Monday, December 30, 2013

Laramie Mural Project Listed on Public Art Archive

An overview of downtown Laramie, where 8 murals accent businesses and public spaces.  Image courtesy of Brian Harrington, bhp imaging.


The Laramie Mural Project is now listed on Public Art Archive, an online resource through the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF).  Public Art Archive is a free online listing of public art throughout the United States and Canada.  Included in the Laramie Mural Project are 8 murals done by local artists and located in historic downtown Laramie.  By listing the murals on Public Art Archive, visitors who may not be familiar with the project, or with Laramie, can access images, a map, and artist statements in advance of their visit, or from their smartphones.  

You can find the Laramie Mural Project on the Public Art Archive website, and it's a great tool to keep in mind when you travel to other towns and cities nationwide.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Holiday Wishes



Happy holidays from the UW Art Museum!

Monday, December 23, 2013

Art Museum Closed for the UW Winter Break


The UW Art Museum galleries are now closed for 2013.  This past year has seen 21 different exhibitions, ranging from African art to abstract expressionism, Haitian paintings and photography.  We hope you've enjoyed all that was presented! 

Art Museum administrative offices will remain open today and then will be closed for the UW winter break until Thursday, January 2.  The galleries will remain closed in January as we install all new exhibitions that will open on Friday, January 31 at our opening reception from 6-8 pm. 

Thank you to our students, interns, visitors, board members, and supporters for a successful year of creativity, great art, and inspiration!

Monday, December 16, 2013

New Artist Interviews on YouTube


Two new artist interviews are now available on the Art Museum's YouTube page.  Artist Neltje discusses both her sumi-e ink drawings and her large abstract expressionist paintings that are on view through this Saturday, December 21.  A Wyoming artist, this interview provides insight to her process and inspiration.  If you haven't had the opportunity to see her work yet, watch this video and then stop by the museum and see her colorful, large-scale works! 

A second interview featuring Chicano art collector and advocate Cheech Marin has also been uploaded.  In the interview, Marin discusses the motivation behind his collecting, some of his favorite paintings, and the Chicano art movement.  It was a great opportunity to have him in Laramie, and this video helps continue the conversation he started!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Holiday Shopping at the Museum Store


Keep the Museum Store in mind as you finish up your holiday shopping!  We have fun Laramie Mural Project items, including coloring books and a variety of tshirts.  There are handy museum totes in a variety of accent colors like orange and green.  And if you still need to send out your holiday cards, the Museum Store has several winter and holiday themed cards available that feature artwork from our permanent collection.  They also work great as thank you notes for all the fabulous presents we hope you receive this holiday season!

The Museum Store will be open Monday-Saturday through December 23 from 10 am to 5 pm.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Thank you for a great Happy Holidays, Laramie! and Festival of Trees

A big thank you goes out to all of you from the community who visited us on Saturday for Happy Holidays, Laramie! and the Festival of Trees!  We had a great turnout with over 1500 people in attendance.  The musical performances throughout the day were fantastic and really put everyone in the holiday spirit!  All of the beautifully decorated trees were successfully auctioned off and are being delivered this week. 

These two events wouldn't be possible without the help of our dedicated docents and volunteers, as well as the community groups who donate their time and talents to decorate trees.  Thanks to all!


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Happy Holidays, Laramie! and the Festival of Trees

Join the Art Museum this Thursday evening at 6 pm for the Lighting of the Trees Ceremony as we kick off our annual holiday events, the Festival of Trees and Happy Holidays, Laramie!  We will have live music and refreshments on Thursday evening when the Festival of Trees silent auction opens to the public.  Visitors will also have the opportunity to select the People's Choice Award by voting for their favorite tree!

The silent auction of trees, all of which have been decorated by volunteers from local community groups and organizations, will remain open through Friday and will conclude on Saturday at 2:30 pm.

Happy Holidays, Laramie! is the Art Museum's hugely popular community holiday celebration with music performances throughout the day, an exhibition of artwork by ACSD #1 students, balloon animals with Pinkerbell, visits with Santa Claus, and lots of yummy cookies!  We will begin the musical performances at 10:30 am and conclude at 2:30 pm with the Laramie Community Band.

All of these events are free and open to the public, so we hope you'll join us in kicking off the holiday season!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Call for Entries Now Open for the Annual Juried UW Student Exhibition


A highlight of the Art Museum's programming, the 39th Annual Juried UW Student Exhibition call for entries is now open!  As in the past, the exhibition is open to any student at UW who is enrolled in the current academic year.  This year, students will be submitting images online through Cafe - an online call for entry website.  One of the goals of the student exhibition has always been to provide students with a practical, professional experience. By shifting to an online submission process, students will be set up with the tools and skills they will need to apply for national and international shows on a professional level.

Another benefit of the online process is that we can reach out to jurors who are farther away.  This year's juror is Nina Johnson-Milewski, director and owner of Gallery Diet in Miami.  Working with contemporary artists on a daily basis, Nina will bring a unique perspective!

Students who would like to submit to the exhibition can visit the Cafe website and create a profile for free.  A simple search for "39th Annual Juried University of Wyoming Student Exhibition" will bring up the call where information and images can be uploaded.

The Art Museum is looking forward to another great exhibition that showcases the creative work being done by students around the UW Campus!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Laramie Mural Project Update


The final mural of 2013 has been completed, but there are still a lot of exciting things happening with the Laramie Mural Project!  A new cell phone audio tour is now up and running.  Each mural artist took the time to record a prompt for their mural or murals, so the next time you're around town all you have to do is call a local number, enter the prompt number listed above followed by the pound sign (#), and you'll hear directly from each artist! You can click on the image above for a larger version of this handout to print and take with you.

Dan Toro's mural, Bookshelf, was the last mural of the year, and Brian Guice Media of Laramie has created a great time lapse of Dan's process.  You can check out the video here.

Thanks to the great support of the Kickstarter campaign earlier in the year, we look forward to the addition of even more murals in 2014!  As winter kicks into gear, we hope everyone around town appreciates the added color and liveliness that the current murals offer to Laramie's downtown!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Cell Phone Audio Tour Available

Marvin Jim (b. 1966) and Grace Begay (Navajo, Native American), Changing Woman to the Bear, 2006, wood and pigment, 16-1/2 x 7-1/2 x 5-1/4 inches, gift of James R. Nolan, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, 2013.3.1



Do you know why animals are depicted standing upright in Navajo kachinas? Have you heard about the legendary skin-walkers?  Did you know that the woman who changed into a bear is from the Navajo creation story?

If you want to learn more about the kachinas that are in the exhibition, Contemporary Kachinas from the UW Art Museum Collection, and the stories behind them, you can turn to the FREE cell phone audio tour that's available.  If you're at the Art Museum visiting, you can call 307-200-0040 from your cell phone and enter the prompt number that's listed on the label by these objects. 

When you see this symbol in the gallery next to a work of art, you know there is a cell phone audio tour that you can listen to.

 
So the next time you visit and have questions about why there is a badger dressed as a cowboy, grab your cell phone and start dialing!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Opportunity for Artists



The University of Wyoming Art Museum, along with the UW Art Department, and the Jentel Artist Residency Program, are co-hosting an information session with Creative Capital on Monday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Visual Arts Building, room 111.  

Creative Capital is a New York City-based nonprofit organization that acts as a catalyst for the development of adventurous and imaginative ideas by supporting artists who pursue innovation in form and/or content in the performing and visual arts, film and video, and in emerging fields.  In 2014, Creative Capital will be considering proposals in the Film/Video and Visual Arts.  In 2015, the grant round will re-open for Emerging Fields, Innovative Literature and Performing Arts proposals.

Sean Elwood, Director of Programs & Initiatives, will be present for an informal presentation and to answer questions regarding the Creative Capital’s upcoming grant rounds.  Elwood is the former Curator and Collection Manager of the Seattle Arts Commission, Director of Special Projects at Ronald Feldman Fine Arts (New York) and Manager of the Art Residency Program at the Centrum Foundation (Port Townsend, WA).  Elwood received a Max Beckmann Scholarship at Brooklyn Museum Art School and holds an MA in visual arts from Hunter College.  He has been a visual arts reviewer for the Jentel Artist Residency Program applicants for the past two years.

The program is free and open to all Wyoming artists, UW students, and the public.  For in-depth information on the foundation, past recipients and current work, please visit www.creative-capital.org.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

From Wyoming Public Media: Cheech on Chicanitas


Jari “WERC” Alvarez, Donkey Show, 2008, mixed media, 12 x 24 inches, courtesy of the Cheech Marin Collection


If you missed any of the great talks that Cheech Marin gave while he was here last week, you can still learn more from him firsthand!  Wyoming Public Media recorded clips from a press conference with Marin and has shared the audio files on their website.  They've also posted images from the exhibition, Chicanitas: Small Paintings from the Cheech Marin Collection, which will be on view at the Art Museum through November 23, 2013.

Thanks to WPM for compiling and sharing this resource!  It's a great way to hear and learn directly from Marin. 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Cheech Marin at UW This Week


In case you haven't already saved the date, check out this poster that was created by Campus Activities Council to announce the FREE public programs Cheech Marin will be participating in this week!


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Exhibition and Public Programs with WY Artist Neltje

Neltje (American, b. 1934), Summer Passing, 1990, acrylic on canvas, 72 x 72 inches, courtesy of the artist



Wyoming artist and arts advocate Neltje will have a solo exhibition of her large-scale paintings at the UW Art Museum this fall, and she will present two public programs.  The exhibition, Neltje. Painting. 1990-2012. is the first to fully explore the evolution of her work in painting.  Neltje's work is rooted in Abstract Expressionism, but is also influenced by her work in sumi-e, an Asian style of ink drawing.  Her paintings have traditionally been large in scale, but her most recent series, the Moroccan Suite, establishes a new size for her paintings - 10 x 30 feet. 

The exhibition will open on Saturday, September 7 and be on view through Saturday, December 21, 2013.  An opening reception to celebrate all new fall exhibitions will be at the Art Museum on Friday, September 6 from 6 to 8 pm. 

Neltje will present an Art Talk on Thursday, September 5 at 7 pm in the Visual Arts Building, room 111.  She will also give an informal Gallery Walk Through on Friday, September 6 at 10:30 am.  All of these events are free and open to the public.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Actor and Art Collector Cheech Marin to Visit UW

August 16, 2013 — Well-known entertainer Cheech Marin, who has gained additional acclaim as a collector of Chicano art, is scheduled to visit the University of Wyoming campus and present two public programs on Sept. 6-7.

Marin will speak about “Chicano Art: Cultivating the Chicano Future” at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, in the Wyoming Union Ballroom, followed by a book signing. On Saturday, Sept. 7, at 10:30 a.m., he will give an informal gallery walk-through at the UW Art Museum. Both programs are free and open to the public.

An opening reception to celebrate the exhibition is planned Friday, Sept. 6, from 6-8 p.m. at the UW Art Museum. This event also is free and open to the public.

While on campus, Marin also will meet with faculty members and students from the Chicano Studies, American Studies, Art and History departments.

Marin, who is best known for his work in movies, television and improvisational comedy, has been acquiring art for more than 25 years and has amassed arguably the most renowned collection of Chicano art in private hands.

“Cheech Marin’s efforts as a collector of and advocate for Chicano art have made this important art genre visible and accessible to main street America,” says the UW Art Museum’s director and chief curator, Susan Moldenhauer. “His public lecture will illuminate the importance of this art and explore its connections to the broader genre of American art.”

A selection of paintings from Marin’s private collection will be on view at the UW Art Museum Sept. 7-Nov. 23. “Chicanitas: Small Paintings from the Cheech Marin Collection” features paintings all under 16 by 16 inches, and showcases 26 established and emerging Chicano artists. The painting styles include photo-realism, abstraction, portraits and landscapes.

“’Chicanitas’ is drawn from Marin’s most recent interest in collecting works that explore the personal lives and daily routines of the Chicano experience,” Moldenhauer says. “Smaller in scale than the large canvases that Chicano artists have used to convey the political and social realm of their experience, the paintings in the exhibition offer more personal yet powerful perspective of their lives.”

The exhibition and Marin’s visit are made possible in part by the Wyoming Humanities Council, Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, Wyoming Arts Council through the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, UW Chicano Studies, UW Multicultural Affairs, UW Student Activities Council, UW Art Department, Wyoming Institute for Humanities Research, ASUW, MEChA, UW National Advisory Board Endowment, and UW Art Museum Gala funds.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Laramie Mural Project Summer Progress

 The Laramie Mural Project is making great progress this summer!  Meghan Meier has completed, Grainery Grove, which she expanded and now covers three walls of the Big Dipper!

 Travis Ivey's mural, Crossing Sherman Hill on the Modern Printing building, is coming along, with more details being added daily!

 The larger-than-life prairie dogs of Jeff Hubbell's mural, Prairie Dog Town spans three downtown businesses - Atmosphere Mountain Works, the Herb House, and the Curiosity Shoppe - and certainly spruces up the alley!

The most exciting news is that another mural will soon be underway!  This is the concept sketch by Dan Toro for a mural called Book Shelf, which will be behind the Laramie Vision Clinic.  It incorporates the unique inset doorways of the building, and the result will be an exciting mural with lots of three-dimensionality!

Stay tuned this summer as murals progress and we continue to lay the groundwork for the addition of even more murals next summer!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Important Construction Update

The Centennial Complex has scaffolding around the entire copper cone and roof replacement is underway


As roofing construction continues on the Centennial Complex, we have important information if you are planning a visit and need to use the lower entrance into the building, which is the ADA compliant entrance with elevator access.  This entrance will remain open during construction; however, a tunnel is being built in the lower lobby entrance area to ensure public safety during the replacement of the skylights that are immediately overhead.  Access to the elevator will not be diminished, but please do use caution as this is a live work site. 

If you need any assistance, or have any concerns about your visit, please give us a call at 307.766.6622.  We appreciate your continued patience during this process! 

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Gallery Walk Through this Saturday

Artists Gerald Lang (standing, left) and Jennifer Anne Tucker (standing, right) discuss their work


Gerald Lang and Jennifer Anne Tucker gave an informal Gallery Walk Through this morning at the Art Museum.  Their work is on view in the exhibition, The Botanical Series.  Tucker collects plants and herbs around their farm in central Pennsylvania, and then works with Lang to scan and print these highly detailed and lifelike images.

Tucker is also a practicing herbalist and will be giving an informal talk at the Art Museum on Saturday, July 27 at 10:30 am.  This talk will focus on the plants and herbs featured in the exhibition and provide unique insights from her perspective as an herbalist.  The talk is free and open to the public.

The Botanical Series will be on view at the Art Museum through August 17.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

NEA Funded Grant for Public Art in Laramie


Through their "Our Town" grants program, the National Endowment for the Arts will be funding a $25,000 grant that will support the creation of a public art plan for the City of Laramie.  A public art consultant will work with the community and the supporting organizations: The University of Wyoming Art Museum, Laramie Main Street Alliance, Laramie Beautification Committee, and City of Laramie, to create a new public art program for the town.

This is exciting news as these partners continue to support public art in Laramie.  You can read more about the NEA and the grant on their website.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Laramie Mural Project Kickstarter Success

Laramie artist Travis Ivey works on the outline of his mural, "Crossing Sherman Hill"


A big thank you goes out to all of the backers of the Laramie Mural Project Kickstarter campaign.  The campaign, which aimed to raise $15,000 in one month's time to provide funds for additional murals, was successfully funded yesterday.  There are still 5 days remaining in the campaign, meaning that any donations received from now until July 21 are additional funds above and beyond the goal.

Work is currently underway on two new murals, one by Travis Ivey and one by Meghan Meier.  Ivey's mural is located on the north facing wall of Modern Printing, and Meier is continuing her popular mural, "Grainery Grove" onto the north side of what is now The Big Dipper.

Additional murals for this summer include one by Jeff Hubbell, and plans are being made for another mural by Dan Toro.  With the funds raised through Kickstarter, the Laramie Mural Project will continue into the summer of 2014, with even more colorful murals being added to downtown next summer.

Thank you to all of the friends and supporters of the Laramie community and the Laramie Mural Project! 

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Spaces are Still Available for the Summer Teaching Institute

Participants in the 2011 Summer Teaching Institute discuss their work.

 
There are still available spots for you to sign up for the annual Summer Teaching Institute!  The Summer Teaching Institute is scheduled for July 21-26, 2013. Art and Science Collaborative: Investigating the Natural World considers how we can look at nature from multiple perspectives - as artists, scientists, herbalists - and use those ways of looking to inspire learning.  We'll explore a variety of alternative photography and printing processes with artists Bailey Russel, Gerald Lang, Jennifer Anne Tucker, and Tessa Dallarosa.  In addition, we will benefit from the expertise of botanist Joy Handley and science educator Maggie Bourque as we explore plants in the field, in the classroom, and at the Art Museum, using Lang and Tucker's large prints in the exhibition, The Botanical Series as inspiration.

All classes will be held in the UW Visual Arts Building and at the UW Art Museum under the direction of education curator, Wendy Bredehoft and master teacher, Heather Bender.

Studio time and lab time is included every afternoon to explore new materials and ideas inspired by the original artwork and plants collected by participants.  Studio art experience or scientific expertise is not required, as museum educators and science educators will be on hand to guide teachers in ways to tailor this week’s experiences to their personal school or community education goals.

Cost for the workshop is $150 per person with a $50 non-refundable pre-registration fee.  Partners may register as follows: $150 for first, $125 for second partner and $100 for any additional partners.  There is a $50 non-refundable pre-registration fee for each partner and all partners must register together. Registration forms are available at the Art Museum website at http://www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

Monday, July 1, 2013

2013 Gala Date and Theme Announced




The University of Wyoming Art Museum will host its 20th annual Gala ball and fundraiser, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” or, “Let the good times roll,” on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Yellowstone Ballroom.

Chris and Kathryn Boswell of Cheyenne are chairing this year’s event.  “We are honored to chair the 2013 Gala, and thrilled that new UW President Bob Sternberg and his wife Karin will be joining us at what promises to be a fun evening for a great purpose.  The Art Museum and its outreach programs not only impact the quality of life around Wyoming, the pre-school through college education programs strengthen student problem-solving and critical thinking skills – a great benefit to our future workforce.”

The annual black tie event is presented by the National Advisory Board of the University of Wyoming Art Museum and provides significant program dollars for Art Museum exhibitions, collections, education, and outreach.   The Art Museum is Wyoming’s only academic museum, which presents art from around the world and places art at the center of learning for all ages.

“Laissez les bons temp rouler” is planned as a fun-filled, festive evening of fine food, libations, music, friends, and an expansive silent auction.  Invitations will be mailed in September.  To add your name to the invitation list, please call the Art Museum’s administrative assistant, 307-766-3477.

Friday, June 28, 2013

New Murals are Underway

Students from the UW Summer Institute help prepare the wall of Modern Printing for a new mural


Be on the lookout for new murals being added to downtown businesses starting this weekend.  One mural got help last week when students participating in the UW Summer Institute helped prepare the wall of Modern Printing for a new mural by Travis Ivey.  The high school students were tasked with painting the wall white, a huge task that had to be completed before the mural can be painted.  

Ivey's mural, "Crossing Sherman Hill," is the first of four new murals planned for this summer.  Additional murals are planned for the summer of 2014.  Be on the lookout in the coming days as artists Meghan Meier and Jeff Hubbell also start work on their murals.

A big thank you goes out to the 86 participating high school students who volunteered their time and talents to downtown businesses during the UW Summer Institute. 

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Accepting Applications for the Ann Simpson Artmobile Curator

Students from the UW Lab School show their enthusiasm for the Ann Simpson Artmobile


The Art Museum currently has a job opening for the Ann Simpson Artmobile Curator position.  This is a 3/4 time (30 hours/week), benefited posi
tion.  Details about the job are below, or you can visit the HR website, and applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.  If you're enthusiastic about sharing original art with people across the state, consider applying for this creative and dynamic job!





The University of Wyoming Art Museum (UAM) seeks a creative, self-motivated, team-player as curator for the Ann Simpson Artmobile Program. This position is 30 hours per week. The schedule varies month to month and requires extensive travel throughout Wyoming.

Duties include developing, implementing and assessing curricula for Artmobile tours, lectures and programs for pre-K through adult audiences; ensuring that all Artmobile programming is aligned with the UAM philosophy of Museum as Classroom; conducting related art-making activities; assessing curricular needs for specific locations and designing individualized programming in conjunction with local educators. This position assists in the curation of Artmobile exhibitions.

The Artmobile curator co-operatively designs, plans and implements the Annual Summer Teaching Institute with the education team. Administrative duties include organizing and scheduling, on average, 20 Artmobile trips statewide yearly; maintaining the budget; and managing travel according to UW procedures. The curator coordinates publicity and promotion for the program.

The curator drives the Artmobile van throughout Wyoming; loads/unloads, installs/deinstalls, and secures the exhibition at each site. The position represents UW to audiences and individuals, promoting programs, resources and events; and attends and participates in professional conferences, symposia and other pertinent meetings.

Requirements: Undergraduate degree in art studio, art education, art history or related field. Knowledge of museum professional standards and K-12 education standards. Excellent interpersonal skills, problem solving, and organizational skills. Ability to work independently, and as part of an education team in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Current driver's license. Capability to drive long distances in sometimes adverse weather (i.e. wind and snow). Proficiency in Word/Excel. Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Preferred: Teaching experience combined with art/art history background. Printmaking experience and knowledge of working with a small traveling press. Ability to work in diverse settings (classrooms, museums, gymnasiums, recreation centers, one-room ranch schools, etc.), with all ages (pre-K through adult), remote and underserved audiences and students/participants with varying developmental abilities.

The University's policy has been, and will continue to be, one of nondiscrimination, offering equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without regard to such matters as race, sex, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political belief, or other status protected by state and federal statutes or University Regulations.

The University of Wyoming is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search, employment and motor vehicle history. Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of the background check.


Interested applicants are requested to send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, portfolio (as appropriate) and contact information for three professional references to:
Wendy Bredehoft, Curator of Education
University of Wyoming Art Museum
Department 3807, 1000 E. University Avenue
Laramie, WY 82071

Friday, June 21, 2013

Laramie Mural Project Launches Kickstarter Campaign

A sketch by Jeff Hubbell of his mural, Prairie Dog Town


The Laramie Mural Project launced an online Kickstarter fundraising campaign today with a goal of adding 7 new murals to downtown Laramie by the end of summer 2014.  The group will need to raise $15,000 by July 21st in an “all or nothing” approach to be able to continue the project.  Those interested in donating can visit the Kickstarter websiteOnce at the site, donors can choose amounts ranging from $10 to $5,000.  The Laramie Mural Project is a collaboration between local artists, downtown building owners, Laramie Main Street Alliance and the University of Wyoming Art Museum.  

The first murals of this summer include, “Crossing Sherman Hill” by Travis Ivey, which will be located at Modern Printing on the south corner of Kearney and 3rd Streets.  Ivey states, "The mural, ‘Crossing Sherman Hill,’ represents an inspired panoramic landscape of the Laramie Range as it may have looked during the Big Boy Steam Engine Era.  Rather than incorporating an actual route over Sherman Hill, this piece is interpretive of the entire area between Cheyenne and Laramie, complete with the sweeping plains and rocky outcroppings. . . . the Ames Brother's Monument and Dale Creek Trestle."  

Meghan Meier will continue her existing mural, “Grainery Grove II” at The Big Dipper, formerly the Whole Earth Grainery, at 111 Ivinson Avenue.  She will extend the mural of fanciful aspen trees that was completed in 2012 along the north wall of the building.

A third mural by Jeff Hubbell titled, “Prairie Dog Town,” will span three downtown businesses: The Curiosity Shoppe, Atmosphere Mountain Works, and The Herb House, all on 2nd Street.  The mural will be placed on west or alley walls of these buildings and will feature a windy winter scene with large-scale prairie dogs and abstract patterns.

Planning for additional murals by Dan Toro and Talal Cockar are underway.

The Guthrie Family Foundation, Laramie Beautification Committee, Wyoming Arts Council, and the City of Laramie have funded past murals.  Additional funds are needed in order to continue The Laramie Mural Project.  The Kickstarter campaign will enable the Laramie community and fans of the project to help transform downtown Laramie with murals that reflect the area’s social and cultural assets. Kickstarter is an online tool to help raise funds for unique individual and/or community projects.  Funds donated are only received if the total fundraising goal is met, in this case $15,000 by July 21st.  

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Summer Solstice Celebration on Friday

A line forms on the terrace for visitors to take a look through Ray Martin's filtered solar telescope at last year's Summer Solstice event.


Join us on Friday as we celebrate the official start of summer!  The Summer Solstice celebration will once again be held at the Art Museum from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.  This annual event celebrates the longest day of the year.  On the Summer Solstice, a beam of sunlight comes through a solar tube in the ceiling of the Rotunda Gallery and illuminates a silver dollar in the center of the gallery floor at noon.  In addition, Ray Martin will have his filtered solar telescope set up on the terrace for visitors to safely take a look at the surface of the sun.

This is a free event and is open to the public.  The construction on the roof of the building will not impact the day's events, so please join us as we celebrate summer in Laramie!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Final Days to see "Interstitial" by Gerri Sayler


The popular installation piece by Idaho artist Gerri Sayler, Interstitial: Between Earth and Sky will be de-installed on June 24.  The final day to see the work will be Saturday, June 22.

This was the concluding installation for the exhibition, Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational, which premiered in 2008.  Sculptures have been rotated through the exhibition and have been placed both on campus and around the city.

Interstitial was installed in 2012 and was inspired by the Wyoming landscape, as well as the architecture of the Centennial Complex.  It consists of hundreds of strands of hot glue suspended by monofiliment below the skylights in the Centennial Complex lobby.  The installation shifts throughout the day as the sunlight and weather conditions change.

If you haven't seen it in person yet, be sure to stop by the Art Museum in the coming days to see this site-specific installation!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Employment Opportunities at the Art Museum


The Art Museum is currently accepting applications for the Office Associate, Senior position, as well as a Visitor Services Attendant. 

The Office Associate, Senior is responsible for overseeing special events, including the annual Gala fundraiser, and the Happy Holidays and Festival of Trees community events.  This position also supervises the Visitor Services staff, including the Museum Store operations.  This is a full time benefited position.

The Visitor Services Attendant is responsible for greeting museum visitors, overseeing sales at the Museum Store, answering phone calls, and tracking attendance.  This is a customer service focused position that plays a key role in making sure museum visitors have a great experience at the museum!  This is a part time, non-benefited position.

If you are interested in joining the Art Museum team, information about how to apply can be found on the UW Human Resources website.  Applications for both positions will be accepted through June 16.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Happy Birthday, Harold Garde!



We would like to extend a very happy birthday to artist Harold Garde!  Garde, a UW alumnus and one of our favorite artists, turns 90 today!  Museums and galleries are celebrating him and his career today in Maine and Florida where he has studios.

Garde's work is currently on view in the Art Museum.  Kimonos: Strappo Prints by Harold Garde will be up through August 3.  We invite you to stop in and check out his innovative prints and join us in wishing him a happy birthday!

You can also visit his website for more information about him and his artwork.

Monday, June 3, 2013

UWYO Magazine Article Highlights Donation to the Art Museum


An article in the most recent issue of UWYO magazine highlights long-time Art Museum supporter and art collector, E.G. Meyer.  Meyer recently announced a promised gift to the Art Museum that will include selections from his extensive private collection of Western American art, artwork by the Taos Society of Artists, and European art. 

Meyer has long been a supporter of the Art Museum and had a distinguished career at UW.  You can read the article in its entirety here on the UW webpage.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Roof Repairs Underway at the Centennial Complex

This is the current view of the front doors to the Art Museum as scaffolding is put up around the cone.


Much needed roof repairs have begun at the Centennial Complex.  Over the course of the next few months, both the flat areas of the roof and the copper cone will be replaced.  Due to the unique architecture of the building, there are several leaking areas that will be fixed with these replacements.

The Art Museum will remain open during the construction.  There will be extensive scaffolding around the building and any changes in accessibility will be noted on our Facebook page and blog.  We are excited about these much needed repairs, and we ask for your patience as we navigate the construction!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

2013-2014 Membership Campaign


Roland Blain (Haitian, 1934-2005), Prehistoric Landscape, not dated, oil, 29-3/4 x 39-7/8 inches, gift of Mr. Richard S. Plotka, University of Wyoming Art Museum Collection, 1984.231 


Every April the Art Museum launches a new Membership campaign to raise unrestricted funds for exhibition and education programs.  Different membership levels are available for individuals, students, families, and businesses.  Museum members receive a 10% discount on items in the Museum Store and a 10% discount on Shelton Studio classes.  They are also the first to receive updated museum information like our newsletter, and receive invitations to special events and openings.  If you join at the $1000 level, you also receive a reproduction print of the painting above, which can be seen in the current exhibition of Haitian paintings from the collection.

Membership funds are an essential element of the Art Museum as they provide support for projects such as the Museum as Classroom initiative, as well as special exhibitionsThese funds also help support our Visitor Services, who in turn ensure that our museum visitors have a welcoming, informative, and positive experience at the museum.

Membership brochures can be picked up at our Visitor Services desk and will be available on our website soon.  If you'd like to receive one in the mail, give us a call at 307.766.6622 and we would be happy to mail you one!  Won't you consider becoming a museum Member?