Work featured in the 2011 Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition for sale at State Museum

Marsha Barritt
Upton, Wyoming
"Reflections"
photo giclee
22" x 25"
$700

The 2011 Governor's Capitol Art exhibition and Sale celebrates Wyoming artists. This juried competition is building a unique art collection for display in the executive offices and public areas of government facilities in the Cheyenne area. The annual exhibition is a joint partnership between the five elected officials, the Governor’s Residence, Wyoming Travel & Tourism, Wyoming Business Council and the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, which includes the Wyoming Arts Council, the Wyoming State Museum and the Wyoming State Archives. Monies realized from the sale of works in the Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition are utilized to acquire new works for the permanent art collection of the Wyoming State Museum. Artwork is available for purchase through June 25. Please support this effort by personally selecting one, or more, of these unique works created by a Wyoming artist. Sales are handled through the Museum Store at the Wyoming State Museum. Your generosity is appreciated.

Fifth-grader from Lander wins Arbor Day poster contest

Wyoming Arbor Day Poster winner (and budding artist) Fiachra Rottinghaus, a home-schooled fifth grader from Lander, poses with Gov. Matt Mead at the Arbor Day ceremony April 25 across from the State Capitol. Fiachra holds her winning poster. Photo by Cathy R. Lujan, PIO, Office of State Lands & Investments

April 25 celebration in Cheyenne includes recognition of Arbor Day poster contest winner

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING

Wyoming’s 123^rd State Arbor Day

Monday April 25, 2011   1:30 PM

State Supreme Court Building North Lawn

(24^th and Capitol)

30 Minute Ceremony to Include:

History of Wyoming Arbor Day

Official State Arbor Day Proclamation

Governor Matt Mead

Tree City USA Recognition

2011 State Arbor Day Award

·         Mike McNutt, Campbell County Parks and Recreation

Recognition of State Arbor Day Poster Contest Winner

·         5^th Grade Student Fiachra Rottinhaus, Lander, WY

Planting of special State Arbor Day Tree

·         White Fir

Distribution of seedling fir and maple trees

Wyoming Tribune Eagle: "Mead appreciates art"

Wyoming Tribune-Eagle reporter Karen Cotton attended Friday night's Governor's Arts Awards bash in Cheyenne and wrote about Gov. Matt Mead's first "State of the Arts" speech. Go to

Mead appreciates art - Wyoming Tribune Eagle Online

Call for entries: Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition

Postmark deadline is Feb. 28 for the Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition.

Judge for this year's competition, open to Wyoming artists only, is Anne Morand. She is the curator of art with the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Print applications are available at the Wyoming Arts Council, 2320 Capitol Ave., and the Wyoming State Museum, 2301 Central Ave., Cheyenne. If you have questions about the competition, call David L. Newell, the museum's curator of art, at 307-777-7677.

Artists must have current material (less that three years old) on file with the Wyoming Arts Council's Artist Image Registry (AIR). Find AIR submission forms at the WAC web site. If you have questions about the AIR, contact Michael Shay or Lindsey Grubbs at 307-777-7742.

See you in Cheyenne Feb. 11 for 29th annual Governor's Arts Awards

Save the date for the 29th Governor’s Arts Awards

February 11, 2011, 6-10 p.m.

Little American Grand Ballroom, Cheyenne

Watch your mail for the invitation. Please contact our office at ebratt@state.wy.us to be added to our print mail list.

Join us in celebrating these 2010 awardees selected for their substantial contributions to Wyoming’s arts:

The Bradford Brinton Memorial & Museum showcases the work of masters in an historic setting, provides art education and helps regional artists; it is the most popular tourist attraction in Sheridan County.

Michael Masterson of Powell is recognized for his expertise and leadership in vocal and instrumental music education. He is the foremost expert on the music of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Cowboy Band and, as director of the award-winning Northwest Studio Singers, set the standard for middle and high school jazz choirs for over two decades.

Nancy Curtis of Glendo was chosen for her contribution to writing, establishing the High Plains Press and her commitment to the preservation of history and the written word.

pARTners has created an innovative method of funding art programs in Jackson schools and incorporating art into other subjects. It promotes creativity in private and public schools’ curriculum by bringing artists into classrooms to collaborate with teachers.

Stage III Community Theatre has entertained Casper audiences for 30 years and provided an opportunity for actors, directors, designers and stage crews to hone their craft.

FMI: http://www.wyomingartscouncil.org/

Nomination deadline rapidly approaching for 2010 Governor's Arts Awards

The postmark deadline is Friday, Oct. 8, for nominations for the 2010 Governor’s Arts Awards.

The awards are presented based on accomplishments that reflect substantial contributions made to the arts in Wyoming, and exemplify a long-term commitment to the arts.

To request a nomination form, selection criteria and a list of previous Governor’s Arts Awards recipients, contact the Wyoming Arts Council office at 307-777-7742, or via email at ebratt@state.wy.us. Forms may also be accessed on the Arts Council’s web site http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/.

Previous Governor’s Arts Award recipients are not eligible; however, nomination of previously unselected nominees is encouraged.

Established in 1982, the Governor’s Arts Awards recognize excellence in the arts or outstanding service to the arts in Wyoming.

Over the years, 111 individuals and organizations from throughout the state have been honored for their dedication to the arts. This year is the 29th anniversary of these prestigious awards. This year’s recipients will be honored at a dinner and awards ceremony in Cheyenne, February 11, 2011.

Through the Governor’s Arts Awards and its many other program, the Wyoming Arts Council fulfills its mission to enhance the quality of life for the people of Wyoming by providing resources to sustain, promote and cultivate the arts.

Deadline Oct. 8 for Governor's Arts Awards nominations

The Wyoming Arts Council is accepting nominations for the 2010 Governor’s Arts Awards, an annual honor presented to citizens, organizations, businesses or communities in the Cowboy State that make substantial contributions to the arts.

The awards are presented based on accomplishments that reflect substantial contributions made to the arts in Wyoming, and exemplify a long-term commitment to the arts. Nominations must be postmarked no later than October 8, 2010.

To request a nomination form, selection criteria and a list of previous Governor’s Arts Awards recipients, contact the Wyoming Arts Council office at 307-777-7742, or via email at ebratt@state.wy.us. Forms may also be accessed on the Arts Council’s web site http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/.

Previous Governor’s Arts Award recipients are not eligible; however, nomination of previously unselected nominees is encouraged.

Established in 1982, the Governor’s Arts Awards recognize excellence in the arts or outstanding service to the arts in Wyoming. These awards were first made possible by an endowment from the Union Pacific Foundation in honor of Mrs. John U. Loomis, a life-long patron of the arts.

Over the years, individuals and organizations from throughout Wyoming have been honored for their dedication to the arts in Wyoming. This year is the 29th anniversary of these prestigious awards. This year’s recipients will be honored at a dinner and awards ceremony in Cheyenne, February 11, 2011.

More info available through future blog posts and on the WAC web site.

Gov. Freudenthal signs Archaeology Awareness Month proclamation

From a SPCR press release:

Governor Dave Freudenthal, citing “Wyoming’s enduring bond between past and present in the fabric of human society, recently proclaimed September Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month during a brief ceremony in his office.

Gov. Freudenthal was joined during the proclamation signing by members of the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service and the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

During the ceremony, Gov. Freudenthal was presented with a framed copy of this year’s poster which features the Tolar Petroglyph Site in Southwestern Wyoming.

The site contains the well preserved image of a Comanche warrior on horseback, elaborately carved into sandstone bedrock and strikingly contrasted with the dark natural varnish of the cliff face. The panel design is likely more than two centuries old.

The site is valued by several Indian nations as a sacred and honored place. The glyph used on this year’s Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month poster was chosen with the concurrence of the Comanche, Eastern Shoshone, Ute, and Northern Arapaho tribes, a cross-cultural collaboration that benefits all of Wyoming.

“This is a wonderful site and a great opportunity for visitors to see an example of Wyoming culture and history,” Lance Porter of the BLM’s Rock Springs Field Office said. The Tolar Site is located just off I-80 on BLM land.

The WAAM celebration includes the 12th Annual George C. Frison Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology sponsored lecture by Ted Goebel, from the Center for the Study of the First Americans at Texas A&M University. The lecture will be held at the University of Wyoming on September 23.

The 2010 WAAM poster is available free of charge, and may be picked up at the State Historic Preservation Office, Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne, or in Laramie in the Anthropology Building located at 12th and Lewis, Room 312. The posters are also available via mail with a $10 charge to cover mailing costs. Limit one poster per person. Send your request along with a check or money order payable to “Wyoming Archaeology Month” and your name and mailing address to: Judy Wolf, State Historic Preservation Office, Wyoming Archaeology Month, Dept. 3431, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071.

The 2010 WAAM t-shirts and caps are available at the State Museum Store in Cheyenne, or via http://wyoshpo.state.wy.us/pdf/orderform.pdf  Short-sleeve shirts are available at a cost of $16. Shirts in sizes 2XL are available for an additional $1.50. Long-sleeved shirts are available for $23. Add $1.50 for size 2XL. Caps are available for $15 and chef’s aprons for $20. Proceeds benefit WAAM activities.

For more information about WAAM, please visit http://wyoshpo.state.wy.us/AAmonth/Index.aspx.

New portraits of seven Wyoming governors to be unveiled at evening reception in Cheyenne

One of three painters of recently-completed Wyoming Governor portraits: Russian-born artist Galina Perova of Salt Lake City

A public reception for the newly unveiled official portraits of seven Wyoming governors will be held Friday, August 20, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Historic Governors* Mansion, 300 East 21st Street, Cheyenne.

This year's Governor's Portrait Project features artistic renditions of Governors John E. Osborn (1893-1895), DeForest Richards (1899-1903), Bryant B. Brooks (1905-1911), Leslie A. Miller (1933-1939), Nels H. Smith (1939-1943), Lester Hunt (1943-1949) and Milward Simpson (1955-1959).

Artists for this year's portraits are Robert Kuester, Galina Perova and Michele Rushworth.

The portrait exhibition will be held in conjunction with the mansion's newest exhibit, "Road to the Capitol," which explores the process one takes to become elected Governor of Wyoming.

Additionally, the exhibit examines the first state election between F.E. Warren and George Baxter.

Visitors can also learn about this year's gubernatorial candidates, and kids 17 and younger can cast their vote for the next Governor of Wyoming in a mock election.

The Governors' Portrait Program was created by the Select Committee on Legislative Facilities in 2005. The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources is also a partner.

The Select Committee on Legislative Facilities has been a champion of this program to ensure that the State of Wyoming honors former governors with an official portrait.

The program unveiled five original portraits: J.J. "Joe" Hickey, Stanley K. Hathaway, Clifford P. Hansen, Michael J. Sullivan and James E. Geringer, in 2007.

The completion of the seven new portraits brings the number of portraits in the state collection to 25, which includes nearly all elected governors after statehood, who have served at least one full term.

For more information about the Historic Governors' Mansion and/or exhibitions, please call 777-7878. For more information about the Governors Portrait Project, please contact Renee Bovee at 307-777-6312.

Purchase winners announced for 2010 Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition

Winners of purchase awards at the Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition pose with representatives of state government at a May 21 reception at the Wyoming State Museum. Shown (left to right) are Dan Hayward, Laramie photographer and WAC roster artist; sculptor Gail Sundell of Cheyenne; Secretary of State Max Maxfield; Jane Woods, batik artist from Powell; painter Dianne Wyatt of Sheridan; artist, illustrator and sculptor Jerry Palen from Saratoga; and Milward Simpson, Director of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. Purchase winners not shown: Valerie Seaberg from Jackson, mixed media; and Jeanie Schlump from Laramie, acrylics. To view the artwork, go to http://www.wyomuseum.org/

Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition opening reception May 21 at State Museum

Shell artist Karyne Dunbar is one of the artists featured in the 2010 Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition. This is a mixed-media piece entitled "Loss."

The work will be on display at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne May 8 through June 5.

An opening reception will be held at the State Museum on May 21 from 5-7 p.m. Governor Dave Freudenthal will be on hand to present this year’s purchase awards. The Bobby Hathaway Juror’s Choice and People’s Choice awards will also be presented. The reception is free and open to the public.

Overall, this year’s show features 40 artistic pieces selected by juror Deborah Mitchell, director of the Apex Gallery and faculty member in the Humanities Department at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Artwork selected for tenth annual Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition

BREAKING NEWS (as they say on TV):

Works by 40 of Wyoming’s best artists have been selected for inclusion in the Tenth Annual Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition, and will be on display at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne from May 8 through June 5.

An opening reception will be held at the State Museum on May 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Governor Dave Freudenthal will be on hand to present this year’s purchase awards. The Bobby Hathaway Juror’s Choice and People’s Choice awards will also be presented. The reception is free and open to the public.

Overall, this year’s show features 40 artistic pieces selected by juror Deborah Mitchell, director of the Apex Gallery and faculty member in the Humanities Department at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

The Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition is produced through the cooperative efforts of the offices of the five elected officials, the Department of State Parks and
Cultural Resources, the Wyoming Arts Council, the Wyoming Business Council and the Division of Travel and Tourism.

The exhibition promotes and encourages Wyoming artists while building an art collection available for public officials to exhibit state talent in their offices. To date, the collection has over 110 pieces loaned out for one year, then rotated. Purchase awards have averaged more than $11,000 each year; in addition, the public makes purchases from the exhibit.

The Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition is sponsored by Wal-Mart, Anadarko Petroleum, McMurry Foundation, Cheyenne Light Fuel and Power, Peabody Energy and Capital Lumber Company.

Artists selected this year are Joe Arnold, Ronald Hansen, Daniel Hayward, Travis Ivey, Patrick Kikut, Crystal Lawrence, Linda Lillegraven, Ginnie Madsen, Jon Madsen and Jeanie Schlump of Laramie.

Joshua Eastman, Lynn Newman, Justin Richards, Kevin Robinett, Georgia Rowswell and Gail Sundell of Cheyenne; Ann Arndt, Don Butler, Danna Hildebrand, Margie Newman and Dianne Wyatt of Sheridan

Brad Cool, Christianna Dvarishkis, Barbara Kuxhausen and Carol Swinney of Casper; Jenny Dowd of Alpine; Robert Vore of Beulah; Trudy Schoonover of Buffalo; Cindy Bennett and Elijah Cobb of Cody; Mike Conaway of Evanston; Edie Reno and Joan Sowada of Gillette; Valerie Seaberg of Jackson; Jane Woods of Powell; Paul Ng of Rock Springs; Jerry Palen of Saratoga; Karyne Dunbar of Shell and Miga Rossetti and Shannon Troxler of Wilson.

Governor's Arts Awards: W.E.S.T.

Wyoming Educators of Secondary Theatre (W.E.S.T.)

Governor's Arts Awards: Duane Evenson

Mayor Duane Evenson, Gillette

Governor's Arts Awards: Louise Wesswick

Arts patron Louise Wesswick, Rock Springs


Watch Louise Wesswick in Travel & Culture  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Governor's Arts Awards: Don Butler

Don Butler, saddlemaker from Sheridan


Watch Don Butler in Travel & Culture View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Sighted at 2010 Governor's Arts Awards Gala...

Wyoming U.S. Sen. John Barrasso attended the Feb. 12 Governor's Arts Awards Gala sponsored by the Wyoming Arts Council. In a brief address to the crowd of 400 at Little America in Cheyenne, he sang the praises of the arts in Wyoming. Here he is shown at the event with constituents. Wyoming's lone U.S. Representative, Cynthia Lummis, dropped in to say hi during the pre-banquet social hour. Photos by Evangeline Bratton, WAC Staff.

Wyoming Arts Council Board member Susan Stubson of Casper (left) and Bobbi Brown Barrasso, wife of Sen. John Barrasso. This shot was taken at the Governor's Residence reception.

Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen and wife Diane

Former Wyoming Secretary of State Thyra Thomson (at the Governor's Residence)

Former U.S. Senator Al Simpson of Cody

Sara Needles (center), administrator of the Wyoming Division of Cultural Resources, with WAC Board members David Kathka (left) of Rock Springs and David Neary of Lander.

Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jim McBride (center) at the Governor's Residence reception.

SPCR Commission meets Feb. 11-12

From a SPCR press release:

Members of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources Commission will meet Thursday and Friday, Feb. 11-12, in the Ballroom of the Historic Plains Hotel in Cheyenne.

The body will meet from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on February 11 and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on February 12.

During the meeting, the Commission will receive divisional updates and discuss a variety of State Parks and Cultural Resources issues, including the departmental budget request and proposed legislation for the upcoming budget session of the state legislature.

Also while in Cheyenne, the Commission will visit the Wyoming State Museum and attend the 28th Annual Governor’s Arts Awards being held Friday, February 12, at Little America.

The Commission has advisory responsibility for the Division of State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails, which involves the planning, acquisition, development and management of all state parks, state trails program, state recreation areas, state historic sites and archaeology sites. The Commission also advises the Division of Cultural resources, which includes the Wyoming State Museum, Wyoming Arts Council, the official State Records Center and Archives, the Office of the State Archeologist, historical research activities, the State Historic Preservation Office and the management of the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund.

Members of the Commission are: President Ernie Over, Pavillion; Dan Barks, Gillette; William Vines, Wheatland; Mary Hawkins, Devils Tower; Dudley Gardner, Ph.D, Rock Springs; Linda Fabian, Wheatland; Carolyn Buff, Casper; Karen Haderlie, Thayne; and Barb Vietti, Thermopolis.

Governor's Arts Awards Gala

Don Butler, Western Saddle; cover design, Laura Patridge

The 28th Annual Governor’s Arts Award Gala will take place on Friday, February 12, 2010 at Little America in Cheyenne. The social hour begins at 6:00 p.m., with entertainment by Fat City Mardi Gras Band from Riverton. Dinner follows at 7:00 p.m., with entertainment provided by the first place student winners of the Wyoming State High School Drama Tournament.

Tickets are $50 each. Dinner is a mixed beef and seafood grill with salad and dessert, and there is a vegetarian option available. Governor Freudenthal will present the awards to the 2009 recipients. They are Don Butler of Sheridan, Mayor Duane Evenson of Gillette, Naoma J. Tate of Cody, Louise Wesswick of Rock Springs, and the Wyoming Educators of Secondary Theatre, a statewide arts organization.

For more information, or to register, go to http://www.wyomingartscouncil.org/, or call 307-777-7742. Registration forms can be filled out online and emailed or printed off and faxed.

The premier sponsor this year is GE Energy.