Rock Springs hosts "International Day" July 9

Hear stories of Wyoming ethnic traditions July 14 at Laramie County Public Library

One World, Wyoming Stories

When: Thursday, July 14, 7– 8:30 p.m.

Where: Laramie County Library Cheyenne (map)

Description: Annie Hatch, Wyoming Arts Council Folk & Traditional Arts Specialist, and Andrea Graham, Folklorist with the University of Wyoming American Studies Program, will share stories about a variety of ethnic traditions in Wyoming. They’ll also encourage participants to share their own stories. This is held in conjunction with the “One World, Wyoming Stories,” exhibit in the library through August 16. (Adults, Sunflower Room, 3rd floor)

Cheyenne Hispanic Festival June 3-5

The Cheyenne Hispanic Festival, supported in part by a Cultural Trust Fund grant, will occur in the Cheyenne Depot Plaza June 3 -5, 2011. The festival will include mariachis, jalapeno contest, Aztec dancers, food and craft vendors, live entertainment and more. The Festival will include educational and cultural exhibits. This event provides the opportunity to celebrate the various Hispanic cultures throughout our communities. The event is free to the public. For more information, visit the website. Photo courtesy Cheyenne Hispanic Festival, 2010. 

Dutch Hop Polka in Pine Bluffs June 11

"Images from Cuba, Tanzania and Rwanda" June 16 at the Teton County Library

On Thursday, June 16, 6:30 p.m., the Teton County Public Library presents "Images from Afar: Cuba, Tanzania and Rwanda" with Morris Weintraub. 

Did you know that open heart surgery costs less than a pair of eyeglasses in Cuba? Or that twelve goats equal one cow in Tanzania? Or that drinking orange Fanta signals that you're single and available in Rwanda? Join local documentary photographer Morris Weintraub for an evening of artistic imagery and entertaining stories transporting the viewer to three unique cultures struggling to overcome political, ecological and social issues challenging their societies. 

Location: Ordway Auditorium. Free. 

FMI: Adult Humanities Coordinator, Oona Doherty, 733-2164 ext. 135, odoherty@tclib.org.

Work by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo at Teton County Public Library June 6-30

Detroit Industry, South Wall, 1932-33, fresco by Diego Rivera. Detroit Institute of Arts.

The Teton County Public Library in Jackson will feature an exhibition of work by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo June 6-30. The library gallery will feature large, life-size reproductions from Mexico’s most famous muralist: Diego Rivera. Right next to him you can enjoy prints of Frida Kahlo’s vibrant paintings and self-portraits that celebrate the colorful culture of Mexico. This display is part of a traveling exhibition from Teacher's Discovery and will be on display until June 30. Location: Library Exhibit Gallery. Free. Latino Programs Coordinator, Pati Rocha, 733-2164 ext. 237, procha@tclib.org.

"Where the Wild Things Are" -- Cheyenne celebrates Maurice Sendak

Klezmer music and Israeli folk dancing highlight Yiddish Food Festival May 22

The sixth annual Yiddish Food Festival is scheduled to take place in Cheyenne at Mt. Sinai Synagogue on Sunday, May 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Festival is an open house type event with free admission and cultural food for sale. Mt. Sinai Synagogue is located at 2610 Pioneer Ave in Cheyenne Wyoming. The Festival is designed to introduce visitors to Mt Sinai Congregation's historic building, rituals, music and delicious ethnic foods. Synagogue President Marv Wolf says "You'll kvell over the food, music, and hospitality."

FMI: Michael Sherman, YiddishFoodFestival@MtSinaiCheyenne.org, www.MtSinaiCheyenne.org

Islamic Cultural Awareness Week April 13-15 at UW

From a University of Wyoming press release:

Comedy, prayer and table tennis are among activities scheduled to celebrate Islamic Cultural Awareness Week April 13-15 at the University of Wyoming, sponsored by the UW Muslim Student Association.

The schedule:

Wednesday, April 13, 5:45-7:45 p.m. -- "Why Do We Love Jesus?" speaker from Colorado in the Wyoming Union Ballroom. Pizza will be provided.

Thursday, April 14, 8 p.m. -- Comedy show "Allah Made Me Funny" in Room 103 of the Classroom Building. Pizza will be provided.

Friday, April 15, 12:30 p.m. -- Friday prayer on campus in Room 123 of Coe Library. Snacks will be provided.

Friday, April 15, 5 p.m. -- Ping pong competition in the Wyoming Union basement, with awards given to the top three places. To sign-up or get more info, email Mahmoud at malkahlo@uwyo.edu or Ammad at  aamad@hotmail.com . Registration ends at noon Wednesday, April 13.

"Arapaho Journeys" by Sara Wiles set for a May release from University of Oklahoma Press

Sara Wiles has announced the publication of her book, Arapaho Journeys: Photographs and Stories from the Wind River Reservation. Get more information on the book -- and see some of the photos -- at http://www.sarawiles.com/Arapaho_Journeys/Arapaho_Journeys.html

There also will be an exhibit of Sara's work at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody:

“Arapaho Journeys: Photographs and Stories from the Reservation”
April 29-October 2, 2011 in the BBHC Special Exhibitions Gallery
Public reception: Friday, April 29, 5-7 p.m.

Arapaho Journeys features contemporary photographs by Sara Wiles of Northern Arapaho people—elders, children, families, and leaders.

The exhibition's insightful photographs of the people, as well as the tribal activities, of the Northern Arapaho invite viewers into the culture, values, and philosophies that guide contemporary Arapaho life. They also honor individuals who have contributed much to their own communities as leaders, artists, and traditionalists.

While providing a historical background for the Northern Arapaho, the exhibition also depicts the experiences of younger tribal members growing up on the reservation as they participate in traditional cultural activities.

As one of two American Indian tribes with contemporary homelands in Wyoming, the Northern Arapaho constitute an important element of the state's heritage.

Arapaho Journeys is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, a program of the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

April 15 Brazilian Dance Workshop highlights fiesta at UW

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Celebrate Nepalese New Year 2068 at UW

Celebrate the Nepalese New Year 2068 with Friends of Nepal at the University of Wyoming Saturday April 2.

Nepalese culture will be shared through delicious cuisine and cultural shows, including music and dance performances, musical bands as guest artists, drama and other diverse programs.

The cultural program starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Arts and Sciences auditorium, followed at 8:30 p.m. by cuisine and dance in the Wyoming Union ballroom. Tickets for the cuisine and dance are free but must be obtained at the Wyoming Union information desk March 28-29 from 10 a.m.-noon.

For more information contact Resha Singh at (903) 647-1311 or e-mail rsingh1@uwyo.edu .

Photo: These dancers will be among performers at the Nepalese New Year's celebration Saturday, April 2.

CWC Intertribal Education and Community Center dedicated today in Riverton

From a UW press release:

Central Wyoming College officially dedicated and celebrated the opening of the Intertribal Education and Community Center at a ceremony (today) Friday, March 25 in Riverton.

After a decade of planning and fundraising, the 16,713-square foot facility, which opened for classes and community gatherings last October, was officially dedicated during a ceremony on the plaza in front of the building.

The Intertribal Center has a multipurpose function. In addition to being an educational facility for both CWC and the University of Wyoming, it serves as a venue for conferences, workshops and meetings. It is also a highly visible landmark that celebrates the cultural diversity of the area, said CWC President Jo Anne McFarland.

U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi, who obtained federal appropriations that allowed CWC to proceed with construction in 2009, was the special guest. His talk was followed by remarks from UW Provost Myron Allen, Fremont County representatives Del McOmie and Patrick Goggles, as well as tribal and college officials.

Eastern Shoshone tribal member Ann Abeyta performed a hoop dance accompanied by a drum group. The ceremony was preceded with an informal feast in the Wind River Room and followed by tours of the building.

Funds for the facility came from multiple sources, including state and federal appropriations and private donations. CWC also has received support from the Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone and the Shakopee Mdewankanton Sioux tribes.

UW contributed $1.1 million toward the center's construction to make its Fremont County Outreach Center more visible and accessible.

"This stunning facility represents a truly innovative relationship among Central Wyoming College, UW, and Wyoming's American Indian communities. It's a win-win-win scenario," says Allen. "The intertribal center makes every leader in higher education proud, and UW President Tom Buchanan and CWC President Jo Anne McFarland stand with the best. The students are Wyoming's, and they're our best hope for the future."

Photo: The Intertribal Education and Community Center at Central Wyoming College was dedicated Friday. In addition to being an educational facility for both CWC and the University of Wyoming, it serves as a venue for conferences, workshops and meetings. (CWC Photo)

Southern Poverty Law Center's Heidi Beirich addresses "Fighting Hate in America" April 2

From Lisa Icenogle, Casper College PIO:

The Southern Poverty Law Center's Heidi Beirich will present "Fighting Hate in America" on Saturday, April 2, at 7 p.m. in Durham Recital Hall in the Aley Fine Arts Center at Casper College.

Beirich, an expert on academic racism, nativist extremism, and the white supremacist fringe of the neo-Confederate movement, is the director of research in the center's hate and extremism department.

According to information provided by the SPLC, the center monitors hate groups and other extremists throughout the United States and exposes their activities to law enforcement agencies, the media and the public. The center is credited with crippling some of the nation's most notorious hate groups by suing them for murders and other violent acts committed by their members. Currently, as of this writing, there are 1,002 known hate groups operating across the country.

"After a brief decline in the mid 1990s hate groups have exploded, more than tripling in number since the mid 90s. In particular, the number of hate and extremist websites has grown. The SPLC is a highly regarded resource for government agencies as well as academics that study and seek to counter such groups, said Erich Frankland, Casper College political science instructor. "This presentation hopefully will draw students, members of the community, and others to learn more about this pressing issue," he added.

"I was moved to help bring in someone of Beirich's qualifications to speak to the community about hate crimes following the shootings in Tucson this past January. I believe that we need to work toward ending hate in this country," said Mariko Miller, Democratic Women's Forum representative.

A reception will follow Beirich's presentation, which is sponsored by the Democratic Women's Forum, the Casper College Political Science Department, and the Casper College Campus Security Office.

Both the presentation and reception are free and open to all.

FMI: Erich Frankland: 307-268-2490 and Mariko (Mako) Miller: 234-2317.

See the SPLC's "Hate Map" of the U.S. at http://splcenter.org/get-informed/hate-map

Dine on traditional foods of the Jewish culture at Casper College Humanities Festival

From Casper College:

Traditional foods of the Jewish culture will be served at the next Casper College Ethnic Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 24, in conjunction with the 26th Annual Casper College Humanities Festival February 23-25.

Dishes to be served at the dinner include three entrees: Ashkenazi beef brisket, citrus-baked fish with rhubarb, and potato pierogies with caramelized onions, which is vegetarian. The side dishes include noodle kugel, carrot and sweet potato tzimmes, matzo ball soup, and Sephardic salad with nuts and dried fruits. For dessert, mini rugalah is tentatively planned.

Advance tickets for the Traditional Jewish Dishes ethnic dinner will be sold through Friday, Feb. 18 at a cost of $8.50 each. Tickets will also be available at the door for $11 for adults, $7 for ages 6 through 12, and free for children 5 and under. Tax will be added to all ticket purchases. Because dinners often sell out, advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended.

Tickets may be purchased at the Accounting and Financial Management Office, located in the Liesinger Administration Building, Room 103; the Roberts Commons Cafeteria; and the coffee bars in the Liesinger Administration Building and the Wold Physical Science Center. Cash is accepted at all locations and credit cards are accepted at the cafeteria and coffee bars.

The final dinner in this year's series will be Hungarian with a special presentation by the Casper College forensics team on April 14.

The ethnic dinner series is sponsored by the Casper College Diversity Committee, and is presented by Sodexo Campus Dining under Justin Dreslinski with the menu composed by Chef Josh Kronberg.

Explore Dreamtime and Aboriginal art with Paul Taylor and Yidumduma Bill Harney

Yidumduma Bill Harney

At the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson:

First Sundays Celebration: Explore Dreamtime, Aboriginal Designs, with Paul Taylor and Yidumduma Bill Harney
Sunday, February 6
11:00AM – 5:00PM Free for area locals!
1:00 – 2:00PM Art Project: Australian Aboriginal Designs
Chrystie and Esperti classrooms
This month, children are invited to color lizards, birds, and snakes in the style of Australian aboriginal art. The aboriginal people of Australia have expressed themselves through a form of geometric painting for thousands of years. These paintings tell the stories of dreamtime, myths of spirituality, community, and survival. Contact Jane Lavino or call (307) 732-5417 for details.

Paul Taylor and student

Community Performance Series: Paul Taylor and Yidumduma Bill Harney
Sunday, February 6
2:00 – 3:00PM
Cook Auditorium
Free for area locals!
Yidumduma Bill Harney is one of the last living Elders to grow up in the full ceremonial tradition of his people in Northern Australia. Harney teams up with Australian storyteller, musician, and honorary tribal member Paul “Walking Stick" Taylor, a member of the Wyoming Arts Council artist roster, for a performance of storytelling, native percussion, songs, and haunting didgeridoo music. They will share the essence of their homeland as they explore seasonal change and rhythms in honor of our Change of Seasons exhibition. Contact Jane Lavino or call (307) 732-5417 for details.

Call for entries: American Indian/Alaska Native artists

The Office of Minority Health Resource Center is in the process of developing American Indian/Alaska NativeYouth related digital educational materials. Along with our partners, Kat Communications, and the IHS HIV Program, we are seeking American Indian and Alaska Native artists that can portray regional and cultural areas. We are accepting ALL styles and themes of American Indian/Alaska Native Art. Traditional, contemporary, alternative process, digital, mix processes, and experimental works are welcome. All art must be original and appropriate for conversion to a digital format. Please send us a one paragraph biography, anddetails about the type of art work you create to artists@katcommunications.com.

Deadline: February 18, 2011. Once chosen to work on the project, artists will be compensated. Additional Questions? Contact artists@katcommunications.com or Evonne Bennett-Barnes at ebennett@minorityhealth.hhs.gov.

Hip-hop duo Dead Prez on stage Jan. 21 for UW's MLK Days of Dialogue

Dead Prez, hip-hop duo and social activists, will perform a free concert at 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, in the University of Wyoming Union ballroom.

Individually known as M-1 and stic.man, Dead Prez continues on the path of other politically minded artists such as Public Enemy, 2pac and KRS-One.

Dead Prez has released two albums, two underground mix-tapes and two solo albums of street-level political hip-hop that is heavily aligned with challenging the status quo.

"Dead Prez uses music not to lie about having expensive cars or girlfriends with big bottoms, but to rail against the inequities in American society. They do so with an insight and honesty that is rare in any art form, let alone hip-hop," stated London's Daily Telegraph.

This concert, part of the UW Martin Luther King Jr. Days of Dialogue events, is sponsored by Friday Night Fever, Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council. To see other events associated with MLK/DOD visit www.mlkdod.com .

Individuals needing accommodations to attend this event should contact the Campus Activities Center at (307)766-6340 or cac@uwyo.edu .

Photo: Dead Prez, hip-hop duo and social activists, will perform a free concert at 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, in the University of Wyoming Union ballroom.

Combining the artistry of food and music at Casper College

From a Casper College press release:

Mardi Gras-inspired dishes will be served at the next Casper College Ethnic Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 27, in the Roberts Commons Cafeteria from 5-6:30 p.m.

The Mardi Gras celebration will feature chicken and andouille jambalaya, crawfish court bouillon, okra etouffee, gazebo garden gumbo, confetti chopped salad, red beans and rice, ratatouille, and bananas foster for dessert.

The dinner will feature live music to promote the upcoming Kinser Jazz Festival Feb. 8 and 9 at Casper College.

Advance tickets for the Mardi Gras ethnic dinner will be sold through Friday, Jan. 21 at a cost of $8.50 each. Tickets will also be available at the door for $11 for adults, $7 for ages 6 through 12, and free for children five and under. Tax will be added to all ticket purchases. Because dinners often sell out, advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended.

Tickets may be purchased at the Accounting and Financial Management Office, located in the Leisinger Administration Building, Room 103; the Roberts Commons Cafeteria; and the coffee bars in the Leisinger Administration Building and the Wold Physical Science Center. Cash is accepted at all locations and credit cards are accepted at the cafeteria and coffee bars.

The final two dinners in this year's series will be traditional Jewish dishes featured in conjunction with the Casper College Humanities Festival on February 24, and Hungarian with a special presentation by the Casper College Forensics team on April 14.

The ethnic dinner series is sponsored by the Casper College Diversity Committee, and is presented by Sodexo Campus Dining under Justin Dreslinski with the menu composed by Chef Josh Kronberg.

"Decade of Diversity Through Dialogue" at UW

http://www.mlkdod.com