Gillette's Joan Sowada and Pinedale's David Klaren get public art commissions for Curt Gowdy State Park

Commissions for artwork for the new Curt Gowdy State Park Visitor Center and the Health and Science Center at Central Wyoming College in Riverton, both Art in Public Buildings Projects, have been awarded to three artists.

            The Curt Gowdy Visitor Center will feature artwork created by Gillette textile artist Joan Sowada and Pinedale’s David Klarén. The Health and Science Center at Central Wyoming College will house a glass frieze by Massachusetts artist Rufus Butler Seder.

“The Curt Gowdy project was a statewide call and we received 30 proposals from 21 Wyoming artists.” said Art in Public Buildings Project coordinator David L. Newell. “The proposals ran the gamut from traditional to contemporary, and the committee selected two concepts that really suit the lodge-style design of the center.”

Sowada is creating four quilted textile banners, incorporating imagery relating to the park, to hang above the information desk. Klarén is fabricating a series of cast iron fish silhouettes to be incorporated into the concrete sidewalks surrounding the facility and carved into the ceramic tiles of the Great Hall.

“David is bringing his fantastic graphic skills to the project and his interpretations of the fish species native to the park are amazing!” said Newell. “The selection committee was also extremely taken with a suite of iron fireplace appointments designed by artisan blacksmith David Osmundsen of Buffalo. A separate fundraising effort will be undertaken to secure the funds to purchase those pieces.” Newell added.

A national call was issued for the new Health and Science Center at Central Wyoming College. “We received 39 proposals from both Wyoming artists and artists outside the region. The building utilizes a soaring glass entryway and lobby space between the auditorium and classroom wings that served as the primary focus for installations, though the exterior plaza also received a lot of creative ideas.” continued Newell. “In the end, the committee selected a glass frieze that will knock people’s socks off. The piece utilizes optics to ‘animate’ its imagery and will morph from a single atom through a series of images, ending with the expanded galaxy. It will be amazing and perfect for a facility dealing with both health and natural sciences!”

Both the Curt Gowdy Visitor Center and the Health and Science Center at Central Wyoming College will open the summer of 2013.

The Wyoming Arts Council is responsible for the implementation of the one percent for Art in Public Buildings legislation for the State of Wyoming. By statute, artwork is commissioned as part of all new construction of state buildings with a cap of $100,000.

For additional information, contact David L. Newell, Curator of Art, Wyoming State Museum at 307-777-7677.

Teton County wildlife art gets winterized courtesy of The Knitting Project

The Knitting Project is dressing up wildlife art in Teton County, such as "Bruce the Moose" in Wilson shown above. Find out more at Suzanne Morlock's web site or read an article about the unique project in the winter issue of Wyoming Artscapes, which comes out next week. 

Artists' reception for Pinedale's public art initiative Feb. 8 at Sublette County LIbrary

Sue Sommers' mural "Our Glittering World" in downtown Pinedale

Pinedale’s public art initiative, IN|SITE EX|SITE, hosts an artists reception on Friday, February 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Sublette County Library. Artists contributing work to the community will be honored, including Bronwyn Minton, JB Bond, Kirsten and Palmer Klarén, and Sue Sommers.

Call for artists: San Francisco Arts Commission

Wyoming artists are eligible!

The San Francisco Arts Commission invites artists and artist teams working in a variety of media and artistic approaches residing in the Western States (see eligibility requirements) to submit qualifications for potential inclusion in a prequalified artist pool for upcoming public art opportunities. The 2013/2014 Prequalified Artist Pool will be used to select artists for a range of new public art projects associated with the construction of new civic buildings, parks and playgrounds, as well as transportation and streetscape improvement projects throughout San Francisco. Read more...

APPLICATION DEADLINE 
Applications must be completed online by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 (PST). Applications are available through SlideRoom (sfgov.slideroom.com), an online application system for calls for entry. There is no charge to artists for using SlideRoom.Please be sure to allow adequate time to submit your application as technical difficulties can occur. Applications that are mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered will not be considered. Applications will not be accepted after the 4:00 pm deadline. More info...

Bronwyn Minton's "Three Rogues" public art sculpture is installed in Pinedale

From David Klaren in Pinedale:

Here is a great set of photos shot by David Vaughan of Pinedale while we installed Bronwyn Minton's public sculpture titled "Three Rogues". This is an Ex|Site:Incubate/3D project, which is part of the comprehensive In|Site:Ex|Site/Pinedale public art program. This project was made possible with generous support from the Town of Pinedale and the Pinedale Fine Arts Council.

We are planning an artist reception for the four projects we have installed over the past 18 months, the end of January 2013.

Keep your eyes open, also, as we will be releasing artist call for entries through out the next few months for both permanent, and temporary projects for next summer. See entire series of installation photos at https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/108503453767016085786/albums/5804434984244884449?authkey=CJT60KqNoIOzngE

Call for entries: CWC Health and Science Center public art project

Architectural rendering of new CWC Health and Science Center and outdoor plaza.

The Art in Public Buildings program is issuing a call for artists for the Central Wyoming College Health and Science Center in Riverton. This is a national call for proposals with a deadline of Nov. 30, 2012.

Central Wyoming College has a standing history of nonrepresentational public art projects on campus. Therefore both traditional and nonrepresentational themes are appropriate. Themes for art proposals for the Health and Science Center may include references to the region’s cultural and natural history, the geological timeline, education, the natural sciences, health care, health sciences and the environment. Artists are encouraged to consider incorporating sustainable and recycled materials in their compositions. Proposed concepts should not be structural in nature or impact the architectural integrity of the facility.

The College’s service area encompasses one of the largest American Indian populations in the United States. Both the Northern Arapaho and the Eastern Shoshone reside on the Wind River Indian Reservation, one of the most geographically isolated regions of the West. There is also a significant Hispanic population in the area. Central Wyoming College provides a great many residents of these communities an opportunity for post-secondary educational services.

The Art in Public Buildings Project Committee has identified several potential installation sites. The exterior plaza on the north side of the building is the primary outdoor location. On the interior, the two expansive upper gallery wall surfaces of the West Lobby/Gallery (east and west wall surfaces) are the primary locations. Additional locations include the recessed radius rear wall of the auditorium, the two large niches of the West Lobby within the open balcony light wells, the secondary East Lobby/Gallery and the associated balcony light well and stairwell shaft, and the wall spaces between the classroom doors of the main east-west building corridor. Any work proposed for the exterior plaza must take into consideration the environmental extremes of the region, especially temperature fluctuations and wind force.

All styles, conceptual approaches and mediums are encouraged. Proposed artwork should enhance the architectural elements and visually extend the presence and purpose of the Health and Science Center, melding art, science and education. All proposed artwork must be durable, structurally sound, secure, site appropriate and easy to maintain.

Find the brochure with full guidelines at http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/pdf/AIPBCallforEntriesBrochureWyomingCentralCollege.pdf

"Fast Food" bronzes to be dedicated Sept. 18 in downtown Cheyenne

From a press release:

The Cheyenne Downtown Development Foundation is pleased to be dedicating the coyote and rabbit bronzes ("Fast Food") placed on the northeast corner of 17th Street and Warren Avenue at the 17th Street Parking Lot.  A recognition plaque was added to the display thanking the many donors who made this display possible.

The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 18, at 10:30 a.m., at the 17th Street Parking Lot.  Following the dedication, there will be a reception at Deselms Fine Art & Custom Framing.

FMI: Christie DePoorter, Executive Director, Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority, 307-433-9730 

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.

Call for artists: Spaceport America public art project

Prospectus #220 Spaceport America

New Mexico Arts and New Mexico Spaceport Authority seek an experienced public artist to participate as part of the design team for the public art project at Spaceport America, a place where the world is offered an invitation to space and where the spirit to innovate, create and inspire thrives. In collaboration with the design team, the selected artist will create integrated artwork for the Spaceport America Visitor Center and/or the surrounding landscape. Professional visual artists at least 18 years of age permanently residing and legally qualified to work in the Milky Way Galaxy are eligible to apply.

	Eligibility:		Intergalactic
	Budget:		$200,000 all-inclusive. $30,000 for participation on the design team and $170,000 for fabrication and installation.
	Deadline:		11:59 P.M. (MST), Thursday, October 4, 2012
	Apply:		Online using CaFE, beginning Tuesday, September 4, 2012
	Contact:		Ben Owen, Public Art Project Coordinator

Watch artist and UW grad Dan Toro paint latest downtown Laramie mural through Aug. 31

"Growth" by Dan Toro

From a University of Wyoming press release:

Laramie artist and University of Wyoming graduate Dan Toro has begun work on a mural on the Source Gas building located at Third and Custer streets in downtown Laramie.

Titled “Growth,” it is the second mural of the Laramie Mural Project 2012. It will incorporate images of large trees with deep roots as a representation of community accomplishments. Smaller trees without deep roots appear as wind-blown, broken twigs.

“The image of trees with deep roots is symbolic of the community and, when working together, how much can be accomplished,” Toro says. “When one moves away from the community, little gets done.”

Toro is painting the mural on location through Aug. 31. The public is welcome to stop by to watch him work and view the mural’s progression.

The Laramie Mural Project is a partnership among local businesses and artists, the Laramie Main Street Alliance and the UW Art Museum. It has been funded by the Guthrie Family Foundation, city of Laramie, and the Wyoming Arts Council.

“Growth” is the second of as many as four murals planned for the downtown area this year. “Escape” by Meghan Meier, the first new mural this year, can be viewed at Garfield and Second streets. They join three murals that were completed last summer: “Hollyhock Haven” by Travis Ivey, at Custer between First and Second streets; Meier’s ”Grainery Grove” at the alleyway on Ivinson between First and Second streets at the former Whole Earth Grainery; and Talal Cockar’s “Tierra y Libertad,” First Street between University and Ivinson on the Big Hollow Food Co-op building.

“Imagine learning from the masters” is a guiding principle of the UW Art Museum’s programs. Located in the Centennial Complex at 2111 Willett Drive in Laramie, the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information, call the Art Museum at (307) 766-6622 or visit www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum  and blog at www.uwyoartmuseum.org. Follow the museum on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/uwyoartmuseum.  

Photo: Dan Toro’s “Growth” will appear on the Source Gas building located at Third and Custer streets in downtown Laramie. (Dan Toro)

Sheridan Public Arts Committee raising funds for "Huckleberry Daze" sculpture

Linda Lillegraven painting installed at Wyoming Military Joint Readiness Center

Crew installing Linda Lillegraven's artwork at the Wyoming Military Joint Readiness Center

"Wyoming from the Air"

Laramie artist, Linda Lillegraven's new commission for the Wyoming Military Joint Force Readiness Center in Cheyenne was installed today. The oil on linen painting, Wyoming from the Air, is a panoramic view looking down at the Medicine Bow River from 20,000 ft. on a summer day. The painting was created on a curved substrate of fused poplar and masonite to follow the curve of the wall at the Readiness Center. The work was commissioned for the facility through the 1% for Art in Public Buildings Program of the State of Wyoming. It is one of five new commissions created for the facility.

E.W. Gollings statue almost ready for the Sheridan County Historical Museum

This photo from Billings, Montana's, Meadowlark Gallery home page shows the new statue of "E. W. Gollings" by Marylee M. Moreland which soon will be installed at the Sheridan County Historical Museum in Sheridan.

Casper unveils newest public art project Aug. 16

Click to enlarge

Flutter Tunnel: From Nevada's Burning Man to small villages in Sierra Leone

Flutter Tunnel

Jackson's Bland Hoke, who worked with the Center of Wonder, recently graduated from Parsons and and says that he is "a bit nomadic at this point. He is "working on a project called Flutter Tunnel and trying to get the word out about it. Here is the scoop:"

In late August, I am coordinating a group of 12 people that will be creating Flutter Tunnel for Burning Man. As you may know, this festival takes place in the desert of Nevada and lasts 7 days. Our project is designed to last much longer as we are lighting it with solar powered lamps, which are sent to Sierra Leone after the installation is dismantled. We have partnered with Books for Africa and Schools for Salone to distribute the lights to rural schools for reading at night. We realized how powerful this idea is after receiving notice from the schools exclaiming how useful the lights are for promoting a culture of reading.

Our group received some support from Burning Man, and we have raised $3000 in ten days. We are using Kickstarter, and have a week left to raise the remaining funds. If it feels appropriate to feature the project on the blog we would appreciate any extra exposure. Or if you are stirred by the concept feel free to donate! We have crafted a series of interesting rewards for your contribution! Thanks in advance and have a splendid day.

WANTED: Artists and Craftspeople to help install exhibits at SE Wyoming Welcome Center

HELP WANTED

WHO: Artists and Craftspeople

WHAT: To help with the installation of exhibits at the Office of Tourism's new Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center

WHEN: Most of August, starting around 8/6/12

WHERE: New Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center, south of Cheyenne on I-25

SKILLS: Sculpting cement, scenic painting, basic assembly, some carpentry, some welding, set dressing, general handyman skills

COMPENSATION: Contract work, $12-15/hour, dependent upon skill set

CONTACT: annetoxey@tmdaexhibits.com

PROVIDE: 1) a telephone number, 2) photos of work or link to portfolio, and 3) resume or references

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.

Call for entries: ArtSpot!

The Center of Wonder announces a bigger stipend and longer installation time. Artists will be awarded $2000 for creating an ArtSpot that will be displayed from September 1, 2012 through March 15th, 2013.

Submit your concepts by June 27, 2012.

Artists will be notified by July 8th, 2012.

Submit to: artspot2012@gmail.com

Download Guidelines here.

Artwork will be installed by September 1, 2012 and hang through March 15,th 2013.

For Information please contact: Carrie Geraci/Director, Jackson Hole Public Art: 307-413-1474 or Jen Simon/ Project Coordinator, Center of Wonder: 307-413-0672

Mechanical Specifications: The ArtSpot structure is 22 feet tall, and the sign itself is shaped like an upper case "P". The interior of the rectangle potion is 10' H x 6' W x 1' D. There are bolt holes and strong points throughout the structure to connect to.

Located on Hwy 89, the ArtSpot is seen by an average of 30,000 people per day. The ArtSpot is a kinetic sign structure that was designed and built by the Center of Wonder's Public Art Ambassador Bland Hoke. It was created from a repurposed chairlift tower donated by the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

In addition to the Center of Wonder the ArtSpot has received support and funding from: First Interstate Bank, First Interstate BancSystem Foundation, The Wyoming Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, Cultural Council, and Farmers Market, the Karns Family, the Art Association of Jackson Hole, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, JH Whitewater, Custom Iron Design, Evans Construction, G&S Engineering, The Teton Group & amazing volunteers.

Photo essay: "Play Ball" sculpture dedication at Torrington Correctional Facility

Artists Tom and Jean Latka of Pueble, Colo., created "Play Ball," the Art in Public Buildings sculpture dedicated June 21 at the Wyoming Medium Correction Institution in Torrington. Photo by Annie Hatch.



"Play Ball" sculpture in the entrance cupola of the Correctional Facility. Materials in the sphere are fused dichroic glass and stainless steel. According to artist Jean Latka, each of the glass disks is engraved with a positive message such as "tolerance," "compassion," and "forgiveness." "I though of it as a prayer," she said. Because the glass changes colors with the changing light, "you always encounter it in a different way," said SPCR Director Milward Simpson at the dedication ceremony. Photo by Annie Hatch.



Close-up of dichroic fused glass disks. Photo by Sue Castaneda.

Presentation of dedication plaque at June 21 ceremony. Pictured  (from left to right): Artists Tom and Jean Latka; Warden Steve Hargett; Department of Corrections Director Bob Lampert; State Parks and Cultural Resources Director Milward Simpson; Wyoming Arts Council Manager Rita Basom. Photo by Annie Hatch.

Chattanooga public art project open to all U.S. artists

THE BRIGHT SCHOOL CENTENNIAL PUBLIC ART PROJECT

Deadline: May 17. Public Art Chattanooga and the Bright School in Chattanooga, TN, are looking for artists or artist groups to create a permanent piece for the entrance of the school. This call is open to all applicants in the United States over the age of 18. Project proposals must maintain the ability to withstand weather and public interaction with the piece.

FMI: www.publicartchattanooga.com/about/callstoartists.htm