Wyoming residents will have the opportunity to record, share and preserve their stories when the StoryCorps‘ MobileBooth stops in Wyoming this summer.

Members of the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund board have awarded a $25,000 grant to build Wyoming Public Media’s new oral histories project. Set against the backdrop of Cheyenne Frontier Days, StoryCorps will record stories of Wyoming residents July 12-Aug. 3.

After the MobileBooth leaves, WPM will continue recording stories as part of the Wyoming Stories Project. WPM staff members, equipped with recording equipment, will visit various locations to preserve the vibrant and diverse histories of Wyoming residents.

“These moments in Wyoming’s history should be shared with friends and families, incorporated into teaching materials and available globally to anyone who wants to experience Wyoming,” says Christina Kuzmych, WPM general manager. “Wyoming’s past is too rich in history to let it go by without committing its stories to posterity.”

When the recordings are completed, Wyoming Public Radio will build a library of recorded interviews and archival materials that will be preserved on the WPM web site, and made available to the public.

“‘Though much of the collected material will find its way into various radio broadcasts, the central repository for all of this content will be the WPM Wyoming Stories website, where material will be permanently available,” Kuzmych adds.

For information on how to reserve a spot in Cheyenne in July or to stories recorded elsewhere in the state, visitwww.wyomingpublicmedia.org or call (307) 766-4240.

Photo: More than 45,000 interviews have been recorded and preserved through StoryCorps. Wyoming residents will have an opportunity to record their stories July 12-Aug. 3. (Tony Rinaldo Photo)

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Here’s the list of awardees:

Campbell County Public Land Board (CAM-PLEX), Gillette; University of Wyoming Cultural Programs, Laramie; Pinedale Fine Arts Council, Pinedale; Vista 360, Jackson; Lander Community Concerts Association, Lander; Dancers’ Workshop, Jackson; Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, Casper; Uinta BOCES No. 1 Foundation, Evanston; Young Musicians Inc., Evanston; ARTCORE, Casper; Fremont County School District No. 1/PALS, Lander; WYO Theater, Sheridan; Park County Arts Council, Cody; Hot Springs Grater Learning Foundation, Thermopolis; and Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering, Encampment.

For more information about WESTAF TourWest grants, go to http://www.westaf.org

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Art Design & Dine venues are looking forward to the next art tour on Thursday, June 13, 5-8 p.m.

Artful Hand Studio & Gallery- 302 East 1st Ave. 229.546.5183

Prairie Wind-1916 House Ave. 307.632.3082

Nagle Warren B&B- 222 East 17th St. 307.637.3333

Deselms Fine Art- 303 East 17th St. 307.432.0606

The Ancient Sage  – 1726 Capitol Ave. 307.222.9724

Clay Paper Scissors- 1506 Thomes Ave. Suite B 307.631.6039

LightsOn! The Hynds Building – 1604 Capitol Ave.

Cheyenne Artist Guild – 1701 Morrie Ave. 307.632.2263

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From a University of Wyoming press release:

“Time Stands Still,” Donald Margulies’ witty, insightful look at what happens when ordinary life is refracted through the lens of war, opens the Snowy Range Summer Theatre June 9-13 at 7:30 p.m. in the University of Wyoming Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts (formerly Fine Arts Building) Studio Theatre in Laramie.

For tickets, call the Wyoming Union or Performing Arts Center box offices at (307) 766-6666 or go online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts. The performance is recommended for mature audiences.

“Time Stands Still” is a moving and often hilarious story of relationships from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Dinner With Friends.” Directed by UW Department of Theatre and Dance Professor Rebecca Hilliker, this Broadway hit follows longtime partners Sarah, a photojournalist, and James, a foreign correspondent, who share a passion for documenting the realities of war. But when circumstances force the adventurous couple to return home to New York to convalesce, they must confront the prospect of a more conventional life together.

Hilliker says the play raises ethical quandaries about people’s belief systems.

“What happens to people’s emotions and sense of self when they have lived in a war zone for so long under such harsh conditions?” asks Hilliker. “How do they then come home and just fit into the normal moral and physical environment of the United States with all of the comforts of home, and find meaning in their work when it’s no longer life-or-death?”

The play also examines the ethics of being the observer and documentarian who depicts such scenes of violence, but has no direct relationship to them.

“When you are taking photos of people who spiritually need to be left alone in a moment of extremity, who are you?” asks Hilliker. “And, if you step outside of the role of observer to offer help in some way, who are you then? The play asks some very serious questions about those ethical considerations.”

But such questions are only one element of the story. “Time Stands Still” bears witness to the human experience in all its facets, from the exhilaration and danger of living on the front lines to the gentle intimacies of domestic life.

“The play is much funnier than I had anticipated because of this contrast between the couples and, also, because it legitimately asks why coming to terms with a quieter life and choosing to find joy in simple things can’t be just as a valuable as documenting human suffering and war. Because, ultimately, it can be,” Hilliker says.

The production features guest artists, and Actors’ Equity Association performers Caryn Flanagan and John O’Hagan play Sara and James. Jason Pasqua, a UW alumnus and head of theatre at Laramie County Community College, plays Richard, their stateside photo editor friend. Ann Mason, a UW alumna and California-based performer, plays Mandy, Richard’s much younger, carefree wife, who is an event planner.

Photo: Actors’ Equity Association performer John O’Hagan plays James in the UW production of “Time Stands Still.”

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Vanda Edington, “Summer’s End”

Georgia Rowswell, “Empty Spaces- Discovering the Fullness of the West – Burns, WY,” 24″ x 24″, Mixed Media

Info from the Laramie County Public Library:

In conjunction with Summer Reading Celebration, the largest event at the library each year, Laramie County Public Library is hosting an art exhibition entitled “Of, Above and From: Art of the Earth” through August 14. Laramie County Library is located at 2200 Pioneer Avenue, Cheyenne.

The concept on which the exhibition is based is in conjunction with the library’s “Dig In” theme for Summer Reading Celebration. All art is related to the earth– of the earth (clay), above the earth (topography) and from the earth (garden plants). Connie Norman’s work is created of earthenware clay; Georgia Rowswell’s work is mixed media topography; and Vanda Edington’s work is garden pastels. All three artists are award-winning and have been widely recognized in the area.

The exhibition also features Connie Norman’s 7^th and 8^th students’ clay art work on the 2^nd floor of the library.

“Meet the Artists” will be held on Tuesday, June 11, at 7pm in the Willow Room, first floor. Meet the artists and Norman’s 7^th and 8th grade students. Enjoy refreshments, learn about the artists’ work and processes and participate in some Q&A.

For more information contact Jennifer Rife, Design & Humanities Coordinator, jrife@lclsonline.org phone 307.773.7218.

Artists’ statements:

Vanda Edington: “Creating a visual image, a communication that evokes positive emotion – first for me and then others – is what art means to me. It is the personal expression of fleeting thought, whimsy, a smile, a beautiful day.”

Connie Norman: Norman’s current works deals with the inner dialogue that she constantly has with herself. The vessels are inspired by stories from her life, snippets of conversation, and memories that she repeats in her head over and over again. She is fascinated by the rhythmic qualities created by color, texture, and patterns. Decoration and the act of decorating are essential because it celebrates and enhances form and speaks purely of aesthetics.

Georgia Rowswell: “Art is the language I use to translate the world around me. Unusual materials and combinations with a heavy emphasis on pattern, color and texture are my words. My goal is to present work that inspires an interesting and lively conversation.”

Cover Photo: Connie Norman, “Birds”

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In a bold move, the Casper Artists’ Guild is hoping to purchase part of an empty warehouse at the corners of Ash and Midwest Avenues from the City of Casper.

The guild has spent three years developing a strategic plan for the project. The result is a three phase plan to turn the 8-9000 sq. ft. space into a forum for artist to create and display art, all hinging on approval from the Casper City Council.

Calling the project “Art 321 at the Warehouse,” they are hoping to open phase one by the end of the summer.

“I’m very proud of them [the Guild] they are looking into the future,” said Holly Turner who has been hired by the guild to oversee the project. “My passion for the arts has been my driving passion and love for the last 20 years,” Turner said.

The Casper Artists’ Guild was formed in 1924 and organized to provide opportunities for local artist to share ideas and learn from each other. The guild’s current membership is 90 members, 80 percent of which are from Casper. They currently meet and exhibit in the West Wind Gallery by the Westside Albertson’s.

“I think sometimes they feel cut off from Casper over there. It’s not easy to get to,” Turner said.

The Guild would welcome a move to a more central location. “It’s an intriguing and exciting time for the Old Yellowstone District. We’re at a tipping point and it’s very insightful of the guild to want to be a big part of that,” Turner said.

The location of the warehouse will be next door to the proposed City Center.

There is additional room in the warehouse, which the city would like to sell to other interested groups of businesses and groups.

“We’re not trying to compete with what is here, we would like to fill in the gaps and all work together,” she said. “There are a lot of great synergistic things happening in Casper.”

“Casper has such a vibrant, cultural community and we just want to add to that,” she said.

According to Turner, they could have the go-ahead on the project by July 1, if everything proceeds according to plan. Thanks to a $100,000 donation from an unnamed source, they have the funds to begin work on the warehouse.

“If we get it on July 1, I’d like to have plumbers and contractors in the building by July 2,” she said.

She believes that they may be able to open phase one by the end of this summer and host a downtown art walk by fall.

“We’re hoping people will hear about it and want to help. We want this be a center for all art in Casper,” Turner said.

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It’s been awhile since we’ve gathered together, so the Wyoming Arts Council and its partner, the Wyoming Arts Alliance, invite you to the Wyoming Arts Conference, Oct. 12, 13 and 14 at the Snow King Hotel/Grand View Lodge and Center for the Arts in Jackson. It will feature three tracks: one for individual artists; another focusing on organizational development; and a third for assorted topics of interest to arts organizations and communities.

The conference is being held in conjunction with the Wyoming Arts Alliance’s annual Block Booking events, which will include showcases of state and regional performing artists and information sessions on Wyoming arts presenters, visual arts opportunities, and arts advocacy in Wyoming. Artists interested in showcases should contact WyAA’s Karmen Rossi at karmen.rossi@wyomingarts.com. Web site: wyomingarts.org

Mark your calendars for Oct. 12-14, 2013. We look forward to seeing you there! More details and registration info will be available soon on the WAC web site. Contact us at 307-777-7742.

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This 2 ½ day, outdoor summer art festival draws more than 18,000 people to downtown Casper to buy, view, experience and celebrate art. Now in its eighth year, NIC Fest continues to grow in popularity among artists, the local community and visitors from around the state and region. Live entertainment, a family area, a community market place and fantastic performance art are additional components of this art festival. Every year, participating artists from around the country comment that they have never been so well-treated in all their art festival travels. With room for 80 artists, come experience NIC Fest!

Show Dates and Hours:
Friday, June 28: 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Saturday, June 29: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 30: 12:00 am – 6:00 pm

Contact Info:
Lori Klatt, lklatt@thenic.org
(307)235-5247

Confirmed Visual Artists
Laurey Gilbert
Linda Johnson
TJ Thompson
Meg Harper
Jean Santoro-Sobieck
Beth Erlund
Cathy Toot
David Jennings
Zach Even
Melanie Myron
Jane Smith
Andy Quaglino
Kevin Eslinger
Melissa Nelson
Christopher Wolff
Eric Dorris
Peg Wolny
Frank DiNino
Jinsheng Song
Marianne Vinich
Dawn Rasmussen
Jennifer Morss
Jim Murphy
Nancy Neubert
Larry Hayworth
Gene Millard
Joshua Bales
Kristie Brown
Scott Copeland
Thomas Hubbell
Scott Roberts
Susan Tantlinger
Michael Stipek
Earlene Larson
Julie Karnos
Teresa Merriman
Nancy Gervais
Randal Napier
Daniel Abernathy
Micah Richardson
Barb Smith
Linda Schultz
Richard Lindsay
4Dana Echols
Amy Rankl
Deb’s Fudge Kitchen
James Mofhitz
Jill Shank
Barry Ryan
Dennis Brady
Gerri Pizzini
Daryl Price
Selu Alofipo
William Hampton
Annette Moore
Ming-Chu Oye
Paul Crabtree
David Crawford
Alexa Allamano
Caroline Clarke
Thomas Batey
S Brian Berkun
Matt Guenthner
Lenore Poitras
Peggy Lee Roadifier
Pat Kanan
Francesca Howell
Ken Laffal
Deb Witte
John Richter
Jamie Lang

Bands on the Main Stage

June 28, 2013
Cory and the Crew
Jalan Crossland

June 29, 2013
Suzanna Morrison
Dan Sherill
John May
Lonesome Heroes
The Fishtank Ensemble

June 30, 2013
Blue Marble Project
Dan and Cliffy
Steve Frame and His Western Rebels
Randy McAllister

Culinary Arts
Famous Daves
Pico de Guyo
The Dog House
All Through the House
Webber Concessions
Essence of Life
Big Squeezer Lemonade

Other Activities
Community Marketplace Non Profit Vendor Application Business Vendor Application
Saturday gallery talk with Zak Pullen, Taiko Drummers, Japanese crafts in two locations, the Discovery Center, and the Family Art Tent, Bounce Houses

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From a University of Wyoming press release:

A witty, insightful look at what happens when ordinary life is refracted through the lens of war; a “riotously funny” (Associated Press) comedy about two Irish lads hoping to hit it big as movie extras; and a homegrown, heartfelt tribute to community journalism are all on the marquee this summer for the 60th season of Snowy Range Summer Theatre.

Presented by the University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance, the summer theatre season opens June 11-15 with Donald Margulies’ “Time Stands Still,” followed June 25-29 by the hit comedy “Stones in His Pockets,” and then closes July 9-13 with the premiere production of “Waiting for A Chinook: A New Play About Old Newspapers.”

All theatre performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the UW Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts Studio Theatre. Tickets cost $10 for the public and $7 for students, senior citizens and children over 5. Discounts are available for groups of 20 persons or more. For tickets and information, call (307) 766-6666 or go online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts.

Opening the summer season is “Time Stands Still,” a moving and often hilarious story of relationships from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Dinner with Friends.” Directed by Professor Rebecca Hilliker and featuring guest artist and Equity actor Caryn Flanaghan, this brilliant Broadway hit follows longtime partners Sarah and James, a photojournalist and foreign correspondent, who share a passion for documenting the realities of war. But when circumstances force the adventurous couple to return home to New York to convalesce, they must confront the prospect of a more conventional life together.

“Time Stands Still” bears witness to the human experience in all its facets, from the exhilaration and danger of living on the front lines to the gentle intimacies of domestic life. This production contains language and themes that some may find objectionable.

Winner of the 2001 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and nominated for three Tony awards, “Stones in His Pockets” is a funny and poignant two-hander about a rural Irish village turned upside down by the arrival of an American film crew. Down-on-their-luck locals Charlie and Jake hope to hit it big when hired as extras for the big-budget movie, but soon discover that Hollywood’s romanticized Ireland stands in stark contrast to harsh reality. Directed by John O’Hagan, “Stones in His Pockets” features guest actors Jake Staley and Jason Pasqua portraying more than a dozen eccentric characters, from the film’s spoiled American starlet to the star-struck locals.

The season closes with “Waiting for A Chinook: A New Play about Old Newspapers,” a premiere production by Gregory Hinton, an acclaimed writer, filmmaker and independent curator, and son of a Wyoming newspaper family. Directed by Leigh Selting and featuring guest actors Tom Watson and Martha Slater, the play follows Vince, a disillusioned city reporter who, in the wake of the drastic declines suffered by metro daily newspapers, returns to his boyhood Western town to search for place and meaning in the writings of his late father, a Wyoming country editor.

“Sometimes, I can hear these old newspapers talking,” he is told by Ramona, a dedicated and spirited county archivist who quickly becomes both sparring partner and guide. Affecting, earnest and compassionate, “Waiting for a Chinook” celebrates community journalism and country editors everywhere, and the sacrifices made to bring us the stories of ourselves.

Photo on home page: Actors perform a scene during the 2012 UW Snowy Range Summer Theatre production of “Romance/Romance.” The 2013 season begins June 11-13 with Donald Margulies’ “Time Stands Still,” followed June 25-29 by the hit comedy “Stones in His Pockets,” and then closes July 9-13 with the premiere production of “Waiting for A Chinook: A New Play About Old Newspapers.”

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This news comes from David Newell, curator of art at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne:

Artwork by some of Wyoming’s best artists is featured in the Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition and Sale during the month of June at the Wyoming State Museum.

The juried show features 59 works by 52 Wyoming artists. All pieces are available for sale beginning on June 10.

“This really is a ‘Wyoming’ show.” said David L. Newell, curator of art at the Wyoming State Museum. “It truly captures the themes and spirit of the region, exploring concepts in a variety of mediums and styles. The show runs the gamut from traditional to contemporary and includes both two- and three-dimensional works.

“This year we are including a slide loop as part of the installation showing all 289 entries. That allows inclusion for all the artists who applied and provides an insight into the jury process.”

Artists receiving Purchase Awards will be announced by Governor Matt Mead at a public reception on June 21 from 5 – 7 p.m. Artworks receiving Purchase Awards join a special collection of regional art displayed in state business offices.

Artists appearing in this year’s show include Rede Ballard (Gillette), Gayle Barnett (Meeteetse), Mack Brislawn (Laramie), Deborah Britt (Lander), Sandra Brug (Sheridan), Sonja Caywood(Dayton), Mike Conaway (Evanston), Karen Cotton (Cheyenne), Niki DeLancey (Laramie), Vanda Edington (Cheyenne), Michele Farrier (Alta), Tom Ford (Gillette), Jerry Glass (Laramie), Scott Greenig (Lander), Brian Haberman (Cheyenne), Martin Hagen (Jackson), William Travis Hart (Green River), Daniel Hayward (Laramie), Glenda Heimbuck (Cheyenne), Karen Henneck (Casper), Janet Hodson (Laramie), Jennifer Hoffman (Jackson), Lorre Hoffman (Lander) and Gary Huber (Buffalo).

Also included are Travis Ivey (Laramie), Raymond Jordan (Laramie), Gary Keimig (Dubois), Chuck Kimmerle (Casper), Terry Kreuzer (Cheyenne), Sally LaBore (Sheridan), Phillippa Lack (Cheyenne),  Jason Linduska (Gillette), Ginnie Madsen (Laramie), Jon Madsen (Laramie), Tom Mulhern (Cheyenne), Julie Nighswonger (Torrington), Eileen Nistler (Upton), Lindsay Olson (Laramie), Edie Reno (Gillette), Georgia Rowswell (Cheyenne)and Pat Schermerhorn (Cody).

Rounding out the roster are Tom Shaffer (Cheyenne), Edward Sherline (Laramie), Joan Sowada (Gillette), Monte Stokes (Torrington), Gail Sundell (Cheyenne), Kathryn Turner (Jackson), Jane Woods (Powell), Bruce Woodward (Rock Springs), Ken Wright (Casper), Debra Zelenak (Lander) and Cristin Zimmer (Lander).

The Wyoming State Museum is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The museum is closed on Sundays. Wyoming State Museum, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, 307-777-7022 for information.

Photos: “Lone Boat” by Chuck Kimmerle (inside page) and Buford Fire Department” by Jerry Glass (home page). 

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