Ann Chambers Noble signs copies of "Hurry McMurry" June 17 at the BBHC in Cody

Ann Chambers Noble and Neil McMurry

From a BBHC press release:

According to biographer Ann Chambers Noble, “If there was a difference of opinion, his [McMurry’s] answer would be to have coffee the next morning, and they [the folks at odds] would sit, resolve it, and have a handshake at the end of breakfast. He would always stick to what they agreed on.”

Now, Noble shares more about this energetic businessman’s acumen and philanthropy in her latest book Hurry McMurry: W.N. “Neil” McMurry, Wyoming Entrepreneur. In a short presentation at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center’s McCracken Library gallery on Friday, June 17, 11:30 a.m. – noon, Noble discusses her book about McMurry, one of Wyoming’s most well-known philanthropists and businessmen from Casper. The program is free to the public; visitors simply need to let admissions staff know they’re in the Center for the program.

McMurry grew up in Casper during the Great Depression and went on to develop a series of successful businesses in Wyoming, including a construction company, Rissler & McMurry, that built most of the state highways. Noble says that in writing the book, she found it interesting that everyone—whether McMurry worked for them or they worked for him—had the same opinion about McMurry’s character. “All talked about what an incredible work ethic he had and how honest he always was.”

With gifts to Casper College, to various children’s programs, and to many education-focused entities, McMurry’s philanthropic interests have made many important initiatives possible within Wyoming. Nevertheless, he remains very humble—a trait that Noble says almost prevented the book from being written as her subject was reluctant to garner so much attention

Noble’s book will be available for purchase in the Center’s Museum Store, and the family will be on hand for a book-signing beginning at 1:30 p.m. Read more about McMurry at www.hurrymcmurry.com, and stay abreast of Historical Center activities on its Web site at www.bbhc.org.

Committed to connecting people with the Spirit of the American West, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center weaves the varied threads of the western experience—history and myth, art and Native culture, firearms technology and Yellowstone natural history—into the rich panorama that is the American West. The Center, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is now operating its summer schedule, open daily 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. For general information, visit www.bbhc.org, or call 307.587.4771.

For W.N. “Hurry” McMurry, solving problems is best done over breakfast.

Michigan researchers find that cuts in arts funding hamper economic recovery

This comes from a story posted yesterday on www.physorg.com

Michigan is hurting its chances at economic recovery by slashing funding for the arts, according to a study by Michigan State University researchers. 

 The study found that arts and crafts activities – such as painting, dancing and filmmaking – are closely related to success of the scientists, engineers and other innovators who create new companies and inventions that stimulate the economy.  

Yet during the past decade Michigan has cut funding for the arts by some 90 percent – from about $25 million in 2002 to $2.3 million this year. In Detroit, officials attempting to balance the budget have proposed large cuts to the city’s arts and cultural institutions. 

 "Politicians often strip funding for arts and cultural assets, assuming they are expendable ‘extras,’ but this may be a serious policy error based on false assumptions,” said Rex LaMore, lead researcher on the project and director of MSU’s Center of Community and Economic Development.

Message of "love, kindness and peace" behind Cheyenne downtown mural project

Artist's depiction of proposed downtown Cheyenne mural

Reporter Becky Orr wrote about "Downtown getting giant cherub mural" in this morning's Wyoming Tribune-Eagle:

The building at the southwest corner of 17th Street and Warren Avenue is a tidy brick structure with white shutters near the windows.

Owner Ed Murray wants to expand its purpose. He said he wants to provide an artistically beautiful mural on its south wall for people to enjoy.

The mural will depict a cherub created by 16th-century Renaissance artist Raphael. Murray, a business and property owners in Cheyenne, said he wants the art to help revitalize downtown and become a catalyst for more such works. 

Gillette artist Harvey Jackson will paint the mural on the south wall. It will be about 47 feet tall and 60 feet wide. “It’s nice to convey a message of love and peace and understanding,” Jackson said, especially given the turmoil in the world. 

Currently, a painting of a green martini glass covers part of the south wall’s red surface. The glass is part of the state’s message against underage drinking. 

Murray considered a western theme for the new mural, but nothing “embraced or beckoned” him, he said. 

During their deliberations, Jackson asked Murray what was in his heart that he wanted to project, Murray said. Murray started soul-searching and concluded that he wanted to project a message of love, kindness and peace. An angel is the best way to accomplish that, he said. 

Murray looked at dozens of angel images before he selected the cherub. The image is a departure from a typical western theme. Even so, cherubs have a western connection with their presence in paintings in many Old West saloons, Murray said. 

Jackson expects to start painting in late summer or early fall. It should take 30 to 60 days to complete.

Read the complete article here.

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

That Daniel Pink is one animated guy

Take a look at this animated version of a talk by Daniel Pink. A neat overview of the material he will cover when he speaks in Cheyenne Sept. 23-24. To reserve a ticket for this free event, call the Wyoming Arts Council at 307-777-7742.

Turning the "Lights On!" in downtown Cheyenne begins with "Night D'Lights" on Sept. 24

FMI: LightsOn Downtown Group Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/LightsOn-Downtown-Group/142769705746536

Tim Sandlin: Donate before Sept. 17 to help Jackson Hole Writers Conference get matching funds from Old Bill's Fun Run

Tim Sandlin from the Jackson Hole Writers Conference sends this:

Dear Writers,

We are happy to report another superb conference in 2010. Our visiting faculty raised the stakes yet again by revealing, then prying, into the reasons why they write… the reasons why we all write. Once inside, they probed fearlessly. Ideas circulated fast.

We framed conversation in possibility. We heard harrowing stories of success. We teased our manuscripts with fine red ink. With heels digging in rich Wyoming soil we think everyone found enough honesty, encouragement, and inspiration to sustain them through the summer and perhaps the entire year. Our deepest thank you to those who came together in June to make all this possible. A howdy-hello to those of you who better be scribbling away and planning to join us again.

While the conference is our favorite four days of the year, we spend the other 361 days making sure it will happen. Knowing we’re off to the right start lets us plan big for 2011 – reach out to the most outstanding writers and teachers in the field, and give you a Conference to get excited about.

As part of our writing community, we’re asking you to go a step further this year and become part of our philanthropic community.

Now is the time when our fundraising means the most because every dollar we raise is matched by a percentage – over 50% last year – from The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole during Old Bill’s Fun Run. It is the most innovative fundraiser in the nation, and we invite you to participate. Making a donation before September 17, 2010 will ensure that we have another remarkable conference in 2011.

As many of you may know, The Jackson Hole Writers Conference is a non-profit organization. We are writers supporting writers. Most of us are volunteers. We do it because we believe in the written word, ideas, and communication. And we know you do too.

We value donations at every level. It’s the show of your support, your attention to this art, that we appreciate most. And donating through Old Bill’s is easy and rewarding. Learn more to donate here.

Thank you in advance for your support. And let’s be sure to keep in touch.

Very Best,

from all of us here at JHWC

Questions or comments: nicole@ and tim@jacksonholewritersconference.com

Wyomingarts reminds the state's writers that you can apply to the Wyoming Arts Council for an Individual Artist professional Development (IAPD) grant to help pay for conference costs and travel. FMI: http://www.wyomingartscouncil.org/

Business plaza opens in Fort Washakie

Anne Even sends this invitation:

Wind River Development Fund invites you to attend the grand opening of their new location and be among the first to tour the Frank B. Wise Business Plaza.

Wednesday, June 23, 3-5 p.m.

3 Ethete Road

Fort Washakie, Wyoming

Opening ceremonies will begin promptly at 3 p.m.

Refreshments will be served.

FMI: Anne Even, Business Development Specialist, Wind River Development Fund, Fort Washakie, Toll Free (877) 253-3824, http://www.wrdf.org/, aeven@wrdf.org

Providing financial opportunities on the Wind River Indian Reservation

Meetings being held for comments on Wyoming Tourism Master Plan

From a press release:

Beginning in 2007 with Project Front Door, Wyoming Travel & Tourism (WTT) embarked on a process that would ultimately lead into a Wyoming Tourism Master Plan. We are pleased that we are moving forward through partnerships with Wyoming Game and Fish and Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. An aggressive timeline has been established to have this plan ready to go by the end of this year.

All three agencies see the critical need at this time to design, facilitate, develop and produce a Wyoming Tourism Master Plan (including wildlife, outdoor recreation and cultural resources) to make sure that we are working together for the benefit of our industry and the people of Wyoming.

The purpose of a Master Plan is to present a comprehensive view of Wyoming’s collective tourism products and projects, both man-made and natural, and will include all state, federal, local, private and/or non-profit initiatives. It will also provide a regional and statewide perspective of existing and planned projects. It will substantiate the resources required to develop and market Wyoming’s collective tourism assets. And most importantly, it should set a vision and strategy for Wyoming’s tourism growth through 2020.

The goal of the Tourism Master Plan is:
• To confirm the significance of the tourism industry to Wyoming’s economy;
• To identify a vision and direction for the public and private sectors in marketing and development for the next ten (10) years;
• To assess and define the product development needs of Wyoming, its travel attractions, services, facilities and transportation system;
• To define the roles and responsibilities of the public and private sectors as it relates to the growth and development of Wyoming’s tourism industry;
• To develop an evaluation mechanism to ensure the most effective use of State Resources for tourism;
• To define a comprehensive implementation strategy for tourism growth based on economic research and data.

Wyoming’s tourism industry, either collectively or together, will be able to utilize the ten (10) year Tourism Master Plan:
• As a management tool to prioritize the use of resources to achieve general and specific goals established through the strategic planning process;
• As a means by which to identify tourism industry actions and activities that can benefit Wyoming’s economy and social well being;
• As a means by which to identify critical issues or areas of concern regarding tourism in Wyoming or the activities and actions of Wyoming’s tourism industry;
• As a means by which to identify growth and expansion opportunities for Wyoming’s tourism industry;
• As a means by which to identify opportunities for tourism industry partnerships;
• As an information resource in conducting its individual agency, business or organization planning processes and operations;
• As an ongoing information resource regarding the current and evolving operating environment for tourism in Wyoming;
• As a resource for economic research and data, and a directory of information sources for current tourism related forecasts and trend analysis.

A number of firms were interviewed and our agencies collectively have selected Hank Todd with Hank Todd Solutions Group to develop the plan. Hank is a 35+ year travel industry veteran from both the public and private sectors and he and his team have worked with destinations around the world in strategic planning, industry facilitation/participation, Master Plan development and industry development. We are very pleased to have them as part of our team.

The process will include one on one interview(s) with key stakeholders, focus groups, segmented e-surveys and regional meetings. The regional meetings, scheduled for May, are open to the public and will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and include a working lunch. Please RSVP with Vicki Morris (Vicki.morris@visitwyo.gov or 307-777-2828) if you plan to attend one of the meetings.

May 3, Cody, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, 720 Sheridan Ave.
May 4, Riverton, Sundowner Station, 1616 Federal Blvd.
May 5, Jackson, Teton Science Building, 700 Coyote Canyon Rd.
May 6, Rock Springs, BLM Field Office, 280 N. Hwy 191
May 19, Laramie, Hilton Garden Inn, 2229 Grand Ave.
May 20, Douglas, Eastern Wyoming College, 203 N. 6th St.
May 21, Gillette, Campbell County Rec Center, 250 Shoshone Ave.

The process will review and develop “Best Practices,” provide detailed analysis and recommendations, as well as, plan measurements with the final Master Plan being completed in December.

Much more about this effort will be broadcast via newspapers, radio stations, email and dedicated website. To find out more and to participate in this process, please go to http://www.projectfrontdoor.com/. There you will be able to make comments directly into the process find out about participating in e-surveys and get details on the Master Plan process and outcomes.

This is an opportunity for all of us in the industry to help guide the direction we need to take over the next ten years and strengthen our relationships with all our partners at the national, state and local level.

Artist-entrepreneurs can get tax help March 17

This may interest some of you artist entrepreneurs out there:

Let the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) and the Wyoming Entrepreneur SBDC help you navigate your micro-business taxes. Learn about Tax Code changes from Keith Hall, a Certified Public Accountant and the NASE, National Tax Advisor.

This 2-hour seminar will provide small business owners access to a CPA specializing in taxation matters for the self-employed. Start-up businesses will learn what forms to file, how to expense start-up costs and requirements for the home office deduction. Existing businesses will discover how to find hidden deductions and how to save by employing a spouse or children. In addition, attendees will receive a complimentary copy of "Schedule C from A to Z: the Sole Proprietor's Guide to Tax Savings."

Mr. Hall operates a private tax and financial consulting firm in Dallas, Texas and also participates in the NASE TaxTalk program, which answers more than 10,000 small-business questions every year. He has over 21 years of consulting experience with small businesses, including 11 years working with the NASE.

Choose from two great locations on Wednesday, March 17:

Casper, 9:00 - 11:00 am, UW Outreach Center, 951 North Poplar, Room 114.

Cheyenne, 4:00 - 6:00 pm, Laramie County Library, 2200 Pioneer Avenue, Cottonwood Room.

Registration fee is $20. Call 800-649-NASE to register; deadline - March 12.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. Contact WSBDC at 307-234-6683 for further information.

Grants available for innovative artist spaces

From a press release:

Leveraging Investments in Creativity (LINC), in collaboration with MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning, and supported by a funding partnership of the MetLife Foundation and the Ford Foundation, announces an open call for entries to the 2010 MetLife Foundation Innovative Space Awards, a grant-making program of Space for Change: Building Community through Innovative Spaces.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

Launched in 2009, the MetLife Foundation Innovative Space Awards is a competitive national funding program that recognizes outstanding efforts in the design and development of affordable space for artists. The program emphasizes the benefits artist spaces yield for both artists and their communities. In the awards’ concluding round of grantmaking, leading artist spaces will be selected from across the country to receive unrestricted awards ranging from $10,000-$50,000, along with access to technical assistance and a learning community of peer institutions.

HOW TO APPLY

To learn more about the Awards, including the guidelines for how to apply, please visit www.lincnet.net/artist-space/space-for-change. All application materials must be received by April 23, 2010 at 5pm EST.

ELIGIBILITY

Applications may be submitted by non-profit organizations, individual artists, public agencies, or a combination of the three, for artist space projects that:

Provide affordable space for artists to work, or to live and work
Are designed for multi-use or share space with a variety of tenants
Have been in place for a minimum of one year
Demonstrate a positive contribution (social, economic, cultural) to the community in which it exists
Promote ownership or significantly favorable lease terms for artists

PND: Artists hit hard by sour economy! Artists: So what else is new?

From a Nov. 30 article in Philanthropy News Digest (wyomingarts thanks Ellen Sue Blakey of Thermopolis, who sent the article):

A new survey of American artists — two-thirds of whom say they earned less than $40,000 and a third less than $20,000 last year — found that slightly more than half experienced a drop in income in 2009, the New York Times reports.

Commissioned by nonprofit artist-support organization Leveraging Investments in Creativity and funded in part by the Ford Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the survey found that 51 percent of the more than fifty-three hundred respondents saw their incomes fall in the past year, while 18 percent reported a drop of at least 50 percent.

The report, The Artists and the Economic Recession Survey: Selected Findings (8 pages, PDF), found that the most commonly reported impact of the recession was a decline in sales, followed by lower rates or fees. In addition, more than a third of the surveyed artists reported fewer and smaller grants, fewer grant opportunities, and fewer scheduled bookings and chances to exhibit, perform, or present their work.

The survey also provided statistical support for long-held beliefs about artists, such as they tend to work day jobs to support themselves, musicians and architects tend to do better financially than writers and painters, and more than a third of working artists lack adequate health insurance.

According to Judilee Reed, executive director of Leveraging Investments in creativity, "A lot of the artists who were reporting were telling us, 'I live in a recession all the time, so this downturn has really not been so different for me.'"

Kennedy, Randy. “A Survey Shows Pain of Recession for Artists.” New York Times 11/24/09.

Music Festival announces housing fund gift

Press release from Amanda Flosbach at 307-732-9957 or amanda@gtmf.org:

The Grand Teton Music Festival announced today that it is the beneficiary of pledges totaling $3.5 million for a Housing Fund. In making the announcement, Executive Director Tracy Jacobson said the new Housing Fund will enable the Festival to acquire ownership interests in housing for its participating artists and to stabilize once and for all the availability and cost of the single largest line item in the Festival's budget.

The pledges from anonymous donors make $3 million in cash available immediately as appropriate acquisitions become available. The Festival has made a good-faith commitment to raise another $1.5 million for the Housing Fund in gifts or pledges payable over five years. Gifts of real estate, condos, or fractional interests certainly are expected and will be welcomed.
Festival artists qualify for employee housing in Teton Village.

When the $1.5 million goal is reached, another cash gift of $500,000 from the original donors will top off the campaign.

"The ever-rising cost of housing a few years ago almost threatened to suffocate the Music Festival, and that experience created tremendous motivation to stabilize our housing permanently. We are very grateful for the generosity of these donors and their faith in our mission," said Jacobson. "With the Festival celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2011, the Housing Fund is a fitting way to pay tribute to the musicians and other staff who come to our community every year to give us the Festival music experience, and will help to sustain its vitality for the next fifty years and more."

She added that the Festival is announcing the gift so that people with ideas for possible housing acquisitions by the fund or gifts for the Housing Fund will contact her at the Music Festival office at 307-732-9960 or tracy@gtmf.org.

RSVP WAC to attend sessions on grants training and creating arts-based communities

The Wyoming Arts Council requests that people interested in attending its Sept. 23 pre-conference sessions at the Arts Summit send in their RVSPs by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

A grants training session will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Wyoming Arts Council conference room. This free session will be led by WAC staffers Mike Shay and Karen Merklin. To RSVP, call Karen at 307-777-7743 or e-mail kmerkl1@state.wy.us.

Another session, "Creating and Sustaining Arts-Based Development in Small Town Rural West," will be facilitated by Dan Wecks from 1-5 p.m. at the Historic Depot in downtown Cheyenne. This workshop is free to registrants of Wyoming Arts Summit. To RSVP, call Randy Oestman at 307-777-7109 or e-mail roestm@state.wy.us.

The Arts Summit kicks off at 5 p.m. on Sept. with registration and reception at Little America in Cheyenne in Wyoming Rooms A&B. Stick around for the 20:20 presentation for 7-9 p.m. This event is hosted by the UW Art Museum.

A full slate of Arts Summit presentations and panel meetings will be held on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 24-25, at Little America. Still time to register for this one-of-a-kind statewide event that addresses the crucial role that the arts play in community development.

FMI: http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/Events/ArtSummit2009registrationbrochure.pdf