NIC Fest features performances by Urban Island

Denver's Urban Island

NIC Fest at the Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper starts at 5 this evening. The annual event features booths and demos by more than 60 visual artists and three days of musical entertainment.

The corner of Beech and 2nd street on the NIC Fest grounds will feature a whole new “unique, completely original” sound this year when the Urban Island, a steel drum band from Denver, performs on Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26.

Rick Henson, founder of Rocky Mountain Steel Bands, formed this ensemble when he recognized that steel pan drums are universally regarded as intriguing, fascinating, and beautiful instruments – yet they are confined to traditional "tropical" tunes. Urban Island utilizes the versatility of these melodious drums in performing favorite pop classics, light modern rock, and dance-able Caribbean folk tunes.

Performances are set for 12:30, 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday; and 10:50 a.m., 12:10 and 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

"Cowgirl Up!" exhibit in Arizona features work by Cheyenne artist Gail Sundell

Gail Jones Sundell, "Arco Iris," Colorado alabaster, 19 x 12 x 5"

Cheyenne artist Gail Jones Sundell, recently returned from the Cowgirl Up! Invitational Exhibition and Sale in Arizona, stopped by the Wyoming Arts Council offices today.

Gail's sculptures ("Arco Iris" shown above) are featured in the exhibition at the Desert Cabelleros Western Museum in Wickenberg, Ariz. The show, subtitled "Art from the Other Half of the West," will be up through May 8. During the weekend of March 25-27, artists and art lovers swarmed Wickenburg to see the art and participate in the annual awards gala, auctions, chuckwagon breakfasts and a quick draw.

Gail sold three of her alabaster and limestone carvings during the gala weekend. Her work is featured on the museum web site and in the March issue of Western Art Collector magazine.

Congratulations, Gail.

UPDATE: Handmade for Japan eBay auction

Wyomingarts has been tracking arts-oriented fund-raisers for the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan. One Cheyenne artist and teacher, Connie Kazuko Norman, will be part of a Handmade for Japan auction on eBay. Here is the most recent information from Connie:

I sure many of have already heard of Handmade For Japan.  It is the brainchild of Ayumi Horie, and her friends, Ai Kanazawa Cheung and Kathryn Pombriant Manzella.  Handmade For Japan is an on-line benefit auction for the Japanese victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami.  I am honored to be one of the artists that are contributing to the cause.  As many of you know that I am half Japanese and I have many relatives that live in Tokyo.  I have been lucky enough to have study ceramics in Japan as well.  My Japanese heritage has always very important to me. The people of Japan really need help with disaster relief.

The auction will be held next Thursday, March 24th, 8pm EST to Sunday, March 27th, 8pm EST on eBay and they will have assured bids so check in early. Right now Handmade For Japan has a public Facebook page where a previewing of items before the auction. Even if you're not on Facebook, you can see the items. Please help us get the word out so that we can reach our goal of raising more than $25,000. 100% of the proceeds will be given to Global Giving’s Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

The collection has grown to over 90 artists, many with well-known and respected names, and you will be astonished how many wonderful pieces of art that has been donated for the cause. 

Ayumi and her friends have been working tirelessly toward this event.  I have been amazed at every update.  Thank you guys for all your hard work!

Here are some of the media coverage we got in the last week, The New York Times, and American Craft Magazine.

Handmade for Japan fund-raiser changed to March 24-27

Posted yesterday about Connie Norman's participation in Handmade for Japan fund-raiser for Japan earthquake and tsunami relief at http://wyomingarts.blogspot.com/2011/03/cheyenne-artist-donates-to-handmade-for.html

Connie e-mailed us that dates have been changed. Here's update:

Date change for the fundraiser for Handmade for Japan. The Auction is now March 24-27.


Handmade For Japan's mission is to raise money through an online auction on March 24- 27 for relief efforts to assist the victims of Japan's catastrophic earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear emissions. Here is the link to the eBay store for the auction, but at this point no artwork is loaded on to the site: http://stores.ebay.com/handmade-for-japan

To all donated artwork go the Handmade for Japan Facebook page. 

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/handmadeforjapanauction?sk=wall

The Nicolaysen Art Museum Dinner and Auction Gala

The Nicolaysen Art Museum

presents

25th Annual Dinner and Auction Gala

ART MATTERS

Friday, September 10, 2010 at 6 p.m.

at the Nicolaysen Art Museum

Tickets: $150 Members or $175 Non Members

Master of Ceremonies: Brian Scott

Black Tie Optional

Cuisine by Chef Bernard of Armor's Menu

Hors D'oeuvres

Savory cheesecakes baked in delicate,flaky phyloo cups

Fresh mozzarella balls, basil and roasted red pepper skewers

Salty and sweet bacon knots

Assorted fresh cheese and relish display

Salad

Tuscan cranberry almond salad

Main Course

Succulent filet mignon with a balsamic & red onion

reduction sauce

Crisp haricots verts with jicama and peppers

Roasted baby fingerling potatoes

Dessert

Creamy layered chocolate trifle

400 E. Collins

Casper, WY 82601

(307) 235-5247

Call for entries: 2010 Custer Stampede Buffalo Art Auction

Patty M. Ressler from the Custer Stampede in Custer, S.D., sends this:

Get your application in today!

6th Annual Custer Stampede Buffalo Art Auction

Call to Artists for Table Top and Free Form Bison Art

Application Deadline - January 29, 2010

Applications available at www.custerstampede.org

FMI: 605-673-5955 or info@custerstampede.com

15th annual OUT of the WOODS silent art auction

November 20th 6-8 p.m.
Center for the Arts Theater Lobby
265S. Cache Street, Jackson, WY

This is one of Jackson's best one night events. Join the Art Association for an evening filled with fabulous art, food and wine, all generously donated to benefit Art Association Programming. Do not miss the opportunity to 'steal' a masterpiece from the one hundred or so artists who participate in this annual fundraiser. Christmas is just around the corner!

www.artassociation.org

Festival of Trees - Johnson County Arts and Humanities Council

The Festival of Trees and Live Auction will be held December 3rd at the Sheridan College facility in Buffalo. Donors may set up trees(full size or desktop)and wreaths starting on December 1st &2nd. The public may view the trees and wreaths from noon until 5 p.m. December 2 and on December 3rd from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. There will be a social hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the live auction at 7 p.m.

Art Show by Tom Spence
At the Buffalo location of Sheridan College
December 3rd, 4-6 p.m. with a reception and book signing

University of Wyoming Art Museum hosts annual Gala Ball

The UW themed scooter was donated to the University of Wyoming Art Museum Gala live action by Laramie Ford, Steve and Brenda Marshall.

The University of Wyoming Art museum will host its 17th annual benefit ball, “Gala 2009: A Highland Fling,” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, in the University of Wyoming Union Yellowstone Ballroom.

The Art Museum’s event of the year will include both silent and live auctions, run by auctioneer Dan Sullivan, gourmet dining and dancing to live music performed by Play It Forward.

“Tom and I are confident that we will have a sellout crowd again this year,” said Jacque Buchanan, Gala co-chair along with her husband UW President Tom Buchanan. “It seems that tough times bring out the best in our generous Art Museum supporters, and having an event where the men can wear skirts is certainly attracting some notice! The guys in kilts might decide to vie for a very special trip to Nova Scotia, where they’ll have additional opportunities to wear those tartans.”

Many other unique items will be up for grabs during this year’s live auction including Peter Fillerup’s bronze “Fanning a Twister-Steamboat,” a wonderful log dog house, paintings, art photographs and, of course, lots of single malt Scotch. Special items this year will be experiences that you and your family will enjoy—from going deep under the earth to explore the FMC mine to enjoying a “Chef’s Table” at the new Cavalryman Supper Club.

For those who like to take their chances, two raffles are being held to benefit the Museum as well. While the winners will be announced at the Gala dinner, they need not be present to win. A fabulous diamond necklace underwritten by Dooley Oil will be the first raffle drawn, and the second item is a $1,000 gas card provided by Gala sponsor Laramie GM Auto Center.

The Gala Benefit Ball is held annually to provide funds for the Art Museum’s exhibitions, education, collection and outreach programs that support nationally renowned and culturally significant exhibitions and programs for Wyoming and the surrounding area.

Dinner, the live auction and dancing will follow the cocktails and silent auction. Individual tickets are available for $175 as are table sponsorships at various levels. To purchase your tickets or for more information call the Art Museum at (307)766-3477.

“Imagine learning from the masters” is a guiding principle of the UW Art Museum’s programs. The Art Museum and Museum Store are located in the Centennial Complex at 2111 Willett Drive in Laramie. Hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Buffalo Bill Art Show &Sale

September 22, 23, 24, 25
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Exhibition (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center John Bunker Sands Photography Gallery. Free to the public.

September 24, 25
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Artist Demonstrations
Participating artists are placed in one of the following locations: Big Horn Galleries, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody Country Art League, Simpson Gallagher Gallery, or other Cody art-related venues depending on the number of participants. Free to the public.

September 25
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Artist Studio Tour (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Trolley departs from the Party Tent at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Take a trolley tour of the studios of participating Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale artists Steve Schrepferman, Linda S. Raynolds, M.C. Poulsen, Vic Payne, J. Burnham Rudolph, and Caleco Foundry. Reservations required.
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Honored Artist Lecture (2 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Coe Auditorium. 2009 Honored Artist T.D. Kelsey discusses his life’s influences and work. Free to the public.
A Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Collectible Poster Signing (3 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Honored Artist T.D. Kelsey signs copies of the collectible 2009 Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale poster.
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Final Preview (4 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center. View the exhibition a final time and visit with artists in the John Bunker Sands Photography Gallery, then stroll to the Party Tent adjacent to the historical center for fine food, drinks, and live music.
28th Annual Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Auction (6:30 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center—Party Tent. Join in the fun with spirited bidding of fine western art orchestrated by the rapid-fire delivery of auctioneers Troy Black and Associates. Reservations required.

September 26
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Quick Draw (9 a.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center—Party Tent. Join us for a champagne brunch and silent auction. Stroll through the Robbie Powwow Garden to observe over thirty painters, potters, and sculptors at work—often using live models—to complete a piece in one hour. Quick Draw pieces are then sold at live auction. Reservations required.

http://www.buffalobillartshow.com/

AVA Community Art Center, Fall Class & Event September Schedule

509 West Second Street, Gillette, WY
307-682-9133

Grade School Kids Club Fall Session (Sept 4,17,24)
Parent and Child Class (Sept 14,21,28)
Yupo for Kids (Sept 14,21)
Pottery in the Morning with John Werbelow (Sept 15,16,22,23,29,30)
Kids Clay Class with Kate Payne (Sept 17,24 Oct 1)
Little Tikes (Sept 18,25)
Plein Air with Nancy Brown (Sept 19)
Vase Class (Sept 22)
September Luncheon with Stain Glass Artist Linda Lang (Sept 23)
Flower Press Class (Sept 24)
Community Art Show Work Due(Sept 25)
7th Annual Mini Art Auction (Sept 25)
Ikebana Floral Arrangement (Sept 29)
Early Release Day (Sept 30)

www.avacenter.org