

Call for entries (update): Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center

We've already listed this Wyoming Art in Public Buildings call for entries. However, more info about the project is now available online. See the call for entries for the new Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center at http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/pdf/SEWYWelcomeCenterCallforEntries.pdf

Here’s the project timeline:

•           Postmark deadline for artist portfolio submissions: September 2, 2011 (please follow application requirements, late submissions will not be accepted).

•           Committee review of artists’ portfolios: September 14, 2011.

•           Announcement of selected artists: September 19, 2011.

•           Project development: September 20, 2011 – December 2011.

•           Presentations for committee review: December 2011.

•           Announcement of final selection(s): January 2012.

•           Delivery and installation to be completed no later than Summer 2012

If you have any questions about the project or need more information on the selection process, please contact David Newell, Curator of Art, Wyoming State Museum, 307-777-7677 or via e-mail at david.newell@wyo.gov. Artists may visit http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/Public/Index.aspx for additional project information and specifications. The project architects are also available for consultation.