Art in Public Buildings
In 1991, the 51st Legislature of the State of Wyoming passed the Art in Public Buildings legislation. One percent of construction costs of new, state-owned buildings are to be utilized for placing artwork in the public setting, helping to beautify our public buildings and draw attention to the wealth of artist experience within our region.
About the Art in Public Buildings Program
David Alan Clark (Lander, WY), The Family Business, 2022, Bronze, Approx. 4-1/2 feet x 4 feet x 4 feet, recently installed at the Skilled Nursing Facility in Buffalo.
The artwork for each project is selected by a committee specifically selected for that project.
Each committee typically consists of representatives from the community in which the building is located, representatives from the user agency, artists or other representatives from the art community, the architect for the building, and a representative from the State’s Construction and Management Office.
The Wyoming Arts Council coordinates and leads the committee meetings to help administer the project, but does not vote on the selection of artists or artwork.
Current Projects
The Wyoming Arts Council posts all public art calls and RFQs on CaFE. Details including eligibility requirements, deadlines, and project budgets are available within each RFQ on CaFE. Wyoming artists are given preference. CaFE is free for artists to use.
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming is in the process of constructing the new Student Housing Project on the Laramie Campus. These two buildings will open in 2025 near the intersection of 15th Street and Willett Drive and will house 950 beds, dining hall, and more incredible features. The Student Housing Project will replace the current dormitories while bringing students closer to the heart of campus.
Past Projects
Northwest College
Northwest College (NWC) in Powell is constructing a new Student Center, scheduled to open in 2024. The commissioned work will be integrated into the two-story fireplace by the selected artists Shelley Beishline and Rob Beishline of Tooza Design. The sculpture, “Landform Journey” was installed in the fall of 2024 with a celebration planned for the Spring 2025.
Sheridan College
Sheridan College is renovating an existing prefabricated metal building with a new building addition to create a new Advanced Manufacturing and Applied Sciences Center, scheduled to open in fall 2024. Artist Matt Baral’s piece, “A River of Wind” was installed in 2024 with a ribbon-cutting event on September 4th, 2024.
Casper College
Casper College is currently constructing a new Visual Arts Building on campus in Casper. Missouri artist Nathan Pierce recently installed a large stainless steel and acrylic sculpture, “In the Wind.” A building dedication was held in the spring of 2023.
Central Wyoming College
Central Wyoming College, located in Riverton, constructed a new Rocky Mountain Complex, which houses its agriculture and animal science programs. Chicago artist Michael Young has fabricated a large stainless steel sculpture, “Gathering” which incorporates LED lighting, seating, and a fire pit. The sculpture was installed in the spring of 2023.
Skilled Nursing Facility
The Wyoming Department of Health, along with the Veteran’s Commission and State Construction Department, recently completed the Veteran’s Home of Wyoming Skilled Nursing Facility, located in Buffalo, Wyoming. Lander artist David Alan Clark installed a life-size bronze sculpture, “The Family Business” (pictured above) in the fall. A building dedication was held in October.
University of Wyoming Engineering Education and Research Building
The University of Wyoming recently completed construction on the Engineering Education and Research Building (EERB) in Laramie. The committee selected WindDriven Studios (WY) to create an outdoor sculpture on the Lewis St. side of the EERB. The sculpture is an interpretation of a historic engineering transit that incorporates the various engineering departments housed in the building. It was installed in the spring of 2024 with a celebration the following October.
Sheridan College Technical Education Center
Sheridan College in north-central Wyoming recently completed construction on the new Technical Education Center. Photographs by former Sheridan College faculty member Dave Marquith have been installed. The exterior powder coated steel sculpture, “Tech Center Quad Carousel” by local artist Lonnie Wright, was installed in 2023.
Contact: Ismael Dominguez
