Singer and songwriter Miss “V,” The Gypsy Cowbelle. Page 8
2014 • 2015
The 2014-2015 Wyoming Arts Council Artist Roster directory features 65 of Wyoming’s literary, visual and performing artists. They are selected through a comprehensive panel process that rates applicants on artistic professionalism, presentation, expression and subject matter. Each year, a new group of artists joins returning artists to represent a wide variety of art forms, cultural and ethnic programs and presentation styles. The roster gives a WAC “stamp of approval� to accomplished Wyoming artists and serves as a resource for communities seeking talented artists for festivals, performances, workshops and programs. The roster is distributed statewide and is available online at www.wyomingartscouncil.org Jennifer Tennican. Page 17
Literary Artists.................................................................................1 Performing Artists..........................................................................4 Visual Artists................................................................................ 12 Folk Artists.................................................... 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15
Laughing Bird. Page 7
These folk artists engage in craft, music and dance that stems from their cultural group and was passed on to them through word-of-mouth and by example, rather than by formal or academic means. For more information on folk artists, contact Anne Hatch, the Wyoming Arts Council’s Folk and Traditional Arts Specialist, 307-777-7721 or anne.hatch@wyo.gov.
Matt Daly. Page 1
The Artists Across Wyoming (AAW) grant is designed specifically to help bring roster artists into Wyoming communities. Grant requests that meet the AAW criteria are approved by the WAC staff. The maximum request amount is $750. Artists from the roster can also be used for other types of WAC grant requests.
• Browse the roster, here or online, to find an artist that fits your needs. • Contact the artist, explain your project and ask about availability, performance or presentation details, fees and applicable travel expenses. • WAC staff members can offer insight about a particular artist’s programs and other details. Call 307-777-7742 if you have questions.
• Discuss details of the project with the artist: date of event, time, venue location, fees, equipment needs, reimbursement for travel/accommodations, programming, number of artists coming (if a group), expected audience, etc. • Draw up and sign a contract with the artist. Have another contact with the artist one week prior to the event, to make sure that all details are understood. • WAC funding is paid directly to the grantee organization. Grantees are responsible for paying all project expenses, including artist fees.
• Applications are due at least 4 weeks prior to the project start date. • Apply online at wyoarts.state.wy.us/Grants • AAW Questions? Contact Grants Manager Karen Merklin, 307.777.7743 or karen.merklin@wyo.gov.
Matt Daly Jackson | Writer
Since 2003, Matt has offered poetry and prose writing workshops to writers of all ages and ability levels. His workshops help participants reflect on their personal commitment to their subject matter, clarifying what they have to say and how to say it artfully. In school settings, Matt has designed workshops and residencies to meet curricular requirements in the natural sciences, social studies, language arts and visual arts. Matt’s workshops utilize revision, peer editing, and public presentation as integral parts of the writing process. Matt received a Wyoming Arts Council creative writing fellowship in poetry in 2013. Contact: 307-690-7706; matt@dalypoetry.com. Website: http://www.dalypoetry.com
Patricia Frolander Sundance | Poet
For Poet Laureate Emeritus Patricia Frolander, moving from Boston, Mass., to the marital ranch west of Sundance, Wyo., was much more than counting miles. As a poet, Pat gives voice to the creative expression of nature, beauty, culture, community, heritage, emotion, spirit, and heart, while engaging thoughtful reflection on time and place. Her writing is both a refuge and a reflection of the pleasure and pain of partnering, parenting and the ranching profession. Patricia seeks to assist others in developing their voice, while crafting a focal point for the expression of Wyoming and western culture. She is available for readings and presentations. Contact: 307-283-2813; pfrolander@rangeweb.net. Website: http://www.bearlodgewriters.com/patfrolander.html
Eugene M. Gagliano Buffalo | Children’s writer/speaker
Gene, a retired elementary teacher, is the recipient of the IRA’s 2004 Wyoming State Literacy Award and 2001 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award, and author of the award-winning Dee and the Mammoth and My Teacher Dances on the Desk. Some of his other books are C is for Cowboy, V is for Venus Flytrap, Four Wheels West, and Little Wyoming. His interactive and entertaining presentations for schools and libraries address showing, not telling in writing, and character creation for grades 1-8. Teacher presentations focus on how to teach students writing skills based on school writing standards including expository writing. Contact: 307-684-5751, 307-217-0414; eugene.gagliano@gmail.com. Website: http://www.gargene.com
ARTIST ROSTER
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Literary artists
Rick Kempa Rock Springs | Poet and essayist
Poet and essayist Rick Kempa teaches at Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs. Drawing on a quarter-century of experience as an educator and professional writer, and a lifelong commitment to sharing his love of the written word, Rick offers custom-designed workshops to meet the needs of participants of any age and experience-level. Among his recent workshop offerings are “Words for the World: Writing About Nature,” “Re-seeing our Poems: The Essence of Revision,” “Contemporary Music and Poetry: Creative Connections,” and, for more experienced writers, “Tools and Techniques for Pursuing Publication.” Rick also gives spirited performances of his own work. Contact: 307-389-3127; rkempa@wwcc.wy.edu. Website: http://wiki.wyomingauthors.org/Rick+Kempa
Echo Roy Klaproth Shoshoni | Wyoming Poet Laureate
Echo Klaproth is a fourth-generation Wyoming rancher, writer, retired teacher and ordained minister from Shoshoni. In a ceremony at the State Capitol on July 10, 2013, she was introduced by Gov. Matt Mead as Wyoming’s sixth Poet Laureate. Her writing reflects: stories of her family’s heritage; struggles, gains, and growth as a woman, wife, mother, friend, and Christian; as well as the blessings she experiences because she was born and raised in Wyoming among good and honest folks. She loves to travel around the state meeting people and celebrating her love of life through poetry, through programs, and/or writing workshops. Contact: 307-857-5811; ricknecho@wyoming.com
David Romtvedt Buffalo | Writer and musician
David Romtvedt, formerly Wyoming Poet Laureate (2003-2010), is a multi-talented musician and writer offering writing workshops in poetry, fiction and play writing. He conducts programs on Wyoming’s literary history and communities, song writing, the interactions of music and literature, and ways that language and music are used by groups to defend their cultural integrity. David offers workshops on bookmaking and musical instrument building — flutes, drums, mbiras, and various percussion instruments. As a performer, he gives solo poetry readings and musical presentations. He also performs with his musical group, The Fireants. Contact: 307-684-2194; romtvedt@wyoming.com
Robert Roripaugh Laramie | Poet and fiction writer
Wyoming’s Poet Laureate from 1995-2002, Robert offers readings, workshops in writing poetry or fiction, and talks on the state’s literature. He taught creative writing and Western American literature at the University of Wyoming, and one of his novels, Honor Thy Father, won a Western Heritage Award from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. His poetry collections, Learn to Love the Haze and The Ranch, as well as The Legend of Billy Jenks and Other Wyoming Stories, represent his concern for writing and helping others to write imaginative work that also reflects a region’s history, natural setting, ways of life and people. Contact: 307-745-7492; http://www.wyohistory.org/essays/robert-roripaugh-wyoming-poet-laureate
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WYOMING ARTS COUNCIL
Literary artists
Barbara M. Smith Rock Springs | Poet and writer
A recipient of the 2008 Neltje Blanchan Memorial Writing Award for nature writing and a 2006 Governor’s Arts Award, Barbara is widely published and has taught various creative writing courses at the college level and in the community for two decades. Barbara’s memoir writing workshop, “Write Your Life Story,” focuses on how to organize and start writing the stories of your life. Barbara uses guided exercises designed to generate ideas, write first drafts, and get feedback. Workshop length and number of sessions may vary. Barbara also will give readings of her own work. Contact: 307-362-7534; bsmith@wwcc.wy.edu
George J. Vlastos Casper | Poet and writer
George Vlastos has been writing consistently for 25 years, but the past few years have been particularly busy. In 2012 he was the featured artist at the WyoPoets Annual Conference and received a Neltje Blanchan Fellowship. He recently finished a creative memoir, Pin~Heads, about his travels among the monasteries of the Holy Mountain of northern Greece. His workshop topics range to subjects for poetry, such as “How to invest more senses and less psyche into verse,” to creative non-fiction, “How place makes person,” to multi-genre projects with an emphasis on harvesting material from historical records and primary sources. Contact: 307-251-1249; gjvlastos@gmail.com
ARTIST ROSTER
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Bob Berky Jackson | Theatrical clown/actor/director/educator
OBIE award winner Bob Berky has performed at festivals throughout the world, and has been featured in major theatres such as the Kennedy and Lincoln Centers and the Smithsonian Institute, as well as in smaller arts centers and ranch living rooms throughout Wyoming and the West. His programs include solo performances, classroom and community “informances,” week-long residencies which culminate in community live radio performances of “Hank The Cowdog”, workshops in playwrighting, juggling and physical comedy. As an educator, he has taught throughout the world, and during the 2010-2011 school year, he taught in the graduate theatre program at Brown University. Contact: 307-690-5126; rwberky@gmail.com; Sample work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQCKBU7DMbk&
“Buffalo Bill” (William Frederick) Boycott Lander | Singer/songwriter, musician
“Buffalo Bill” is Lander, Wyoming’s, own songster, raconteur, fiddler, historian, winner of the Western Music Association Yodeler of 2011, multi-faceted entertainer and instrumentalist, and the only person in the State of Wyoming licensed to carry a concealed banjo! Performing cowboy poetry, historical, cowboy and original songs about the Wild West, Oregon Trail and Wyoming, “Buffalo Bill” performs “The Legacy of Wyoming and the Wild West,” stories in Indian Sign Language and Wild West songs accompanied by historical paintings and photos, taking the listener on an amazing journey of the expansion and culture of Wyoming and Western America. Contact: 307-332-7025, 307-349-7197; wfboycott@hotmail.com. Website: www.buffalobillboycott.com
Scott Bragonier Cody | Singer/songwriter of traditional and original Western music
“Scott Bragonier’s music is understated and serene, Western to the core, traditional, original, inspired.” A Cody native, Scott has spent the past two decades writing and performing Western music at major festivals and intimate campfire gatherings. Scott performs traditional and original songs crafted with the sincerity of the Rocky Mountain West. An accomplished guitar player, Scott performs solo with his guitar and voice, as was often the case in the early days. His music and lyrics take you on a 150-year journey through the American West without ever leaving your seat. Not your typical Western music…it’s one of kind. Contact: 307-250-0414; scott@scottbragonier.com; Website: www.scottbragonier.com
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WYOMING ARTS COUNCIL
Performing artists
Peter Chandler Teton Village | Guitarist, singer/songwriter, bandleader
“Chanman” has been a working artist in Wyoming and the surrounding region for 20 years. In 2012, 2013 and 2014, he was awarded Gold for Best Musician and in 2012 for Best Local CD Release by JH Weekly Best of Jackson Hole. He has taught voice and band at the Jackson Hole Music Experience Summer Camp and been a guest teacher for Music Together. He has recorded five CDs, and plays with the bands The Chanman Roots Band, Tram Jam, The Papa Chan Quartet and Waist Deep. His music is played regularly on Wyoming Public Radio. Workshops include lectures on the history of jazz and/or reggae, with demonstrations of these musical genres. Contact: 307-734-7713, 307-413-1348; skibummusic@hotmail.com. Websites: www.papachanandjohnnycnote.com; www. chanmanrootsband.com
Davis & Mavrick Laramie | Musicians
For more than twenty years, Davis & Mavrick have performed music by the best-known songwriters and performers of light rock, folk, country, and standards of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. With versatile arrangements, polished vocal harmonies, percussion instruments, ukulele, and acoustic guitars, their diverse song selection captures an era of music that will be remembered for years to come. People of all ages will enjoy listening, dancing, or singing along to Davis & Mavrick. Contact: 307-721-2990; davisandmavrick@wyoming.com
William Lynn Dixon Cheyenne | Theatre and vocal performance
William Lynn Dixon holds a degree in vocal performance with a theater performance certificate from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. He has performed for presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and international dignitaries as well. His workshops and master classes feature the connection between theatre, writing, and literature, and can vary in length from one day to a complete production. He received a commendation from Governor Geringer for his contribution to education with “Suddenly Shakespeare!” which features three “condensed” Shakespeare comedies. Lynn’s school activities have been matched to WDOE standards and benchmarks. Contact: 307-631-7686; dixonwml@aol.com; Website: http://www.facebook.com/WilliamLynnDixon
The Fireants Buffalo | Musical performance
The Fireants is a four- or five-piece band that plays traditional dance music of the Americas, including music from Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, northern Colombia, Brazil, Trinidad, Quebec, and the Basque Country. Often during performances, The Fireants will instruct both group and couples in dance. Their workshops focus on teaching traditional singing and dancing from the cultures whose music they perform. They have experience working with K-12 students and community groups. Contact: 307-684-2194; romtvedt@wyoming.com
ARTIST ROSTER
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Performing artists
Caryn Flanagan Jackson | Actor, director and playwright
Caryn Flanagan is a professional actor, director, producer, playwright and theatre educator based in Jackson. She is available as a freelance theatre artist and actor (member, Actor’s Equity). Her leadership in the nonprofit arts sector places her as a valuable consultant to theatre companies or individuals seeking professional career development. Contact: 307-699-2110; carynflanagan@mac.com. Website: http://www.carynflanagan.com.
Flores De Colores* Cheyenne | Dance troupe
Founded in 2002 by Danelle Moyte-Fernandez, Flores De Colores encourages youth involvement in after-school community service while learning the history, footwork and language of Mexican folklore. As official Cinco De Mayo ambassadors for Cheyenne, Flores De Colores presents a wide variety of dance steps, as well as historical information, from various Mexican states -- Chiapas, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Jalisco, Veracruz and Baja California Norte. The group, which can include Mexican singers upon request, tailors its dances to the audience. Danelle invites opportunities to share this cultural history with schools, organizations, clubs, and at community events in surrounding cities and towns. Contact: 307-256-8823; danelle0777@gmail.com. Websites: www.floresdecolores.org; www.facebook.com/danceCheyenne
Amy Gorbey Cheyenne | Children/youth theater director, producer and theater instructor
Amy Gorbey is an actress, director, playwright, and producer with an M.F.A. in Acting from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A member of Actors Equity, AFTRA, and SAG, she has worked as a professional actress and co-written three plays which were produced and premiered in Philadelphia, including Extinction: A Play, which received a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts. Amy has taught adults and elementary and middle school students, and has directed several summer theater camps, where her students explored subjects ranging from Greek mythology to silent film. Contact: 267-546-7919; agorbey@q.com
Judd Grossman Jackson | Guitarist, singer/songwriter
Judd is a singer/songwriter/guitarist who has performed his original contemporary folk music in concerts throughout the country. Judd was a winner of the Wyoming Arts Council Performing Arts Fellowship in 2003. He performs either solo or with members of his band, and he provides workshops for adults or students on songwriting, voice, folk guitar, and the business of music. Judd also works with younger kids on basic music skills, improvisation and spontaneous musical production. Contact: 307-690-4935; jg@juddgrossman.com. Website: www.juddgrossman.com
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WYOMING ARTS COUNCIL
Performing artists
Larry W. Hazlett Laramie | Stage lighting design/audio-soundtrack design/consultant
A University of Wyoming Professor Emeritus, Larry W. Hazlett has designed lighting for more than 160 staged productions at the University of Wyoming, University of Virginia, Colorado Ballet (while in residence at UW), and other professional venues. In 2001, he designed lighting for scenes used in the HBO movie, “The Laramie Project,” and in 2008, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Northwest Regional American College Theatre Festival for excellence in lighting design. Contact: 307-742-4117, 307-760-4545; hazlett@uwyo.edu
Michael Hurwitz* Alta | Guitarist, singer/songwriter
Michael is a Wyoming native with a unique style that falls somewhere between the Delta Blues and Western cowboy swing. For over three decades, Mike has rambled the country playing his music. He’s picked with the famous and the unknown, in the spotlight and in the moonlight, worked as a cowboy, broncbuster, dude-wrangler, hunting guide, carpenter and surveyor, written a saddlebag full of great songs, and released several critically acclaimed albums of country blues and cowboy music. His performances are a compelling mix of stories and humor from a life well spent, combined with outstanding musicianship and songwriting, and a warm relaxed singing style. Contact: 307-353-2292; mike@mikehurwitz.com. Website: www.mikehurwitz.com
Sharon LaGrant Cody | Theatre lighting/technical design
Whether your lights look like they were bought in 1959, or the only one in town who can run that computerized light board is graduating (or retiring), you need to call Sharon. She designs lights, consults on lighting equipment and safety, and offers workshops covering lighting design, equipment use, safety, board operation and more. Using the tools available to their fullest potential is a key to successful theatre productions! Sharon has designed for various venues for 30 years, earning her B.A. in technical theatre from the University of Missouri/Kansas City, and currently serves as technical director at Wynona Thompson Auditorium in Cody. Contact: 307-250-5747, slagrant@gmail.com. Website: http://slagrant359.wix.com/sharons-lights
Laughing Bird Story | Singer/songwriters, comedians, musicians
Laughing Bird is husband and wife duo Tupelo and Janey Wing Kenyon. Their music and comedy show is a lively mix of original contemporary folk music with overtones of country, bluegrass, and light acoustic rock. Concerts include audience interaction and wholesome humor and are fast-paced and high-spirited, creating an informal, fun atmosphere. They have eleven recordings featuring their original songs that tickle the funny bone and touch the heart. In addition to consistently pleasing audiences of all age groups around the world, Laughing Bird provides school presentations and workshops. Contact: 307-683-3451; janey@LaughingBirdMusic.com. Website: www.LaughingBirdMusic.com
ARTIST ROSTER
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Performing artists
Willie LeClair Riverton | Native American storyteller
Willie offers Wyoming residents a better understanding of Native American peoples’ traditions, history and lifestyle. He conducts short courses in storytelling and performance in conversational Native American Sign Language, traditional songs, hand drums, descriptions and demonstrations of powwow dancing, and background of Indian activities. Helping communities and organizations teach and preserve Native American culture by sharing experiences of living on the Wind River Indian Reservation, Willie lectures on the history of Wyoming Indian groups, pre-reservation lifestyles, Indian government systems, and how treaties were developed, signed, and then changed over time. Contact: 307-856-5782; wleclair@wyoming.com. Website: www.willieleclair.com
Daron Little Saratoga | Singer/songwriter
Daron Little cowboys on the headquarters division of the Silver Spur Ranch near Encampment. His area code is 307, a detail that is close to his heart. In fact, his third album is entitled 307, a tribute to the land and the region. His first two albums were The Faraway Look and Ranch Cowboy Music, and he was named 2009 top male vocalist in the Western category by the Academy of Western Artists. He and his music have received other honors, but Daron mainly just loves what he does and does what he loves, both on the ranch and when he’s making music. Daron lives in a house full of women with his wife and three daughters, which is probably poetic justice. He names his musical influences as Gail Steiger, Chris LeDoux, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Willie. Who says all cowboy songs sound the same? Contact: 307-327-5217, 307-710-3174; daron@ranchcowboymusic.com; Website: www.ranchcowboymusic.com
Ben Markley Laramie | Pianist and composer
Award-winning jazz pianist/composer Ben Markley brings a swinging brand of jazz that mixes standards from the Great American Songbook and his own compositions. Compositions from Markley’s first two recordings earned him ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Awards. Markley currently serves as visiting assistant professor of music at the University of Wyoming. Contact: 307-766-4329, bmarkley@uwyo.edu; Website: www.benmarkleymusic.com
Miss “V,” The Gypsy Cowbelle Cora | Singer/songwriter
Living the life she sings about, this troubadour has performed in more than 25 states, cementing her versatility as an entertainer and ambassador of American culture and history. Her adventures as a caretaker, wrangler, teamster, rafting guide, luthier, leatherworker and general purveyor of America’s Blue Highways have been featured in books, movies, publications and interviews nationwide. Lively performances reflect her natural stage presence, subtle humor and enduring creativity while compelling lyrics, rich vocals, homemade banjo and guitar create her timeless Cowbilly sound. “V” hosts workshops on homemade instruments, songwriting, Western history and her 2013 documentary, The Modern Day Homesteader. “Nothing Fancy But Guaranteed Authentic!” Contact: 307-231-9252; gypsycowbelle@gmail.com. Website: www.gypsycowbelle.com; www.myspace.com/gypsycowbelle
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WYOMING ARTS COUNCIL
Performing artists
Dave Munsick Dayton | Singer/songwriter/instrumentalist
With six CDs to date of songs with a timeless and universal appeal, Dave Munsick’s new CD is Forever West, a compilation of songs he wrote about Wyoming. He also composes songs and musical themes for plays, historical documentaries and private businesses. A performer on the fiddle, piano and guitar, he has opened for artists including Chris LeDoux, Hank Thompson, Ian Tyson, Charlie Daniels, Suzie Bogguss and Lyle Lovett. He plays solo and with his bands The Powder River Boys and The Munsick Boys, his musician and songwriting sons. Dave’s music is played on U.S. and European television and radio stations, and he has been reviewed in Western Horseman, Rope Burns, and Cowboy magazines. Contact: (all 307) 655-3573, 751-1168, 655-2236; munsick@fiberpipe.net.Website: www.davemunsick.com
Andy Nelson Pinedale | Cowboy poet and performer
An energetic and high-spirited cowboy poet and humorist from Pinedale, Andy offers the history, heritage and hilarity of the cowboy culture through traditional poetry and storytelling. During his childhood and adolescence, Andy’s greatest influence was traveling with his father to his many farrier jobs. As an adult, Andy worked as a ranch hand in southern Idaho for several years. Andy brings humor and authenticity to his performances, entertaining audiences across the U.S. and Canada. Most recently, he has performed as a featured artist for the Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Arvada, and at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering at Elko, Nevada. Contact: 307-367-2842; cowboypoet@wyoming.com. Website: www.cowpokepoet.com
Leslie O’Hashi Cheyenne | Dancer, choreographer, instructor
While dancing as a young girl at the Elizabeth Tolerton studio in Cheyenne, Leslie knew she would be a dancer. She commuted to Ft. Collins to continue her ballet training, and eventually danced and performed for the Colorado Ballet. She has her own dance studio in Cheyenne and offers master classes and set choreography in ballet, jazz and modern dance. Her ten-member performance group was selected to perform for the Walt Disney World’s Music Magic Days Youth Education program in Orlando. Leslie designed an adaptive dance and movement program for children with disabilities and delays, and the class has performed twice. Contact: 307-630-5177; oglass@bresnan.net
Jared Rogerson Pinedale | Singer/songwriter of contemporary cowboy music
Jared Rogerson’s songwriting draws from countless miles exploring the rugged backcountry of Wyoming and 17 years riding broncs in rodeos. His lyrics depict modern themes of love, heartbreak, adventure, determination, defiance, and the world’s headlines from the optimistic perspective of an ever-changing West. Having been compared to both Chris LeDoux and Bon Jovi, his crowd-engaging live performances are a unique sonic blend of contemporary authenticity that Jared sums up as, “Cowboy Music from the New West!” His three albums, Dirt (2013), Peace, Love & Horses (2011), and Bad Hay (2010) can be sampled at his website. Contact: 307-231-0610, booking@jaredrogerson.com; Website:www.jaredrogerson.com
ARTIST ROSTER
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Performing artists
David Romtvedt Buffalo | Writer and musician
David Romtvedt, formerly Wyoming Poet Laureate (2003-2010), is a multi-talented musician and writer offering writing workshops in poetry, fiction, and play writing. He conducts programs on Wyoming’s literary history and communities, song writing, the interactions of music and literature, and ways that language and music are used by groups to defend their cultural integrity. David offers workshops on bookmaking and musical instrument building— flutes, drums, mbiras, and various percussion instruments. As a performer, he gives solo poetry readings and musical presentations. He also performs with his musical group, The Fireants. Contact: 307-684-2194; romtvedt@wyoming.com
Summit Chamber Players Laramie | Chamber musicians
The Summit Chamber Players joins the talents of violinists John Fadial and Sherry Sinift, violist James Przygocki, & cellist Beth Vanderborgh. The quartet, comprised of members of the music faculty at the University of Wyoming, presents a wide range of repertoire from Mozart to contemporary composers. The quartet has been featured on chamber music series throughout the Western region, including recitals at the Black Hills Chamber Music Society, the Casper Chamber Music Society, the Lander Community Concerts Association and the Wheatland Chamber Music Series. The Summit Chamber Players seeks to engage young string players though performances, workshops and master classes. Contact: 336-312-7688; 307-766-3554; bvanderb@uwyo.edu
Paul Taylor Laramie | Storyteller and musician
This acclaimed Australian performing artist delights in sharing the culture of his homeland. A State Finalist in the Australian of the Year Awards 2013, Paul has been endorsed by New York, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, North and South Dakota arts councils. Paul performs to all ages in Wonders Down Under, Australian Music & Stories, an exciting blend of story, song, dance, and theatre, featuring the didgeridoo. Paul is mentored by Aboriginal custodian Yidumduma Bill Harney and presents Bush University, featuring rock art with creation stories. Paul’s residencies and workshops are multi-disciplined featuring his award-winning Caring For Country murals. Contact: 307-721-8853; pauldidj@gmail.com; Website: http://www.paultaylor.ws.
Amelia Terrapin Jackson | Dancer, interpretive movement
Amelia’s workshops interpret fascinating science questions into dance: What would a sound wave look like when traveling through space? How do hydrogen and oxygen bond to form water molecules? How does a volcano erupt? Using these concepts, Amelia’s classes are designed to teach the basic elements of dance — shape, pathway, quality, space, time — through the objectives of a science class. The joy of movement blends together with the wonder of science to create an exciting and active learning experience. Workshops often culminate with a performance, giving students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge while working creatively and collaboratively with each other. Contact: 701-330-8221; amelia@mobiusmoves.com. Website: www.mobiusmoves.com
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WYOMING ARTS COUNCIL
Performing artists
Jeff Troxel Cody | Guitarist, singer/songwriter
An award-winning guitarist who crosses musical boundaries, Jeff’s performances showcase his songwriting and mastery of guitar that earned him flatpicking championships in Wyoming, Utah and the 2003 National Flatpicking Championship. Jeff holds music performance degrees from Berklee College of Music and the University of Southern California, and has taught at USC, the University of Laverne, Rocky Mountain College and Central Wyoming College. He is currently an assistant professor of music at Northwest College in Powell. An author for Mel Bay Publishing and columnist for Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, Jeff performs either solo or with members of his band. His clinics and workshops are invaluable to the player, private instructor and classroom teacher. Contact: 307-587-9059; jtroxel@bresnan.net. Website: www.jefftroxel.com.
Verismo Trio Laramie | Classical chamber music
Verismo Trio -- Nicole Riner on flute, Scott Turpen on saxophones and Theresa Bogard on piano -- has thrilled audiences across the country with their dynamic performances. Celebrated for their virtuosity and colorful musicianship, the trio performs pieces from Debussy to Latin jazz. Recent appearances include a tour of the Pacific Northwest and the Festival de Musica in Goiania, Brazil. The trio performs living composers’ works, has commissioned and premiered new trios, and is featured on the new CD, Chamber Music of Jennifer Higdon, available from Albany Records. Trio members also are teachers dedicated to training young chamber musicians in school residencies and guest master classes. Contact: 307-223-5184; nriner@uwyo.edu. Website: www.verismotrio.com
Wind River Dancers Ft. Washakie | Native American dancers and musicians
With a theme of “A Cultural Heritage Shared Through Dance and Songs,” the Wind River Dancers perform a variety of American Indian dance styles, which includes men’s traditional, grass and fancy feather and women’s fancy shawl, jingle dress and traditional. All of these dance styles are described and explained to the audience in order to share Native American culture and heritage. Included with performances are drummers and singers. The music is also explained to the audience so everyone who has an opportunity to see these performances will have a better understanding of Native American culture. Contact: 307-332-5318 ext.128; dlonebear@wyoming.com
ARTIST ROSTER
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Nathan Abel Casper | Printmaker
Nathan Abel is now a Casper-based artist, printmaker, designer and co-founder of Lucky Day Press. He returned to Wyoming in 2009 after living in Tucson, where he received his M.F.A. in printmaking from the University of Arizona. Nathan has taught courses in drawing, 2D design, graphic design, professional practices for the visual arts, and printmaking at the college level. His work surveys identity and memories and their relationship to the landscapes he lives in and travels through. Nathan is available to teach workshops in a full range of mediums including drawing, printmaking, bookmaking, letterpress, and computer based media. Contact: 307-258-9507; nate@nathanabel.com. Website: http://www.nathanabel.com
Christopher Amend Gillette | Drawing and painting
Christopher Amend has been a working artist/teacher for more than four decades. In addition to producing and exhibiting work throughout the United States and abroad, he has taught art at the elementary, high school and college level, and served as a juror for local, statewide, and national art exhibitions. He strongly believes that art is about ideas, rather than methods and materials, and has conducted numerous workshops based on that assumption. He conducts workshops in drawing, life drawing, portraiture, painting in oil and acrylic, methods for mixed media, printmaking, murals, and visual thinking/creative problem solving. Contact: 307-299-0659; chrisjamend@gmail.com; Website: www.chrisamend.com
Deborah Britt Lander | Ceramist
Deborah earned her B.F.A in ceramics in 1998, receiving a second place award in her graduating class. Since then she has worked as a studio artist, exhibiting work in shows in St. Louis, Missouri and Wyoming, and has conducted workshops for organizations such as the Girl Scouts. She is a former board member for the Lander Arts Center (LAC), and was the LAC Clay Program Coordinator, where she organized exhibits and taught classes. She founded Potters of the Wind Rivers (POWR), of which she is president, with the goal of supporting and promoting the ceramic arts in Wyoming. Contact: 307-349-0492; britt.deborah@gmail.com; Website: www.deborahbrittpottery.com
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WYOMING ARTS COUNCIL
visual artists
Dave Buckles Cody | Woodcarver
A wildlife woodcarver with a knowledge of antique duck decoy carving, Dave Buckles also specializes in other wildfowl, horses, fish, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone region. Fascinated by wildlife postures and behaviors, Dave strives to capture those personalities in his carvings and to help people notice those unique wildlife habits. He carves both the familiar and the extraordinary, whether it is a backyard American Robin or an exotic Sulfur-crested Cockatoo. As a self-taught wood carver, Dave knows that there is much that he can teach others, inspiring them to explore the art of carving. Contact: 307-250-3131; greenluddite@hotmail.com. Website: http://www.casualcarver.com; www.etsy.com/shop/ casualcarver
Nancy Mae Buening Sheridan | Painter
A native of Red Lodge, Montana, Nancy began painting one picture a year as a Christmas present for her parents. In 2003, she retired from teaching art in the public school system where she taught K-12. She has continued teaching watercolor through Sheridan Community College, and also holds private workshops in painting, drawing media and techniques. She continues to judge competitions, work on various committees, and is helping the Sheridan Arts Guild acquire a new creative art center for Sheridan. She is proud to have taught over 17,000 individuals the joy of self-expression. Contact: 307-674-6391; nancyb@wavecom.net
Michele Z. Farrier Alta | Drawing and painting
Michele’s interest in plein air has been a joy for her. She is active and enjoys time out-of-doors observing for hours at a time. Her passion is evident in her many workshops and residencies. She taught K-12 art for Teton County School District for 19 years. She has a B.A. in Art from UC Davis and a K-12 Art Teaching Credential from CSU, Sacramento. Her work can be found at DeSelms Fine Art in Cheyenne, Guchiebird’s in Driggs, Idaho, the Wyoming State Collection and in the new Ivinson Hospital in Laramie. Contact: 307-699-0635; mzfarrier@gmail.com. Website: http://www.michelezfarrier.com
Dan Hayward Laramie | Photographer
Dan Hayward is a leading Wyoming photographer. He has won numerous arts awards during his 35-year photo career and collectors around the country own his photos. Hayward’s fine art subjects include glass, aerial environmental documentation and abstractions, landscape panoramas and vignettes, fine art nudes and architecture, to name a few. He has a master’s degree in communication and mass media and gives multimedia presentations across the region. Presentation topics include “A Sense of Place,” “The American Spanish Mustang” and “Wyoming’s Red Desert.” He conducts studio and location workshops on a variety of subjects and leads natural environmental photo excursions. Contact: 307-742-6307, 307-399-8327; dhayward@wyoming.com; Website: http://www.haywardphoto.com
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Justin Hayward Casper | Drawing and painting
A full-time professor of drawing and painting at Casper College, Justin Hayward studied illustration at Brigham Young University, and earned an M.F.A. in painting from the New York Academy of Art. He studied at Florence Academy of Art in Italy, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and in private studios of renowned artists. He has exhibited in many national juried shows including the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery for which he was a commended artist and finalist. His workshops are designed to develop one’s confidence and technical skill in observational drawing and painting. Contact: 307-277-6635; hayward52@gmail.com. Website: www.JustinHaywardart.com
Maura Jacobsen Cheyenne | Potter
Maura is a graduate of the University of Wyoming with a B.A. in art. She has been a studio potter for the past fifteen years, and works exclusively in hand-thrown and hand-glazed stoneware. Her simplified forms and color-washed, outlined images give a delightful and uncomplicated quality to her pieces. Maura is a substitute teacher and instructs private wheel-throwing and hand-building classes for children and adults. She promotes art through demonstrations in her community and in elementary and secondary schools, and is excited to share in the experience of making art with others. Contact: 970-629-9478; maurajacobsen@yahoo.com. Website: www.maurajacobsen.com
Linda Johnson Riverton | Watercolorist, potter
With 30 years’ experience in teaching watercolor and pottery, Linda Johnson has instructed hundreds of children and adults, and developed specialized art tools for her special needs adult students. Linda’s work is in several permanent collections, has earned numerous awards in juried art shows (third place in the 2013 Wyoming Game and Fish Conservation Stamp competition), best-of-shows, and has been selected in past years for the Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition. Linda teaches various uses of mediums including fused glass on pottery, airbrushing and unusual texture techniques. Her creative workshops help students solve problems, improve motor coordination and realize a successful finished project. Contact: 307-856-7709; lej@wyoming.com. Website: www.heirloomtreasures.net
Mark Koons Wheatland | Woodworker
Woodworker Mark Koons was an Army medic, worked automobile assembly lines, and did industrial construction for 10 years before opening his Wheatland shop in 1981. Koons is a member of the Furniture Society and has done pioneering explorations in both end-grain and bent, tapered laminations. He has shown across the U.S. and in Canada and explained his processes in Fine Woodworking magazine. He’s judged and curated shows of fine craft. His work is in the collection of the Wyoming State Museum and Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Contact: 307-322-2127; mark@markkoons.com Website: www.markkoons.com
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visual artists
Terry Kreuzer Cheyenne | Sculptor/ceramist/mixed-media
Mixed media artist and craftswoman Terry Kreuzer began making art at her father’s tin/sheet Cheyenne metal shop. With a double visual arts major from Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, she has taught extensively throughout Wyoming’s K-12 schools and community colleges. Her self-taught and developed specialty of hand-built, life-size figures informs her workshops on ceramics, tile-making and clay sculpture. Equipped with her own portable Raku kiln, she designs a residency around a community’s needs including exploration of public art projects and alternative firing techniques. Her home studio is located east of Cheyenne and her public art projects are located throughout the Capital City. Contact: 307-214-3932; tkreuzer@terrykreuzer.com. Website: www.TerryKreuzer.com
Robert Martinez Riverton | Painting, drawing
Robert Martinez graduated in 1997 from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design with a B.F.A. in painting and drawing, and has been a professional artist for ten years. His work depicts the people and culture of the Wind River area. Robert has been featured in numerous exhibits and art shows throughout Wyoming, and has been commissioned for commercial work. He has completed murals along Main Street in Riverton, as well as a series of Native American Chief murals for the Arapahoe School in Fremont County School District. His workshops for students include technique, life drawing, and portrait painting. Contact: 307-851-4046; robert@martinezartdesign.com. Website: www.martinezartdesign.com
Mary Maynard Laramie | Tatting, knitting, crochet
The beautifully intricate patterns of tatting and crochet are strikingly interpreted by Wyoming native Mary Maynard. An author and editor of several books on these subjects, Mary enthusiastically demonstrates and teaches these as well as other needle arts. She believes in the importance of teaching heritage arts to children, inspiring them to perfect the craft and, in the process, preserve its integrity and production. Mary has taught many tatting classes, most recently for the Outreach School at the University of Wyoming. She also has conducted demonstrations at fairs and other gatherings. Contact: 307-742-7739; tattnmary@gmail.com; Website: www.classicneedlearts.com
David Osmundsen Buffalo | Forged-iron art
David’s blacksmithing passion began in 1976, when he kindled his first forge fire in Colorado as he learned the art from Slim Spurling in exchange for working in the shop. In 1994, after operating his own forge in Maine, where he made hand-forged napkin rings for First Lady Rosalyn Carter, David moved to Buffalo and reopened his Arrowhead Forge. David shows the art of blacksmithing in demonstrations and workshops, and has a portable forge shop made up of historical equipment. David’s presentations fit within the school curriculums for art, history, and metal shop. Contact: 307-684-2338; info@arrowhead-forge.com; Website: www.arrowhead-forge.com
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visual artists
Katherine Palochak Rawlins | Jeweler and metalsmith
Katherine combines ancient techniques from various cultures with contemporary design in her jewelry. She has published technical articles for trade journals in her field, and her work has been featured in trade journals, print magazines and art journals in America and Europe. She has taught workshops from children to professionals in her field. She enjoys teaching her craft and opening up new possibilities for others. Workshop topics include etching, keum-boo, reticulation, tufa carving and casting. Students should be a minimum of 11 years old because of the manual strength and dexterity required for the processes. 307-320-3094; kpalchk@tribcsp.com; Websites: www.metalsandgems.com; http://www.jazznjewelry.etsy.com
Mike Parker Powell | Historic letterpress printing
Mike has a B.S. in industrial education, with his major in printing. He has over 40 years’ experience as a letterpress printer and offset lithographer, and has hands-on experience as a printers’ devil, compositor, pressman and is CEO of his own printing company. He taught printing at Northwest College in Powell for eight years, and was an artist-in-residence in letterpress printing at the BBCW for three. Mike has a portable print shop that he uses to enhance his presentations; attendees often leave with a printed bookmark or hornbook. The shop includes handset type and printing presses. His school programs meet WDOE standards. Contact: 307-754-2328; mparker@wyoming.com
Lenore Poitras Lander | Metal clay jewelry artist
With an M.A. in horticulture and a love for botanicals, “Lennie” translates that keen interest into her jewelry designs made from silver, copper, bronze and steel. She works with traditional fabrication techniques as well as the relatively new medium of metal clays to achieve specific textural and sculptural effects. Having taught workshops at arts centers, museums and for the UW Art Department, Lennie offers weekend workshops in introductory metal clay, introductory silversmithing and chain making. As a former director of the Lander Art Center, Lennie offers assistance in applying for Wyoming Arts Council funding for these activities. Contact: (307) 332-6561; poitrassl@msn.com
Win Ratz Cheyenne | Enameler
A practicing enamelist for two decades, Win also works with watercolors, acrylics, collage and origami. A founding member of Enamel Guild NorthEast, she also belongs to the Society of Layerists in Multi Media, the Enamelists Society and Cheyenne Artists Guild. Her work has received several first place awards and been exhibited and sold at galleries and museums in the northeast, Florida, England, Colorado and Wyoming. Win instructs classes for all age levels at schools and in workshops in enameling, origami, papermaking and mixed media. “My art is my journey towards recognizing the wholeness and interconnectedness of all life.” Contact: 307-635-7174; winorron@gmail.com. Website: www.winratzart.blogspot.com
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visual artists
Shelby Shadwell Laramie | Drawing and printmaking
Shelby Shadwell makes himself available in service to the state to work with artists, educators and community members of any age or experience to provide public lectures, workshops or demonstrations related to the field of drawing and printmaking. Contact: 307-766-3054, sshadwell@uwyo.edu; www.shelbyshadwell.com
Jocelyn Slack Wilson | Drawing and illustrating
Jocelyn looks forward to opportunities to travel and teach as a visiting artist across the state. She likes working with students who are looking for another way to approach a problem. She also is interested in working with students and individuals who may not have had an opportunity to work with a variety of drawing materials, paints, working with the right side of the brain and exploring new ways to look at the world. Jocelyn wants to use her skills as an illustrator to travel and draw Wyoming, producing a body of work worthy of an exhibit. Contact: 307-734-6368, jjlwasson@hotmail.com
Joshua Ray Smith Rawlins | Sculptor, public art, furniture design, architectural ironwork
Joshua grew up on a small cattle ranch. His first experiences of space -- of endless horizons, desert sunrises, wild spaces, open sky, and the high desert plains of the Rocky Mountains from the spatial perception of a hiking trail or horse and saddle – were all formative in his inspiration, research, and work. He works between sculpture, furniture, architectural elements, public art, land-use, and site-based installation. Joshua received his M.F.A. at Cranbrook Academy of Art, and operates a studio practice on a site just north of Rawlins. Contact: 307-321-9767; joshua@joshuaraysmith.com. Website: www.joshuaraysmith.com
Jennifer Tennican Jackson | Documentary filmmaker
Jennifer studied video production at Emerson College, The International Film and Television Workshops, Boston Film/Video Foundation, and The Documentary Guild, a production company that specialized in Nova science programs for WGBH, the Boston PBS station. Her mockumentary short, Highway 22 Revisited, won the 2011 Wyoming Short Film Contest. Her awardwinning documentary, The Stagecoach Bar: An American Crossroads, is being distributed nationwide by American Public Television. The film explores 70 years of cultural change in and around Jackson Hole. Jennifer is interested in cultural and social identity, the socializing power of music and the arts, conflict resolution and multigenerational interactions. Contact: 307-690-2258, jtennican@gmail.com; Website: http://jentenproductions.com
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Curt Theobald Pine Bluffs | Studio woodturner
Curt closed the doors on his custom cabinet shop in 2002 to begin his career as a studio woodturner. From early childhood, Curt has loved to assemble things. His current body of work utilizes that passion. Curt’s segmented works have been exhibited in museum and gallery events nationwide including Collectors of Wood Art and SOFA Chicago and New York. He has taught segmented turning both nationally and internationally in addition to the classes held at his studio in Wyoming. His works are in numerous private collections throughout the world as well as in the permanent collection of the American Association of Woodturners in St. Paul, Minn. Contact: 307-245-3310; cwtheobald@wyoming.com. Website: www.CurtTheobald.com
Daniel “Doc” Thissen Laramie | Photography
Doc Thissen’s services include historical documentation including research and photographs of current conditions of almost any location including towns, buildings and many other places that were once occupied. In addition, he will provide presentations of projects as they are on-going and completed. This is a valuable resource for communities and historical archiving. He offers workshops on the topics of history, photography, the process of photography including seeking the quality of light, photographic methods in the process of documentary making and Photoshop. These services will be made available to historical organizations, municipalities, economic development corporations, schools and any other organization. Contact: doc@docspix.com; Website: www.docspix.com; www.ddocspix.blogspot.com
Wayne Thomas Powell
Wayne Thomas is a visual storyteller. His award-winning documentary film, Passion and Acceptance, has been screened at the Santa Fe Film Festival and the Phoenix Film Festival. His photography has been published internationally through the Associated Press and United Press International. Firmly established in visual communication, his work spans still photography, film and audio stories. Wayne recently received his master’s degree and spent a month documenting the rapid transitions in Myanmar (formerly Burma). Wayne’s hobbies include airbrushing and he travels to festivals creating airbrush art. He is also a musician and has played trombone with the Wyoming Symphony. Wayne is available to help create your story as well as empower you to create the story you wish to tell. Contact: 307-254-0760, usawayne@gmail.com; Website: www.WayneThomasPhotography.com
Aaron Wallis Jackson | Painting and printmaking
Born in Tacoma, Wash., Aaron Wallis attended VCU School of the Arts, earning a B.F.A. in painting and printmaking. Subsequently embracing art and counter culture values as a reaction to a childhood of having a father who worked for tele-evangelist Pat Robertson, Aaron’s newest body of work “The Street Bible,” uses printmaking to depict rappers, drug dealers, and other alternative “saints” in the context of Christian iconography and the illuminated manuscript. His body of work, “Angry Trees,” is a figurative study, transcending conventional norms of landscape painting. Aaron writes for the Jackson Hole Weekly, and teaches printmaking at the Teton Artlab. Contact: 307-699-7990, aabwallis@icloud.com; Website: www.aaronwallis.us
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The online artist roster application period is open from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1. Only Wyoming artists and artist groups are accepted in the application process, and should apply at the CaFE (Call for Entry) website: http://www.callforentry.org. At this useful and convenient site, artists are able to create their artist profiles at any time and upload various materials and work samples. They also have the opportunity to apply for other “calls for entries” in art competitions across the country. Wyoming artists in the literary, performing, and visual arts can apply for the WAC artist roster, and folk artists should apply in any of these categories. When the application becomes available, look up the call name, “Wyoming Arts Council Artist Roster,” and begin the application process. For more information, go to http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/wac-program/wyoming-arts-council-artist-roster.
Wyoming Arts Council Main number | 307-777-7742 Website | wyomingartscouncil.org
wyoming arts council 2320 Capitol Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82002
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