Governor’s Arts Awards
Established in 1982, the Governor’s Arts Awards recognize excellence in the arts and outstanding service to the arts in Wyoming. These awards were first made possible by an endowment from the Union Pacific Foundation in honor of Mrs. John U. Loomis, a lifelong patron of the arts. Over the years, individuals and organizations from more than 40 Wyoming communities and statewide organizations have been honored for their dedication to the arts in Wyoming.
42nd Annual Governor’s Arts Awards
Dinner and Award Ceremony – February 28, 2025 in Cheyenne
Tickets are now available for purchase to attend the Governor’s Arts Awards dinner and awards ceremony at Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne, on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at 6 p.m.
This year’s chosen recipients will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the arts in Wyoming during the 42nd Annual Governor’s Arts Awards banquet, where they will be celebrated by the Governor, First Lady, other state leaders, and the public. Whether you’re an artist, a supporter of the arts, or simply someone who appreciates creativity, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.
This year’s honorees are:
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Mike Kopriva, a talented painter from Powell, renowned for his western landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that capture the essence of the American West.
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Jane Lavino, Sugden Chief Curator of Education at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, recognized for her dedication to arts education and curatorial excellence.
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T. Allen Lawson, a celebrated landscape artist from Sheridan, known for his stunning depictions of Wyoming’s natural beauty.
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Sue and Albert Sommers, advocates for the arts from Pinedale, honored for their longstanding commitment to promoting and supporting the arts in Wyoming. Sue is a painter, book artist, and printmaker; Albert served in the Wyoming legislature 2012-2024. The Sommers family has been ranching in Wyoming since about 1900.
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Willie LeClair (Posthumous) was an Eastern Shoshone spiritual leader, teacher, and storyteller from Riverton, recognized for his profound impact on Native American culture and the arts.
These honorees exemplify the rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit of Wyoming, and their work continues to inspire communities across the state.
The deadline to purchase tickets was Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025.
This Year’s Sponsors
Premier Sponsor: We are proud to have U.S. Gold Corp as our premier sponsor again this year.
Governor’s Circle Sponsors: Wyoming Humanities • JP Morgan • Buffalo Bill Center of the West • Poppy’s
Advocate for the Arts Sponsors: University of Wyoming Foundation • Levin Strategies • bhp Images • Jackson Hole Still Works
Art Ambassador Table Sponsors: Neltje Center • Luthi & Voyles, LLC • UCross Foundation • Wyoming Historical Society • University of Wyoming Art Museum (UWAM) • The Brinton Museum • The Nic / Arts 321 • WyAA • National Wildlife Art Museum • UW Visual Arts Department • University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, & Natural Resources • Big Horn Records • WY PBS • Little Ol’ Printshop
Patron of the Arts Sponsor: Arts Cheynne • Jane Lavino • Wyoming Community Foundation • AVA Center for the Arts
Art Enthusiast Sponsor: Wyoming International Film Festival
Independent Ticket Sponsor: WyoPoets
The Process
Nominations are submitted to the Wyoming Arts Council in the fall and reviewed by the Wyoming Arts Council Board at their 4th quarter meeting. The board then reviews the submissions, votes, and recommends their top candidates to the Governor for the final selection.
Nominations are open to any Wyoming citizen, organization, business or community. Winners are selected based on their substantial contributions that exemplify a long-term commitment to the arts through their outstanding impact, breadth of support, dedication to artistic excellence, and involvement in special initiatives supporting the arts.
Special consideration will be given to nominees whose arts service is statewide. Previous Governor’s Arts Award recipients are not eligible for nomination, but the nomination of previously unselected nominees is encouraged.
Current Wyoming Arts Council board members, staff members, contractors and members of their families are not eligible for nomination.
Accessibility
The Arts Council is committed to reducing barriers for participation. If you require disability accommodations, please contact Cashmere Balland at 307-214-7819 or cashmere.balland@wyo.gov Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accommodations.
Previous Wyoming Governor's Arts Award Recipients 2024: Mike Kopriva, Powell | Jane Lavino, Jackson | T. Allen Lawson, Sheridan | Sue and Albert Sommers, Pinedale | Willie LeClair (Posthumous), Riverton 2023: Mike and Jane Sullivan, Casper | Mary Jane Edwards, Banner | The Munsick Boys, Dayton | Milward Simpson, Cheyenne | Geoff O’Gara, Lander 2022: Anne Mason, Laramie | Clarene Law (posthumous), Jackson | The Actor’s Mission, Rock Springs 2021: Bronwyn Minton, Jackson | Charles Belden (posthumous), Meeteetsee | Debora Soulé, Rock Springs | James Bama, Wapiti | Off Square Theatre Company, Jackson 2020: Dr. Valerie Innella Maiers, Casper | John and Nancy Schiffer, Kaycee | Margaret Wilson, Laramie | Sue Simpson Gallagher, Cody 2019: Wendy Bredehoft, Laramie | Jim Jackson, Sheridan| Robert Martinez, Riverton | WYO Theater, Sheridan | Wyoming Music Educators Association 2018: Elaine Henry, Big Horn | Karyne Dunbar, Shell | Keith Seidel, Cody | Marsha Knight, Laramie 2017: Art 321/Casper Artists Guild, Casper | Susan Moldenhauer, Laramie | Leslie O’Hashi, Cheyenne | Dr. Patrick Patton, Casper 2016: Forrest Mars Jr., Big Horn (Posthumous) | Marianne Vinich, Lander | Adam Duncan Harris, Jackson | Tim Sandlin, Jackson 2015: Cedric Reverand and Paul Taylor, Laramie | Chris Navarro and Brian Scott Gamroth, Casper | Sarah Rogers, Sundance | Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation, Thermopolis 2014: Tom Lucas, Dubois | Zachary Pullen, Casper | Jim Wilcox, Jackson 2013: Guadalupe Barajas, Cheyenne | Babs Case, Jackson | Bar J Wranglers, Wilson | Bruce Richardson, Casper | Norma Sturges, Casper 2012: AVA Community Art Center, Gillette | Jalan Crossland, Ten Sleep | Lynn Munns, Casper 2011: Eagle Bronze Foundry, Lander | Michael C. Poulsen, Cody | Dr. Seymour Thickman, Sheridan | PALS: Promoting Arts in Lander Schools, Lander 2010: Bradford Brinton Memorial & Museum, Big Horn | Michael Masterson, Powell | Stage III Community Theatre, Casper | pARTners, Jackson | Nancy Curtis, Glendo 2009: Don Butler, Sheridan | Duane Evenson, Gillette | Naoma J. Tate, Cody | Louise Wesswick, Rock Springs | Wyoming Educators of Secondary Theatre 2008: Park County Arts Council, Cody | Jerry Palen, Saratoga | Diane Springford, Lander Tandem Productions, Sheridan 2007: Lander Community Concerts Association (now Lander Performing Arts) | Neil Hansen, Powell | Mike McClure, Lander | Tucker Smith, Pinedale 2006: Candra Day, Jackson | Razmick Sarkissian, Sheridan | Barbara Smith, Rock Springs | Creative Arts Program, Ark Regional Services, Laramie 2005: William Missouri Downs, Laramie | Neltje, Banner | Oyster Ridge Music Festival, Kemmerer | Ucross Foundation Residency Program, Clearmont 2004: All City Children’s Chorus, Cheyenne | Gaydell Collier, Sundance | Dr. Jane Leland Iverson, Cheyenne | Holly Turner, Casper 2003: Art Association, Jackson | Casper Children’s Chorale | Rod Garnett, Laramie | Susie & Mick McMurry, Casper 2002: Jo Crandall, Pinedale | John S. Giarrizzo, Powell | The Honorable Stanley K. and Mrs. Roberta “Bobby” Hathaway, Cheyenne 2001: Arts in Action, Riverton | Dr. Sloan and Anna Marie Hales, Cheyenne | The National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson | Ronald Steger, Laramie 2000: Dancers Workshop, Jackson | Sara Wiles, Lander | Lynne Livingston Simpson, Laramie 1999: Susie Dowler, Gillette | David Romtvedt, Buffalo | Dr. Patricia Tate, Laramie | Wind River Artists Guild & Headwaters Community Arts and Conference Center – Dubois 1998: Janet Ahlquist, Casper | Earl Sams Lightner, Jackson | Sophie Pelissier, Sheridan | Sublette County Artists Guild, Pinedale 1997: Hands in Harmony, Cheyenne | Tom Empey, Casper | Joffa and Bill Kerr, Jackson | Platte Valley Arts Council, Saratoga 1996: David B. Anderson, Douglas | Elizabeth Guheen, Clearmont | D. Michael Thomas, Buffalo 1995: Jo Campbell, Gillette | Jackson State Bank | Bud Boller, Dubois | Wyoming Writers, Inc. 1994: Buffalo Bill Center of the West (previously Buffalo Bill Historical Center), Cody | Dr. Gladys Crane, Laramie | Margaret Peck, Riverton | Wyoming State Museum, Cheyenne 1993: Ronnie Bedford, Powell | Jean Paulene Goedicke, Casper | Margaret Small Mains, Laramie | Washakie County Museum and Cultural Center, Worland 1992: William D. Weiss, Teton Village | ARTCORE, Casper | Wyoming Secondary Art Educators Association 1991: Margery Barber, Lander | William Dubois, Cheyenne | Albany County Elementary Art Program, Laramie | Key Bank of Wyoming, Cheyenne 1990: Grand Teton Music Festival, Teton Village | Harry Jackson, Cody | Eva McAdams, Fort Washakie | Wayne McIntire, Casper 1989: Peter H. Hassrick, Cody | Donald L. King, Sheridan | Ann Simpson, Cody | Cheyenne Little Theater Players 1988: Margaret Coe, Cody | George Hufsmith, Jackson | Nicolaysen Art Museum, Casper | Powder River Arts Council, Gillette 1987: Mary Back, Dubois | Mountain Bell Foundation, Cheyenne | James Boyle, Laramie | Arts Edition, Casper Star Tribune 1986: Gertrude Krampert, Casper | Elizabeth (Betsy) Taggart, Cheyenne | University of Wyoming Art Mobile, Laramie | Western Arts Trio, Laramie 1985: Symphony and Chorale Society of Cheyenne | James T. Forrest, Laramie | Harmon Watt, Riverton | KUWR Wyoming Public Radio, Laramie 1984: Casper Symphony Assocation | Rock Springs/Sweetwater County | Pamela McCool – Jackson | Stagehands of Cheyenne 1983: Union Pacific Foundation, Cheyenne | Pinedale Fine Arts Council | Charles Levendosky, Casper 1982: Unicover Corporation, Cheyenne | Fine Arts Council of Saratoga | Historical and Cultural Association | Tonia Burnette, Riverton Contact: Mandy Connelley
