Jesus Moroles Awarded National Medal of Arts

The 2008 National Medal of ARts was awarded to Jesus Moroles and presented by President Bush on November 17, 2008 in an East Room ceremony. Moroles was honored "for his enduring achievements as a sculptor of stone. His granite monuments grace America's landscape." The National Medal of Arts is a presidential initiative managed by teh National Endowment for the Arts. Photo by James Kegley for the National Endowment for the Arts.

The National Endowment for the Arts has announced that Texas artist Jesús Moroles has been awarded the National Medal of Arts. Moroles contributed two sculptures to the University of Wyoming Art Museum’s current public art exhibition, Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational. Granite Windows which is located on Prexy’s Pasture is a new work created for the exhibition and Eclipse, located at the Art Museum, is from the museum’s permanent collection.

As the nation’s highest honor for artistic excellence, the National Medal of Arts was established by Congress in 1984, and is awarded by the President and managed by the National Endowment for the Arts. Nine medals were presented by the President and Mrs. Laura Bush in an East Room ceremony at the White House on Nov. 17. Award recipients are selected based on their contributions to the creation, growth, and support of the arts in the United States.

”With this honor, Jesus joins a select group of artists who have been recognized for their contributions to the creative and artistic life of our nation,” said Susan Moldenhauer, Art Museum director. “His selection for the National Medal of Arts award is well-deserved and we offer our enthusiastic congratulations to him for this achievement.”

For more than 30 years, Moroles has been creating large-scale public sculpture from granite. His studio in Rockport, Texas, is a family effort with his parents Jose and Maria, his brother Hilario, his sister Suzanna, and brother-in-law Kurt Kangas as integral parts of the Moroles Studio.

In 1982, Moroles received the prestigious Awards in the Visual Arts Fellowship for which his works were included in a two year traveling museum exhibition which originated at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Ill.

Noteworthy large-scale works by Moroles include his 22 foot tall sculpture fountain, titled Floating Mesa Fountain for the Albuquerque Museum in New Mexico, environmental installation of 45 sculptural elements and fountains for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Birmingham, Ala. made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, and Lapstrake, a 64 ton, 22 foot tall sculpture for the E.F. Hutton, CBS Plaza in New York City, located across the street from the Museum of Modern Art.

Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational has been organzied by the UW Art Museum in partnership with the University of Wyoming, Laramie Parks & Recreation, Laramie Economic Development Corporation, and the Albany County Public Library. The exhibition continues through July 2009.

Schools across Wyoming tour Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational

Schools across Wyoming are contacting the UW Art Museum’s Education Program to arrange tours of Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational. So far, we’ve planned for classes from Casper, Saratoga, Lander, and Rock River, in addition to Laramie schools. We work with teachers and students to design each tour to fulfill district and state teaching and learning standards. This often results in students preparing for the tour before they arrive, and then following up with post-visit projects. Click here to read a summary written for Laramie’s Whiting High School on-line newspaper by a student viewer.

This large scale contemporary sculpture is truly inspirational! Casper’s Verda James Elementary School 6th graders came prepared to sketch and write about the sculptures they viewed, and will be creating art and writing, inspired by what they viewed. Laramie High School English students are writing in response to the sculpture. Lander Starrett Junior High Students will complete a “scavenger hunt” of the sculpture, looking and listening for answers to specific questions created by museum educators. Saratoga’s 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders physically explored the interactive components of the art work in as many ways possible.

The UW Art Museum education team invites your school to take advantage of this exciting city-wide exhibit that includes 18 sculptures. If you choose to see every piece, plan on taking the whole day. Or we can adjust the visit and activities to your time frame. Contact Wendy Bredehoft at 307.766.3496 or wbredeho@uwyo.edu.

For more information on the exhibition and education programs, visit the Art Museum webpage.

City of Laramie Acknowledges Haselden Construction for Contribution

John Henry, River High,

at the Laramie Recreation Center.

Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

On September 16, Klaus Hansen, mayor of the city of Laramie, read a proclamation to acknowledge and thank Haselden Construction for contributing the 14-ft diameter base to support John Henry's 55-ft tall River High sculpture. It reads:

P R O C L A M A T I O N

WHEREAS, the University of Wyoming Art Museum conceived the idea of Sculpture: “A Wyoming Invitational” in response to the University of Wyoming Art Museum’s planned renovations effecting the galleries, and to the increasing interest in public art for our campus and community and,

WHEREAS, Sculpture: “A Wyoming Invitational” is an exhibition of seventeen outdoor sculptures and public art on the campus of the University of Wyoming and in the City of Laramie and,

WHEREAS, the Laramie City Council approved a supplemental budget request in the amount of $3,000 to assist with the installation of the five outdoor sculptures on city property and,

WHEREAS, the City of Laramie, with the assistance of the University of Wyoming Art Museum staff installed “It Goes Under” by Steven Siegel along the Laramie River Greenbelt, “First Step” by Robert Russin at Undine Park, “Alligator” by John Kearney at the Carnegie building, “Vedauwoo Moderized” by Stan Dolega at Optimist Park and,

WHEREAS, the “River High” by John Henry at the Recreation Center required the fabrication and installation of a substantial concrete foundation prior to the sculpture being installed by the artist and,

WHEREAS, Lonn Mullins, Project Superintendent of Haselden Construction Inc. who is currently constructing the University of Wyoming Information Technology Facility volunteered his time, expertise, materials and staff to construct the concrete foundation for “River High” and,

WHEREAS, the concrete foundation for the “River High” sculpture would not have been completed in time for the installation and dedication without the volunteer assistance of Haselden Construction.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Klaus Hanson, Mayor and President of the City Council do hereby, proclaim our sincere thanks to Lonn Mullins and Haselden Construction Inc. for their generous donation to the City of Laramie.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the official seal of the City to be affixed this 16th day of September, 2008.



_________________________
Klaus Hanson,
Mayor of Laramie

Attest:


_________________________
Sue Morris-Jones, CMC
City Clerk

We would like to join the city in thanking Haselden Construction and Coffey Engineering for providing the significant base necessary for this sculpture and for completing the project in time for the scheduled installation of River High.

For information on Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational, visit the Art Museum's webpage.

Sculpture Exhibition Map and Tour Guide Available

Students enjoy a conversation from the elevated

perspective of Jesus Moroles' Granite Windows

on Prexie's Pasture recently.

Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

The long-awaited map of sculpture in Laramie and on campus is now available. The Walking & Driving Tour Guide for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational identifies not only works in the exhibition but also includes art in public places in Laramie and at the University of Wyoming. Maps will be found at all sculpture locations for the temporary exhibition or may be downloaded by clicking here.

The tour guide includes a survey that we hope will elicit your thoughts, comments, and ideas about public art in our community.

For more information, visit the UW Art Museum webpage.

Aboriginal elder Bill Harney to be in residence at the Art Museum

Bill Harney, Judinung: Dreaming for the Tawny Frog Face Owl (not dated, paint on linen). Harney says of this painting, "Owl sang all night at the burial ground. It makes people in spiritual darkness happy. It danced back and forth all night." Courtesy of the UW Art Museum

Yidumduma Bill Harney is an Elder and the last Senior Male Aboriginal custodian of the Wardaman people of the Victoria, Flora, and Katherine River Districts of the Northern Territory of Australia. Born in MUY MUY clan country in the early 1930's, Yidumduma is of the YBULYAWAN clan.

Raised and educated in Wardaman traditional ceremony, Yidumduma is a fully initiated Wardaman man and speaks seven languages. He worked at an early age on cattle stations and throughout his life has prospered in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds.

He has been described as one of Australia's living 'National Treasures'.
Source: Paul Taylor webpage

Yidumduma Bill Harney will be on campus the week of Sept. 22 to visit classes, exhibit his paintings, and turn the Art Museum lobby into a studio. His schedule is:

Monday, Sept. 22
Bill begins painting in the Art Museum lobby. He will be available to talk with visitors and will use the lobby as his studio through mid-day Thursday, Sept. 25.
11:00 am World Music class at the Art Museum
6:00-8:00 pm Opening of Bill Harney exhibition in the Centennial Complex Gallery

Tuesday, Sept. 23
Painting continues
1:30-2:30 pm Religious Anthropology class (Anth 150)
3:00-4:00 pm Medical Anthropology class (Anth 150)
4:15-5:00 pm Intro to International Studies class (Anth 150)

Wednesday, Sept. 24
Painting continues
11:00 am - 12:00 pm H&G Anthropology class (Anth 150)
6:30 - 7:30 pm Foundations in American Indian Studies class

Thursday, Sept. 25
10:00 am Schools Concert, Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building
1:00 pm Painting at the Art Museum concludes
7:30 - 9 pm Public Concert, Recital Hall; public presentation of painting

On Friday, Sept. 26, Bill will visit the University of Colorado / Boulder. The next week, he will viist the Wind River Reservation to meet with Arapaho and Shoshone elders.

Bill's visit is a partnership between the Art Museum, American Indian Studies, Music, and Anthropology. It has been funded in part by a grants from the President's Advisory Committee for Minority and Womens Affairs and the Wyoming Arts Council's Folk Arts Program.

Press release for Bill Harney.

For more information, visit the Art Museum's webpage or contact Wendy Bredehoft, 307-766-6620 or wbredeho@uwyo.edu.

Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational now on view

The Art Museum's chief preparator Stoney Smith (left)
and assistant curator Sarah Gadd (right) enjoy the
new and final sculpture to be installed for
Sculpture: A Wyomng Invitational.
John Henry's River High stands 55 ft tall
east of the Laramie Recreation Center.
Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

With all 18 sculptures now installed and final preparations underway, the University of Wyoming Art Museum prepares to celebrate this campus- and city-wide exhibition of public sculpture. On Friday, Sept. 12, the UW Trustees, Foundation Board, and National Advisory Board of the Art Museum join visiting artist and major donors for a bus tour of the exhibition before the public opening celebration on Prexy's Pasture. The reception will run from 4 - 6 pm. Artists Jesus Moroles, John Henry, James Surls, Charmaine Locke, Linda Fleming, Charles Parson, Stan Dolega, and Carl Reed are anticipated to be in attendance.

For more information, visit the University of Wyoming Art Museum's webpage.

John Henry Sculpture Installation Underway

John Henry guides a manlift to install

his monumental sculpture, River High.
Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

Chattanooga artist John Henry was in town today to begin the installation of his 55-ft tall sculpture, River High. With 5 assistants with him, progress was challenged by high winds in the afternoon and a malfunctioning manlift. However, he and his crew worked into the evening to construct River High. Work will continue tomorrow and Wednesday to complete and repaint the sculpture.

Dolega Sculpture Installed in Optimist Park

Chief Preparator Stoney Smith (left), Laramie Parks Manager
Mike Zook (partially hidden),and artist Stan Dolega (right)
steady the cone-like structure of Veedauwoo Modernized
as it is loaded for transporting to the installation site
at Optimist Park. Courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

Stan Dolega, Veedauwoo Modernized, 2008,
steel, flagstone, boulders, 10 x 10 x 6 ft.
Courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

Installation of local artist Stan Dolega's sculpture, Veedauwoo Modernized, in Optimist Park on Laramie's west side occurred this morning. City and museum staff assisted the artist in relocating the scultpure from his West Laramie studio to the site.

Veedauwoo Modernized is the 17th sculpture to be installed over the summer for the public art exhibibition, Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational. Curated by the UW Art Museum director & chief curator, Susan Moldenhauer, and organized by the University of Wyoming Art Museum in partnership with the university and the city of Laramie, the temporary exhibition will remain on view through July 2009. One sculpture remains to be installed at the Laramie Recreation Center. John Henry's River High will be installed next week.

Sculpture for Laramie Recreation Center to be installed Monday

River High under construction

in John Henry's Chattanooga studio.

Courtesy of the artist.

Preparations are complete for the scheduled installation of John Henry's monumental sculpture River High at the Laramie Recreation Center on Monday, August 28.

Standing 55-ft tall, the steel scultpure required a 14-ft base and will be painted on site. We have yet to know what primary color John Henry will select for the work!

Preparing the site for the scultpure has involved designing the pad to support the scale and weight of the sculpture, testing the concrete to meet specifications, and forming and pouring the pad. We would like to thank Haselden Construction and Coffey Engineering for their contribution of the pad!

Press release for John Henry.
For more information, visit the Art Museum webpage (which will be updated soon!).

Tours of Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational Announced for the Fall

Weekly Tours of Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational at the Art Museum and on Prexy’s Pasture begin at the Art Museum each Wednesday at 10 am and Thursday at 2 pm. Tours will run through Thursday, Sept. 25.

Kick-Off with Art. Pre-Game Tours of Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational begin at the Art Museum at 10 am on the following Saturdays: Sept. 6, Sept. 13, and Sept. 27.

Community Day: Laramie residents and visitors are invited to a day of special tours of Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational on Saturday, October 4. This is your chance to participate in free guided tours of all of the sculpture installed around town and on campus.

Bus Tours start at the Art Museum at 10 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Seating is limited (40 max.) and reservations are required. Call 766-6622 to reserve your spot.

Walking tours begin at the Art Museum at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Wear comfortable shoes as we will explore the sculpture at the museum before strolling to Prexy’s Pasture to see the five sculptures on view there.

A self-guided tour brochure will also be available for those who want to explore Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitation on their own!

To RSVP for the Bus Tours or for more information, contact Pam Vaughn, 307-766-3477 or pvaugh1@uwyo.edu.

Local Artist Stan Dolega Prepares for Sculpture Installation

Stan Dolega (right) discusses plans to relocate his new sculpture, Veedauwoo Modernized, to Optimist Park with Laramie Parks & Recreation staff. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

Laramie artist Stan Dolega has create a new, outdoor sculpture for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational. The 10 x 10 x 8 ft work, Veedauwoo Modernized, is inspired by the rock formation east of Laramie and made from steel, flagstone, and boulders. The sculpture is scheduled for installation in Optimist Park on Laramie's West Side on Thursday, August 21.

Press Release for Stan Dolega.
For more information, visit the Art Museum webpage.

Sculptures from Permanent Collection Placed Off Campus

Robert Russin, First Steps, ca. 1972, bronze, 5 x 6-1/2 x 3-1/2 feet, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, gift of Isadore Familian, 1991.23. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.


John Kearney, Alligator, 1973, chrome plated steel, welded, 26-1/2 x 115 x 24 inches, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, gift of Mr. Harris J. Klein, 1974.3. Photo coutesy of the UW Art Museum.

Two more scultpures were placed in Laramie as the installation of Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational continues. On Grand Avenue and 4th St, John Kearney's Alligator is on the lawn of the City Annex or former Carnegie Building. John Kearney's Alligator, created from car bumpers, was gifted to the Art Museum in 1974. It has not been exhibted outside the museum since the 1992.

Robert Russin's First Step is now in Undine Park near the wading pool. It was placed in time to be included in the recent Art in the Parks fundraising event for the Friends of Undine Park. It joins a number of other Russin sculptures in Laramie and at UW, most notably the Wyoming Family on Prexy's Pasture and the Lincoln monument at the highest point of I-80 between Laramie and Cheyenne.

We are most grateful to the City of Laramie and the Friends of Undine Park for their enthusiasm in wanting scultpure placed in Laramie.

Press release for John Kearney and Robert Russin.

For more information, visit the UW Art Museum webpage.

Identifying Permanent Art at UW and in Laramie

Dan Ostermiller, Daydreamer, located between the Wyoming Union and Half Acre Gym west of Prexy's Pasture. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

The UW Art Museum seeks to identify public art that is permanently installed in Laramie and on campus. Our intent is to not only capture this information but also to include it in our walking/driving tour guide for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational.

The list below is what we know thusfar. If you know of additional scultpures or art in public places that are missing from this list, please contact Sarah Gadd, assistant curator, at 307-766-6621 or sarahl@uwyo.edu. We appreciate everyone's help in assisting us gather information.

WPA Murals and Architecture

1. Lynn Fausett, Western Welcome, mural, 1940, Wyoming Union
2. Edward Grigware, Knowledge is the Light of Destiny, 1952, UW College of Education
3. Virginia Pitman, Evolution of Law, painting, UW College of Law
4. John Walley, mural, UW College of Engineering
5. Florence Ware, four murals, Laramie Plains Civic Center Auditorium
6. Knight Hall, Wyoming Union (original building), and A&S building (WPA designed and constructed)

Outdoor Art - UW

1. Dave McGary, Battle of Two Hearts, painted bronze, 2006, Grand Avenue south of Washakie Center
2. Robert I. Russin, University of Wyoming Family, marble, Prexy’s Pasture
3. Robert I. Russin, Ben Franklin, south of the A&S building
4. Dan Ostermiller, Daydreamer, bronze, 2001, between the Wyoming Union and Half Acre Gym
5. Peter Fillerup, Fanning a Twister, bronze, dedicated in 1990, adjacent to the Arena-Auditorium
6. Ashley Hope Carlisle, to be installed fall 2008, north of College of A&S

Indoor art by local and student artists - UW campus

1. Old Main
2. College of Health Sciences
3. Coe Library
4. Wyoming Union
5. Fine Arts Building
6. Fraternity Row

Laramie Outdoor Sculpture - Laramie

1. Robert I. Russin, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument, bronze, 1959, exit 323 on I80
2. Blair Muhlestein (Loveland, CO), Lickety Split, bronze, Reynolds Crossing, 1267 North 15th
3. Vince Valdez, Catching the Spirit, bronze, 2006, LCCC, 1125 Boulder Drive
4. Albany County Library (list coming)
5. John Baker (Laramie, WY), The Franchise, bronze, 307 South 2^nd Street
6. Untitled Eagle, bronze, dedicated 1924, corner of 5^th and Ivinson Streets, Albany County Courthouse
7. David Reif, Albany County Courthouse (to be installed in October)

Indoor Art - Laramie

1. Robert I. Russin, Sea Spirits, bronze, Recreation Center, 920 Boulder Drive
2. Robert I. Russin, Fulfillment, bronze, Ivinson Memorial Hospital, 255 N. 30th Street

Location List of Sculptures in Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational Released

Laramie Locations, click to enlarge.

Campus Locations, click to enlarge.

While we are working on a Walking/Driving Tour brochure for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational, we have released a list of artists, artwork, and their locations on campus and in Laramie.

Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational

Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational is an exhibition of outdoor public art on the campus of the University of Wyoming and in the City of Laramie. The exhibition will continue through July 2009.

Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational was an idea conceived in response to the University of Wyoming Art Museum’s planned renovations effecting the galleries, and to the increasing interest in public art for our campus and community.

Seventeen sculptures by 16 artists are on view, or are in the process of being installed, on the campus of the University of Wyoming and across the City of Laramie. The exhibition officially opens with a reception on Friday, September 12, 4:00 – 6:00 pm, on Prexy’s Pasture at the Simpson Family Plaza.

The Artists

Deborah Butterfield, Stan Dolega, Patrick Dougherty, Linda Fleming, John Henry, Jun Kaneko, John Kearney, Charmaine Locke, Jesús Moroles, Charles Parson, Carl Reed, Robert Russin, James Surls, Steven Siegel, Ursula von Rydingsvard, Wanxin Zhang, and, by special invitation, the artists of Ark Regional Services.

Locations

Art Museum

Deborah Butterfield, Billings, 1996, found steel, welded, 87 x 102 x 32 inches, lent by the artist

Ursula von Rydingsvard, Doolin Doolin, 1995-1997, cedar and graphite, 83 x 212 x 77 inches, lent by Neltje

Jun Kaneko, Untitled Dango, glazed ceramic, 75-1/2 x 59 x 29 inches, 2001, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, Patricia R. Guthrie, W. Sherman and Dorothy Burns Estate, and University of Wyoming Art Museum Acquisition Fund Purchase, 2004.3

Jesús Bautista Moroles, Eclipse, Vermont granite, 78-1/2 x 33-1/4 x 7-1/2 inches, 1990, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, gift of Harvey and Mireille Katz, in honor of Olga Mordo, 1998.8

Prexy’s Pasture (clockwise from Simpson Plaza)

Charles Parson, Molto Allargando, 2008, steel, glass, plastic, earth, 65-feet, lent by the artist (north of Ross Hall)

Carl Reed, Braced Ring with Outlyer, 2008, stone, steel, 96 x 129 x 73 inches, 64 x 27 x25 inches, lent by the artist (east of the College of A&S)

James Surls, In Circle, 2008, stainless steel, 120 x 113 x 107 inches, lent by the artist (south of the College of Agriculture)

Patrick Dougherty, Short Cut, 2008, saplings, 17 x 21 x 39 feet, site-specific installation, lent by the artist (northwest corner)

Jesús Moroles, Granite Windows, 2008, found steel tank, granite, 7 feet tall x 8 feet diameter, lent by the artist (west of Half Acre Gym)

Old Main (president’s suite)

Wanxin Zhang, Waiting, 2007, glazed ceramic, 76 x 24 x 18 inches, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, Patricia S. Guthrie Special Exhibits Endowment and the National Advisory Board of the UW Art Museum Purchase, 2008.14

Classroom Building (plaza on 9th St)

Linda Fleming, Refugium, 2007, laser cut steel, 105 x 228 x 108 inches, lent by the artist
City of Laramie

Charmaine Locke, Open Book, 2004, bronze, 1/5, 79 x 63 x 40 inches, lent by the Surls Locke Personal Collection (Albany County Public Library, Grand Ave)

John Kearney, Alligator, 1973, chrome plated steel, welded, 26-1/2 x 115 x 24 inches, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, gift of Mr. Harris J. Klein, 1974.3 (City Annex, 4th & Grand)

Robert Russin, First Step, ca. 1972, bronze, 5 x 6-1/2 x 3-1/2 feet, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, gift of Isadore Familian, 1991.23 (Undine Park)

Steven Siegel, It goes under, 2008, mulch, screening, wood, 170 feet, site-specific installation, lent by the artist (Laramie Greenbelt at Commerce St entrance)

Forthcoming Installations

August 4
Artists of Ark, (title unknown), 2008, steel and mixed media, size variable, made possible by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council (Center for Creative Arts, N 4th)

August 21
Stan Dolega, Vedauwoo Modernized, 2008, steel, boulders, flagstone, 10 x 10 x 8 feet, lent by the artist (Optimist Park)

August 25 – 27
John Henry, River High, 2008, painted steel, 55 feet tall, lent by the artist (east of Rec Center on Boulder Dr)

Sculpture was organized by the University of Wyoming Art Museum, and made possible through the generosity of an anonymous sponsor and the National Advisory Board of the UW Art Museum, with additional funding from the UW President’s Office, UW Academic Affairs Office, UW Physical Plant, Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, Guthrie Family Foundation, FMC Corporation, Richard & Judith Agee, John & Mari Ann Martin, American National Bank, First Interstate Bank of Laramie and First Interstate Bancsystem Foundation, Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation, Haselden Construction, Murdock Law Firm P.C., Rocky Mountain Power, Albany County Tourism Board, Laramie Parks & Recreation, Laramie Economic Development Corporation and the Laramie Beautification Committee, Wyoming Public Radio, Albany County Library Foundation, and the Wyoming Arts Council through the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts which believes a great nation deserves great art.

For more information, call (307) 766-6622 or visit the Art Museum webpage.

Patrick Dougherty's "Short Cut" Completed on Prexy's Pasture

Patrick Dougherty, Shortcut, 2008.
Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

With the last stick in place and mulch laid, Patrick Dougherty's site-specific sculpture created from truckloads of locally-collected saplings, the artist has titled the work Shortcut.

Shortcut was created along an unpaved path that is used by students and faculty as a "short cut" that bisects the northeast corner of Prexy's Pasture. The sculpture has four components, formed inspired by the boulders in the Simpson Family Plaza at the opposing south corner of Prexy's. Dougherty became interested in the crevices in the boulders and the spaces between them. The "boulders" of Shortcut are penetrated by doorways so it is possible, even probable, that those who enter are captivated by a maze of walkways and hut-like structures with views of the sky.

Dougherty's sculpture would not have been possible without the generosity of Don Bath and Lefty Cole, ranchers who enthusiastically responded to our inquiries about gathering saplings from their ranches, the Bath Ranch and Deerwood Ranch. We are most grateful.

Press release for Patrick Dougherty.
Patrick Dougherty's website.
For more information, visit the Art Museum's webpage.

Sculptures by James Surls and Charmaine Locke Installed for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational

James Surls stands with his sculpture In Circle while the site is prepared to receive the sculpture. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

James Surls, In Circle, on Prexy's Pasture. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

Last week, James Surls and Charmaine Locke delivered and installed their sculptures for Scultpure: A Wyoming Invitational. In Circle was place on Prexy's Pasture along the north walkway. The work is stainless steel and represents a new direction in Surls' visual vocabulary, appearing molecular or atom-like.

Charmaine Locke's Open Book on location at the Albany County Public Library. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

Locke's work Open Book was installed at the Albany County Public Library. Located along Grand Avenue, it occupies a visible space for both drivers-by and those on foot (or bike!). A life-scaled bronze work, it depicts the many roles that women universally have to play. The ribbons on her clothing convey the phrase "Why can't we find the path to peace when it is right in front of our eyes?", each in a different language, including English, Japanese, and Korean.

We would like to thank Susan Simpson, director of the Albany County Public Library, and Paul Heimer, director of the Albany County Public Library Foundation, for their interest, enthusiasm, and support of Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational.

Press Release for Charmaine Locke and James Surls.
For more information, visit the UW Art Museum webpage.

Play Time

Weston Heeren peaks out from Patrick Dougherty's sculpture on Prexy's Pasture. Photo courtesy of Skye Heeren.

Skye Heeren and her son Weston were on a bike ride on campus when they came upon Patrick Dougherty's sculpture created from saplings. Weston thought it was a great place to play "Marco Polo". Punctuated by doorways and skylights, Weston and Skye look forward to returning to the scultpure at night to lay on blankets in the scultpure and view the heavens. Inspired by Dougherty's work, Weston said he wants to be an artist when he grows up!

Thanks to Skye for sharing images and stories about Weston's and her experience with Patrick Dougherty's sculpture.

Charmaine Locke and James Surls sculptures arriving Wednesday

Charmaine Locke, Open Book, bronze, 1/5, 79 x 63 x 40 inches, lent by the Surls Locke Personal Collection. Photo courtesy of the artist.

On Wednesday, James Surls will deliver and install two more sculptures for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational. Surl's new stainless steel sculpture will be placed on Prexy's Pasture. Charmaine Locke's Open Book, will be located at the Albany County Public Library and visible from Grand Ave.

Press Release for James Surls and Charmaine Locke.
For more information, visit the UW Art Museum website.

Dougherty's Sculpture on Prexy's Pasture Takes Shape

Top. Patrick Dougherty's sculpture takes form.
Bottom. The view from inside Dougherty's sculpture.
Photos courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

With the assistance of volunteers and museum interns, Patrick Dougherty continues to form and refine his site-specific installations on Prexy's Pasture. Four large forms are now apparent, each with doorways and interior spaces, and placed to create walkways. Work will continue through mid-week when the artist expects to complete the sculpture.

Art Talk: Patrick Dougherty
Wednesday, July 23, 7 pm
Albany County Public Library

Free and open to the public!

Co-sponsored by the Albany County Public Library and
the University of Wyoming Art Museum

Press Release on Patrick Dougherty.
For more information, visit the University of Wyoming Art Museum website.

Updated Installation Schedule

Several installation dates have changed so here is an update on the installation schedule!

Continuing through Wednesday, July 23
Patrick Dougherty on location in Prexy's Pasture

Wednesday, July 23
James Surls, a new work for Prexy's Pasture
Charmaine Locke, Open Book, Albany County Public Library

Monday, July 28
Carl Reed, Braced Ring with Outlyer, Prexy's Pasture

Wednesday, July 30
John Kearney, Alligator, City Annex
Robert Russin, First Steps, Undine Park

Monday - Tuesday, August 18 - 19
John Henry, River High, Laramie Recreation Center

Thursday, August 21
Stan Dolega, Veedauwoo Modernized, Optimist Park

For more information, visit www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

Patrick Dougherty Working on Prexy's Pasture

Patrick Dougherty working on his scultpure on Prexy's Pasture yesterday. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum

Patrick Dougherty, known for his woven sapling site-specific installations, will be working on Prexy's Pasture the next few weeks to create a work for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational. Stacks of cut saplings under nearby trees are kept wet so the twigs stay pliable and ready for use. Post holes have been filled with structural saplings and shaping the sculpture is underway. Dougherty, along with a number of assistants and volunteers, will be on location every day for the next few weeks to create and complete the work.

Press release for Patrick Dougherty.
For more information, visit www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

Patrick Dougherty on Site to Create Sculpture from Saplings

Chief Preparator Sterling Smith, Artist Patrick Dougherty, and Museum Intern Jedediah Cracco deliver a truckload of saplings to Prexy's Pasture. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum

Patrick Dougherty arrived in Laramie earlier this week to begin work on his installation on Prexy's Pasture for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational. Two days of gathering material on local ranches--the Bath Ranch southeast of Laramie and Deerlodge Ranch west of Laramie--will let the artist focus on the preliminary construction of the sculpture tomorrow. The artist has had a lot of help, with employees from the City of Laramie's Park & Recreation Department lending a hand yesterday and University of Wyoming Physical Plant employees working today. He will be working at the Prexy's Pasture site for the next two weeks.

Dougherty has been working in saplings for more than 25 years. His most recent installations in the Garden of the Arts in Chateaubourg, France (May 2008) and Sculpture in the Parklands, in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland (June 2008). He is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. He lives in North Carolina.

To know more about Patrick Dougherty, visit www.stickwork.net.
For more information about Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational, visit www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

Sculpture from the University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection Scheduled for Installation Off-Campus

Robert Russin's First Steps and John Kearney's Alligator have been scheduled to be installed at Undine Park and the Carnegie Building at 4th & Grand respectively.

Site preparation for these sculptures has started. First Steps, a bronze work depicting a mother and child, will be placed in Undine Park, a response to the enthusiastic request from the Friends of Undine Park to include their park in Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational. Russin is Professor Emeritus from the University of Wyoming. He died in December 2007.

Alligator will be placed on the lawn of the City Hall Annex, also known as the Carnegie Building, at 4th and Grand. Kearney is a Chicago sculptor known for his fanciful animals constructed from welded car bumpers.

Installation of these works is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30.

"It goes under" along the Laramie Greenbelt

Steven Siegel's It goes under along the Laramie Greenbelt. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

Steven Siegel has completed his site specific installation for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational. Titled It goes under, the more than 150-ft long work meanders through a the trees, disappears into the ground, and re-emerges to crawl up the opposite bank along the walking/bike path. Constructed of wood, plastic, screening, wire, nails, and red mulch, It goes under furthers Seigel's exploration of construction methods with found, recycled materials. New to his creative process in this work are combination of red mulch and screening.

Updated July Schedule of Installation

Here is an updated installation schedule for July:

July 7 - 27
Patrick Dougherty on location to create a new work from locally-harvested sapling. The site for his work is the northeast corner of Prexy's Pasture.

July 17
Installation of James Surls new work on Prexy's Pasture and Charmaine Locke's bronze scultpure, Open Book, at the Albany County Public Library.

July 28
Installation of Carl Reed's Braced Ring with Outlyer on the west end of Prexy's Pasture.

Stay tuned for the installation dates for John Kearny's Alligator at the City Annex, Robert Russin in Undine Park, and John Henry's large-scale metal sculpture, River High, near the Rec Center.

For complete information, visit www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

ARK Artists Create Large-scale Sculpture for Creative Arts Center

The artists at the Creative Arts Center of ARK Regional Services are working on a large-scale sculpture made of sheet metal for the University of Wyoming Art Museum's major exhibition of public art, Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational.

Inspired by Alexander Calder's large, colorful and whimsical stabiles and guided by visual arts coordinator Debbie Garner and local artist Alison Arnold, ARK artists are creating their own interior designs for the yet-to-be-named sculpture. People will be able to walk both around and inside the sculpture, which will be placed in front of the Creative Art Center at 1174 N. 4th St.

"This project is an exciting artistic experience for the participants," says Mary Arnold, manager of the Creative Arts Center. "They are learning about Alexander Calder, a renowned American artist, as well as three-dimensional design, group cohesiveness and the process and production of public sculpture."

The Creative Arts Center provides opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities to explore and express their creativity and learn and grow in an integrated and enriched community environment.

"We are thrilled that ARK agreed to participate in this community-wide celebration of art," says Susan Moldenhauer, director and chief curator of the University of Wyoming Art Museum. "The efforts ARK's administration, teachers, and residents to create a special work for this exhibition are remarkable."

For additional information, visit www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum

Linda Fleming's Refugium installed at the Classroom Building

Refugium installed on the new plaza west of the Classroom Building on N 9th St. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

Oakland artist Linda Fleming was in Laramie last Thursday to oversee the installation of her laser-cut steel sculpture, Refugium, on the new plaza west of the Classroom Building. The 18-ft long work is accessible through an entryway at the north end. Visitors are invited to enter the sculpture, sit on a chair, and be enveloped by the organic patterning of light and shadow created by the work.

Press Release for Linda Fleming, click here.
For complete information, visit www.uwyo.ed/artmuseum.

Moroles' Granite Windows Assembled on Prexy's Pasture

Jesus Moroles' Granite Windows is sited on Prexy's Pasture. Art faculty David Jones and his class arrive at the sculpture as they did a bike tour of all the works now on view in Scultpure: A Wyoming Invitational. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

Texas artist Jesus Moroles completed the assembly of his new work, Granite Windows, located on the west end of Prexy's Pasture (opposite Half Acre Gym). Finish work will continue over the next few weeks. Moroles said he was happy with the new work. Using a tank to refer to Wyoming's mining industries, the work furthers his exploration in combining found steel objects and granite.

Granite Windows is an interactive work so that viewers may climb inside, sit atop, and/or move the work on its spindle. The "windows" offer interesting and ever changing views of Prexy's Pasture. There are interesting surprises of texture and structure to be discovered inside the scultpure.

For complete information, www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

Press release for Jesus Moroles, click here.

Art Camp Students Create Artwork after visiting Steven Siegel on location

Yesterday, the subject of the Art Museum's Summer Art Camp was Steven Siegel's site-specific work, It goes under. Students were bussed to the site in West Laramie to meet the artist and experience the 170-ft long sculpture. Returning to the museum, students used similar recycled materials--window screen mesh and shredded paper--to create their own "worm-like" sculptures. They stuffed their mesh tubes with paper, using long tubes as a plunger, and then wrapped used wire to wrap and shape their creations.

Wanxin Zhang sculpture to be installed in Old Main

Wanxin Zhang, Waiting (2007, glazed ceramic, 76 x 24 x 18 in, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, Patricia S. Guthrie Special Exhibits Endowment and the National Advisory Board of the UW Art Museum Purchase). Photo courtesy of the artist.

Waiting, a new acquisition in the Art Museum's collection, is scheduled to be installed in the President's Suite of Old Main on the campus of the University of Wyoming on Monday, June 23.
One of five works from the museum's collection to be included in Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational , Wanxin Zhang's first solo museum exhibition was on view in the Art Museum during the spring 2007. Zhang lives in California and is respresented by Bernice Steinbaum Gallery.

Moroles on location to complete Granite Windows

Jesus Moroles, assisted by Art Museum Chief Preparator Sterling Smith, works on assembling Granite Windows Tuesday on Prexy's Pasture. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

Texas artists Jesus Moroles returned to the University of Wyoming campus today to assemble his new work, Granite Windows, for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational which has been organized by the University of Wyoming.

Week of June 16 Update

This is the final week for Steven Siegel to create his work on the Laramie Greenbelt. The weather is finally warming up and the site is drying out from recent flooding. Steve and his crew of interns have made great progress since last week, having worked out a system of screen, mulch, and wire assembly that forms the exterior of the sculpture.

Jesus Moroles returns tomorrow to complete his work Granite Windows on Prexy's Pasture. He will be on site Tuesday - Wednesday, June 16 - 17 to complete the assembly of granite components inside the steel tank framework of the scultpure.

On the west end of Prexy's Pasture, the third site for scultpure is in its initial preparation. Carl Reed's Braced Ring with Outlyer is scheduled for installation in July.

For complete information, www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

The Artwork, When and Where - Ongoing and Future Installations

Linda Fleming's Refugium is scheduled to be installed on the University of Wyoming campus in late June for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational. Photo courtesy of the artist.

The following is an updated schedule of ongoing and future installations as well as information of scultpure currently on view as Scultpure: A Wyoming Invitational begins to transform our campus and community.

Currently on view at the UW Art Museum

Deborah Butterfield, Billings, 1996, found steel, welded, 87 x 102 x 32 in, lent by the artist

Ursula von Rydingsvard, Doolin Doolin, 1995-1997, cedar and graphite, 83 x 212 x 77 in / 210.8 x 538.5 x 195.5 cm, lent by Neltje

Jun Kaneko, Untitled (dango), glazed ceramic, 75-1/2 x 59 x 29 inches, 2001, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, Purchased by Patricia R. Guthrie, the W. Sherman and Dorothy Burns Trust, and the National Advisory Board of the UW Art Museum Acquisition Funds, 2004.3

Jesús Moroles, Eclipse, Vermont granite, 78-1/2 x 33-1/4 x 7-1/2 inches, 1990, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, gift of Harvey and Mireille Katz, in honor of Olga Mordo, 1998.8

Currently on view at Prexy’s Pasture

Charles Parson, Molto Allargondo, 65-ft long, steel, glass, plastic, earth, lent by the artist

Ongoing and future installations

June 16 - 17
Completion of Granite Windows (found steel tank, red granite, 8-ft dia x 7-ft high ) by Jesús Moroles, Prexy’s Pasture

June 14 - 21
Completion of sculpture by Steven Siegel, Laramie Greenbelt, Commerce Street

June 26
Installation of Refugium (2007, laser cut steel, 105 x 228 x 108 in) by Linda Fleming, west plaza, Classroom Building (pending)

July 7-25
Site specific installation created from found saplings by Patrick Dougherty, Prexy’s Pasture

July 21-23
Installation of 10 x 10 x 10-ft stainless steel sculpture by James Surls, Prexy’s Pasture

July 21-23
Installation of Open Book (2004, bronze, 1 of 5, 79 x 63 x 40 inches) by Charmaine Locke, Albany County Public Library

July 28-29
Installation of Braced Ring with Outlyer (2008, stone, steel, dimensions variable) by Carl Reed, Prexy’s Pasture

July 28 - 30
Installation of River High (2008, painted steel, 80 ft high) by John Henry, Laramie Recreation Center

Installation dates to be determined

Installation of Alligator (1973, chrome plated steel, welded, 26-1/2 x 115 x 24 in, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, gift of Mr. Harris J. Klein, 1974.3) by John Kearney, Carnegie Building, City of Laramie Annex

Installation of First Steps (c.1972, bronze, 5 x 6-1/2 x 3-1/2 ft, gift of Isadore Familian, University of Wyoming Art Museum, 1991.23) by Robert Russin, Undine Park

Installation of Waiting (2007, glazed ceramic, 76 x 24 x 18 in, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, Patricia S. Guthrie Special Exhibits Endowment and the National Advisory Board of the UW Art Museum Purchase) by Wanxin Zhang, Old Main, President’s Suite

For complete information, visit www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

Water Recedes as Steven Siegel's Site-Specific Installation Progresses

Steven Siegel's sculpture emerges from the receding waters of the Laramie River Thursday as work progresses. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

With brisk winds, chilly temps, and receding water, Steven Siegel continues to work on his site-specific sculpture along the Laramie Greenbelt. Mother Nature has not been kind over the last two weeks during the artist's visit with rain, a snow squall, cold, constant wind, and rising waters of the Laramie River that flooded the area last weekend. Still, the artist's spirits are high as he remains focused on completing the work over the next week.

The Art Museum's Summer Art Camps begin next week as well and students will venture to the site to talk with the artist and learn about alternative materials and creating art for a specific location.

If you want to meet the artist and see his work in progress, the site is along the Laramie Greenbelt in West Laramie. From Snowy Range Road, turn south at the Gunslinger Gas Station (Snowy Range Road west of I-80), proceed to the second left (Commerce St), and park near the paved entrance to the Greenbelt. Walk east toward the Laramie River and you will discover Steve's work.

For information on the Art Camps, click here.
Press release for Steven Siegel, click here.
For complete information, www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

Moroles Sculpture Takes Shape on Prexy's Pasture

Physical Plant staff, the University of Wyoming Art Museum exhibition preparator Sterling Smith, and the artist Jesus Moroles nudge steel tank into place to receive granite infill. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

Texas sculptor Jesus Moroles was on location earlier this week to install his work for Sculpture: A Wyomng Invitational. Created from a found tank and lined with 10,000 lbs of red granite, Granite Windows will be an interactive sculpture that invites viewers to climb inside the work and/or take it for a spin.

To date, the floor is complete as are the cross-platforms in the work. The east and west "windows" have granite in place. Moroles will return to Laramie in the next week to complete the work.

Press release for Jesus Moroles, click here.
For complete information, www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

Laramie Flood impacts work on Steven Siegel's Sculpture

Rising flood waters surround Siegel's scultpure on the Laramie Greenbelt. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum

Laramie was deluged with nearly 2 inches of rain in 2 days this week resulting in elevated water levels for the Laramie River. Areas southwest of the city are particularly vulnerable, including the site for New York artist Steven Siegel's site-specific installation. While rain didn't slow the artist's progress on the sculpture, the rising water has impacted the ability to work on some sections of the inner structure. The National Weather Service expects the river to crest on Saturday morning and we hope the waters will be receding by Monday.

Casper Star Tribune article, click here.

Press release for Steven Siegel, click here.

For complete information, www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

Jesus Moroles On Site Next Week

Albert Haskins, UW Physical Plant, off loads granite for Moroles Sculpture on Prexy's Pasture. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

From June 9 to 11, Texas artist Jesus Moroles will be on location creating a new work for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational. The exhibition has been curated by Susan Moldenhauer, director and chief curator of the UW Art Museum, and organized by the Art Museum in partnership with the University of Wyoming, various agencies of the City of Laramie, and the Albany County Public Library.

Moroles has designed an interactive work that will be created from a tank found at Ace Salvage and his signature material, granite. Sited just west of Half Acre Gym, the sculpture will be assembled by Moroles with the assistance of the museum's chief preparator Sterling Smith, preparator David Jones, and the museum's interns for the project: Michael Hurley, Jamie Fritz, Jedidiah Cracco, Kara Peterson, and Bethany Reisner.

Moroles will be on location Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, June 9 - 11.

Press release on Jesus Moroles, click here.
For complete information, www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

Siegel Sculpture Takes Shape on the Laramie Greenbelt

Steven Siegel's Sculpture on the Laramie Greenbelt at the end of the day Wednesday. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

Steven Siegel, assisted by UW Art Museum chief preparator Sterling Smith and a number of student interns, has established the basic structure of his site-specific work for Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational. After 3 days of working in the museum's woodshop and on site, the sculpture is beginning to emerge from the soggy banks of the Laramie River. Tomorrow, red mulch from the Cheyenne Recycling Center will be delivered. Additional structural components will be added as the work stretches beyond its current 75-ft length.

Working with Steven is a delight and being part of the creative process for the sculptural work for Laramie is a lot of fun. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Sarah at the museum, 766-6621. Volunteers for the coming weeks (June 9 - 20) to assist in completing the work and will also be needed for the 3 weeks in July when Patrick Dougherty will be in town to create a work from saplings.

Press release on Steven Siegel, click here.
For complete information, www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

Charles Parson's Molto Allargando completed on Prexy's Pasture

Molto Allargando by Charles Parson on Prexy's Pasture, University of Wyoming. Photo courtesy of the UW Art Museum.

With sod work complete, Molto Allargando by Charles Parson now rises magestically from Prexy's Pasture on the campus of the University of Wyoming. The first of five works that will be placed in this newly renovated center of campus, it is the first of 16 works placed outside the museum that will comprise Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational.

Public programs planned with the exhibition include:
July, day TBD
Public Art Talk by Patrick Dougherty

Sept. 12, 4 - 5:30pm
Public Opening Celebration, Prexy's Pasture

Apr. 4-5, 2009
Public Art and Communities: Impact and Inspiration (working title)
UW Conference Center
A two-day symposium with artists in Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational and more that 20 additional presenters who will discuss the impact and important of public art in our communities and on our campuses.

Press release for Charles Parson, click here.

For complete information, www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.