Arts Advocacy in Wyoming: Be a Voice for the Arts by Lisa Hueneke

Arts funding is tAking A beAting nAtionwide.

This past February the U.S. government cut $20.5 million dollars from the budget of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), an organization that funds national arts programs, organizations and artists nationwide. In July, an additional $10 million in cuts were again on the budget chopping block along with two proposed amendments that would eliminate the NEA altogether. The art com-munity responded and organizations such as the Americans for the Arts who lobbied legislators and the Wyoming Arts Alliance led a national letter writing campaign to block these amendments. In the end, legislators took notice and no additional cuts were made to the NEA. Steve Strepfumer, Co-President of the Wyo-ming Arts Alliance, a nonprofit that advocates for arts in Wyoming, shared insight into the effective-ness of art advocacy. “Letters to lawmakers and legislators do get recognized,” says Strepfumer. “A personal story to relate is best. Legislators know they are getting an individual.” As national arts organizations strain under shrinking budgets, so too are public schools. Despite study after study concluding the invaluable benefits the arts have on children’s overall develop-ment and education, performing and fine arts continue to get less time and less consideration in schools with tightening budgets. With benefits such as higher SAT scores and increased class at-tendance to developed cognitive skills of problem solving and symphonic thinking, arts programs should fill an important place in curriculum development. Employers increasingly demand the very skills the arts foster: creativity, collaboration, cultural literacy, and left to right brain thinking. The arts not only play a vital role in educa-tion but also are an indicator of economic health and success of a community. According to a study conducted by Americans for the Arts, a national organization who advocates and supports the arts in local communities, nationally the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity every year. The arts provide an equivalent of 5.7 million full-time jobs, $104.2 billion in household income and tens of billions of dollars in local, state and federal tax revenues. Downtown areas with galleries, museums, theaters, and local art cafés build economic revenue and create a destination for tourism as well as a place

where community members want to gather. These areas are also important to the retention of a qual-ity workforce whom increasingly value communi-ties with a vibrant and active arts culture.

Advocacy is something everyone can partici-pate in and have a tremendous impact. Here are few tips and resources to get more involved in art advocacy. • Geteducated.Whatarethelatestissuesbeingdiscussed locally, regionally and nationally? What is going on in your community that you want to change? Is there an organization working on these issues? • ContacttheWyominglegislator’sTravel,Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Com-mittee (Co-Chairs Senator Bruce Burns, bburns@dbburns.com, and Representative Del McOmie dwmcomie@bresnan.net) Find out what issues are being considered.• Signupforissuealertswithorganizationssuch as those listed below doing advocacy work. Talking points and supporting material can be found here as well.- The Wyoming Arts Alliance, a regional orga-nization becoming increasingly more active in arts advocacy that is committed to building their advocacy work. http://wyomingarts.org/.- Americans for the Arts, a national organization serving local communities in order to provide opportunity and access for all to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. http://artsusa.org/.- The Kennedy Center’s Arts Education Advocacy Toolkit is a user friendly and comprehensive guide to advocacy. www.kennedy-center.org/.- The Wyoming Arts Council, a state arts organi-zation that support and funds art throughout Wyo-ming. http//wyoarts.state.wy.us. Increasing art advocacy will play a role in keeping the performing and fine arts in our schools, our communities and our lives. “We need to make a voice and be a voice for the arts,” says Steve Strepfumer. “We can’t sit back and watch the arts disappear from our schools or our communi-ties.” As the National Endowment for the Arts states: A great nation deserves great art.

Our mission is to engage our community’s young people and adults in visual arts through quality exhibitions and

learning opportunities that will support a strong arts community.

October/November

Upcoming Classes

Youth (spaces still available!)

After School Art Club: wednesdays through december 14, 2:45- 4:15, Ages 9-12, thursdays through december 15, 3:30- 5pm, ages 5-8 pm (see front desk for prorated cost)

Second Saturdays: november 12 and december 10, 10- noon, 12.50 per class, ages 5 and up

Class scholarships available, see front desk.

Adult

Reconstructing Photographs Weekend Workshop: Jillian Lewis guides students through collage techniques to recreate a special photographic image with a flair. thursday october 20 6-8 pm, friday october 21 6-8 pm, and saturday october 22 10-4 pm, $45 (bring 3 or 4 personal photographs)

Bookmaking with Jillian Lewis, Students will learn numerous styles of art bookmaking from folded paper to uniques spines. thursdays october 27 through december 8, 6-8 pm, $65 + supplies

Upcoming Exhibitions

Places, People, and Things: Photographs of the High Plains by Ed Lavinooctober 28 to december 3, 2011opening october 28, 6-8 pm

What I’ve Made From What I’ve Seen: prints and watercolors by Ginnie MadsenDecember 16 to January 21, 2011opening december 16, 6-8 pm

Artists for Animals: Exhibition Benefit for the Pet Connection and the Lander Art CenterJanuary 27 to February 25, 2011Opening January 27, 6-8 pm

Lander Art Center224 Main street, Lander, wY 82520(307) 332-5772 • www.landerartcenter.comgallery Hours: tues.–fri.: 10–6, sat.: 10–4

2011

“We need to make a voice and be a voice for the arts.”

Lander Art Center Members 2011

Alice Brew, Alice Guschewsky, Allen O’Bannon and MollyAbsolon, Allison Jackson, Amy and John Boyle, Amy Kenworthy, Amy Russian, Andrea Orabona, Andy Gramlich and Jackie Nelson, Anne Austin, Barbara Speyer, Bette and Bob Thomsen, Bill & Catheron Oviatt, Bill Yankee, Brad Chris-tensen, Brenda & Charles Allen, Brendon & Stephanie Weaver ,Bruce Woodward, Butch and Diane Hudson, Cache Fross and Mati Snodgrass, Carolyn Orr, Catherine Erickson, Charlie and Donna Spurlock, Cheryl and Ed Delong ,Cheryl Booth, Chris and Mike Young, Christina Pearson, Chuck Egnaczak, Clarissa Kwasniewski, Claudia and Frank Elzay, Cleve Bell, Colleen Drury, Connie & Deborah Britt, Cynthia Sorg Wagner, Dannine Donaho and Mike Lowham, Dave & May Raynolds, David and Micki Schuster, David Krise, David Neary, David Zenger, Dawn Parkins-Green, Deanna Trumble, Deb Zelenak, Deborah Ellis, Deidre Meyer, Denise Appleby, Diane Springford, Diantha States, Don and Carol Wilmot, Don Gaddie, Donn & Chelsea Kesselheim, Donna Yost, Doris Sny-der, Dot & Don Newton, Dylan Rohn, Ed Field, Edwin Lavino, Ellen Emmert, Ellen Gartner, Erik and Julie Anderson, Erna Stephensen, Eva and Peter Crane, Frank Symington, Garold and Lucielle Whisler, Gary Wilmot & Aileen Brew, Gene and Charlotte Dehnert, Geoffrey O’Gara, Berthenia Crocker, Gina & Ken Colovich, Gwen Bruner, Hayley Wheeler, Helen O’Hara, Hugh and Isabelle Lowham, Jacquie & Roy Hediger, Jagoe Reid, Jaz McDonald, Jennie Hutchinson, Jenny Reeves Johnson, Jewel Dirks, Jill Hunter, Jill Muilenburg, Jim and Betty Sorenson, Jim Hutchison and Jen-nifer Lamb, Jo Anne Stickney, Joan E.Hamre, Joanne Rubino, John & Carolyn McIntyre, John Gans and Stephanie Kessler, Joy Fiordalisi, Joyce Dauler, Judy Legerski, Julia Patrick, Karen Beddoes, Karen Matson, Kathi Miller, Kathy Otto, Ken and Marcia Christensen, Kristin Vogel, Kristy and Mark Cardinal, Laura and Kirk Norman, Laura Brewer, Laurie Sain & Craig Bromley, Lennie Poi-tras, Lenore Knudtson, Leslie Calkins, Linda Raynolds, Lisa Joynes, Lori Griffin and Family, Lucille Kara, Lucinda Johnson, Lynne Talovich, Maggie and John Kanengieter, Maia Rose & Ken Kidder, Majelle Lee, Malee Mahoney, Marcia Suniga, Margaret Rogers, Margie Rowell, MarkKronfuss, Marty Brace, Marvin & JoAnne Brown, Mary and Harmon Watt, Mary and Rod Haper, Matt Flint, Megan Lafe, Melanie Howlett, Melissa and Gregory Bautz, Melissa Strickler, Michael and Suzanne Lilygren, Michelle Escudero and Scott Kane, Mikala Dawson, Miriam and Bill Klingsporn, Missy White, Molly & Dennis Selley, Nancy & Paul Ebbert, Nancy A. P. Webber, Nancy Debevoise, Nancy Taylor, Nancy Zupence, Neil and Adele Brooks, Pamela Spencer-Hockett, Pamela Tessman, Pat McGavran, Pat Trautman, Patricia A. Shearin, Perry & Richard Cook, Randy, Karen & Amber Craft, Reber Family, Richard & Kay Gould, Richard and Susan Brame, Ronalee Carr, Rosie Ratigan, Sallie T. Wesaw, Sally Watt, Sandy and Steve Mossbrook, Sara Wiles, Scott and Holly Copeland, Scott Goetz, SDI, Shana Tarter and Steve Platz,, Sharon Lerner, Shawna Pickinpaugh, Shirley Ste-phens, Sonjia Weinstein, Stacy Wells, Stephanie Kessler, Susan and Ben Gose, Susan Benepe, Susan Grinels, TamaraAnderson, Teresa Tibbets & Tom Rangitsch, Therese Fowler, Tim Wilson and Amy Andersen, Tom Varichak, Tony Henry, Tonya Pepper, Vince & Deborah Irene, Wendy Elias, Wendy Gebhart, William and Nancy Sniffin, Willy Cunningham, Wind River Anesthesia Consultants, Zach Even

October/November 2011 Lander Art Center Members’ Newsletter

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thank-you--to our board members, volunteers, and donors!

Upcoming--Sponsorship opportunities• Art in the Afternoon Holiday Art Fair 2011• What I’ve Made From What I’ve Seen Exhibition

December 16- January 21, 2011• Artists for Animals Exhibition January 27- February 25, 2011

ongoing--Sponsor-a-Student

To become a sponsor, please contact dannine@landerar-tcenter.com or call 332-5772.

Members Appreciation Social

wind river AnestHesiA

LAnder distriCt reCreAtion boArd

freMont CountY reCreAtion boArd

We haD a great turn-Out FOr the MeMber’S appreciatiOn SOciaL. thank-YOu tO aLL WhO attenDeD.

thank-you--to our education sponsors

Did you know? The Lander Art Center sells art supplies!

The 2011-2012 Native Emerging Artist Training (NEAT) program has begun. Interested? Call 332-5772 to find out more.

October/November 2011 Lander Art Center Members’ Newsletter

Art Happenings About Town

mural to Go Up At libraryby susan gray gose

a big SpLaSh OF cOLOr WiLL be aDDeD tO the LanDer LibrarY

next month when a commissioned mural goes up on the large trey ceiling in the adult book section. LanderartistScottGreenighasbeenatworkforthepast 18 months on a 10-panel mural that will hang on the slanted ceiling running the length of library’s main corridor. The vibrant panels depict scenes of Fremont County historic figures and places, from Chief Washakie to NOLS-founder Paul Petzoldt, a Fourth of July fireworks show to the Popo Agie River

under a blanket of snow. The library will hold a public unveiling event in early November. Look for details from the library soon. TheArtCenterplayedaroleinselectingGreenigandsupportingtheLanderLibraryFriendsAssociation in its efforts to raise $21,000. Art Center board members Dannine Donaho (now Art CenterDirector)andMichelleEscuderojoinedFriendsboardmembersSusanGrayGoseandJeannetteWoodward, Lander Librarian Barbara Oakleaf, and Fremont County Library Board member Brenda AllenonaMuralReviewCommitteethatselectedGreenigfromapooloftalentedartists.TheArtCenteralso provided the space for the Friends’ successful “Night at the Library” fundraising gala. The library’s beautiful mural is an excellent example of how Lander non-profit groups can work together toward a mutual goal.

All Gannet Peak third Graders visit the Art CenterDOn’t MiSS the iMpreSSive DiSpLaY OF artWOrk bY 3rD graDerS

currently hanging on our classroom wall space. Jamie Franzen, a new3rdgradeteacheratGannetPeakElementary,wassoeagerto get her kids into the Lander Art Center that she arranged a field trip in September, just weeks after school began. When the other 3rd grade teachers heard about it, they all wanted to come! WendyElias,GannetPeak’sartteacher,gottoworkonthesched-ule and bus reservations. As a result, the Lander Art Center has hosted approximately 130 3rd graders in the last 5 weeks to view

the As it Turns Out, I’m From... exhibition and draw a memory of their own roots with chalk pastels on pastel paper. The images range from simple shapes like circles and stars representing something special to fireworks and beach scenes. This colorful display of artwork will be up through October 22nd. Stop by and see!

Thank-you once again to our 2011 RiverFest Sponsors

Sweetwater Studio opens on 2nd Streetby Jenny Reeves Johnson

artiStS WOrking in a “cOLLective” Space can be verY inSpiring. FrOM experience, i have FOunD

it can contribute to a creative energy for the entire community. After three years of contemplating and searching for the right spot, I have opened Sweetwater Studio at 135 N 2nd in Lander- a studio about CLAY (formally Dashboard Hulas). Sweetwater Studio is designed to accommodate four ceramic artists full time. Setting up a ceramic studio is a huge effort and investment so sharing equipment and space makes a lot of sense. Also, creating in a full time studio environment begets inspiration, knowledge and energy from other artists Anyone is welcome to visit the studio to see the artists at work. All artists will eventually have pieces for sale at the studio and we willcontinuetosupporttheGlobalArtsGalleryinLander. Beginning in 2012, Sweetwater Studio will be offering open studio space on a part time basis for people who want to work in clay but without a large commitment. I will also be offering lessons and workshops for adults and youth. The studio will host other ceramic artist workshops when possible. In addition, glaze and firing accommodations for ceramic work done outside of the studio will be available. Sweetwater Studio is still in its formative stage. If you are interested in: the waiting list for full time studio space, part time studio space, throwing/handbuilding lessons, workshop ideas, or glaze and firing needs, please contact Jenny Reeves Johnson at sweetwaterstudioclay@gmail.com or 307-349-7410.

Did you know? Lander Art Center gift certificates are available!

October/November 2011 Lander Art Center Members’ Newsletter

Art in the Afternoon Holiday Art Fairdeadline for booth applications: wednesday, november 2

place: noble hoteldate: sunday, december 4, 2011time: 10 am - 4 pm (Lander art center Member’s preview 9 -10 am)See www.landerartcenter.com/artintheafternoon for more details.

All types of original, quality art and crafts are welcome.

Do you have any feedback on LAC poli-cies? Please let us know what you think.Email dannine@landerartcenter.com or call Lisa at 332-5772.

Class Enrollment Policies • All classes have a minimum

enrollment.• One scholarship is available for

each class that meets minimum enrollment. Full (need-based) or partial (merit based) scholarships are available. See front desk for details.

• Classes that do not meet minimum enrollment one week before the class begins will be delayed or cancelled.

• In the case of a cancelled class, full refunds will be given.

• Payment guarantees enrollment in a class and helps us meet minimum enrollment.

• If payment has not been made within 24 hours of registration, we will give precedence to those paying.

• Cancellations must be made one full week prior to class start date and are subject to a cancellation fee of $10.

• No refunds will be given for cancellation once a class has begun.

• In some cases, a payment plan is available. See front desk for details.

As It Turns Out, I’m From…. A Juror’s Perspectiveby Michelle escudero as explained by Adrienne vetter

aDrienne vetter, a 2011 WYOMing artS cOunciL viSuaL artS FeLLOWShip Winner, JurieD the current

exhibition—As It Turns Out I’m From…. This exhibition explores artists’ roots and how connections appear in subtle and interesting ways in artwork.

At the exhibition opening Ms. Vetter shared with the audience the process that she went through to ultimately choose three works of art. The most obvious connection is to a physical or geographic place—as in “I’m from back East.” Additionally, there can be a connection to a group of people—as in “I’m from a long line of ranchers.” Both these connections play a role in defining personal identity and in this application influence these artists.

First Place: Good Taste, acrylic on canvas, by Ming ZhouMing notes that her paintings are a commentary and critique of the Chinese middle class appropriation of Western symbols as higher class and culture. From this artist’s statement, Ms. Vetter wonders what roots and identity mean in our hyper-globalized, corporatized world where individual cultures get harder and harder to distinguish and symbols of other places, times and values topple previously familiar symbols. Additionally, what must it be like to suddenly look around and realize that your place has transformed and is now completely different? Do you loose your sense of place?

Second Place: Chinook, hay, horsehair, and wire, by Cristy AnspachChristy, a Pinedale artist, allows materials and the sculptural quality of her work to speak about her connection to a physical place. The viewer sees, feels and smells the materials used which evoke “the land’s equivalent of a breath.”

Third Place: Guiding Light, acrylic on canvas, by Tonya PepperMany individuals define where they are from as a place or people from which they originate. In Guiding Light Ms. Pepper recognizes this identifying marker and speaks of planting roots and in so doing adopting a place and people as her identity. A twist on the clichés pulling up roots or getting away from roots, Ms. Pepper speaks of a positive and active choice in the search for her identity that ultimately influences her art to its core.

As It Turns Out, I’m From…. is on view through October 22nd.Looking forExhibition ProposalsAre you an artist looking for a place to exhibit your work? The Lander Art Center accepts exhibition proposals. Applications are available online at www.landerartcenter.com/exhibitions. Questions? Call Lisa at 332-5772.

Space To Dream by Ashley reeves, Artist-in-residence fall 2011

painting iS nOt OnLY an activitY that i enJOY, but recentLY, it

HAs also become very symbolic in my life. When I sit down to paint there is always this strange mixture of conviction to express an idea with an uncertainty of how exactly to go about it. Along with those, the doors that are wide open to opportunity allow countless possibilities to pile up in my mind. It seems like I am at this exact place in life, having just graduated from college. After four years of structure and schedule, finding the time to paint became necessary because when I paint I find the inspiration to dream about what might happen next in my life. Painting directs my mind focused state. Like many artists, when I am creating I find myself in “the zone”. After I start painting, I find that deep intention and motivation are easily accessible. It demands my creativity to express what has inspired and influenced me. Painting allows a few moments (or hours) of freedom. It also allows for decision-making in what or how to paint. There is freedom to take any direction, just as I have at this place in my life. The Lander Art Center has been gracious enough to provide a space for me to take some focused time to creatively and freely dream up my next move. I couldn’t be more delighted to be the new Artist in Residence!

Did you know? The Lander Art Center is available for your events!

October/November 2011 Lander Art Center Members’ Newsletter

Featured Artist: Deborah Britt

ashley on her way to the cirque of the towers

Ashley’s table at riverfest 2011

One Is Silver, The Other Is Gold by dannine donaho

if You were A brownie girL sCout in Your YoutH, You MigHt reMeMber tHe song, “MAke new

friends.” A song I will never forget, here is the first verse:Make new friends, but keep the old

One is silver, the other is gold As a child, I never understood which was which because I wasn’t sure which had a higher value. Do the old friends have a higher value because they know me better or is it the new friends because they are exciting and new? And how does this relate to precious metals anyway? Isn’t gold more expensive? Actually, I like the looks of silver. Well, I think all these questions I had as a Brownie reinforce the point: both are valuable and for their own reasons. It is with this attitude that I greet the cast changes at the Lander Art Center. Many of you know that Joy Fiordalisi, our gallery assisitant for the past year, decided to go back to school in Ft. Collins to obtain her teaching degree; in addition, Mark Kronfuss, our very first artist-in-residence, moved to Cody when his art teacher partner, Stephanie Manuel, accepted a new teach-ing position; and Jenny Reeves Johnson, our youth summer teacher, opened her own clay studio, Sweetwater Studio just around the corner. With this many changes, apprehension could easily take hold. Instead, I sing this song, placing value on the past for what I have learned and looking forward to the future and what great things it might hold. We all bring our individual strengths to the table, whether they are familiarity or excite-ment, appeal or strength. I have no doubt that the Lander Art Center will find those strengths as our new cast develops. And so I ask, when you visit the Art Center, please join me in welcoming our new friends: Lisa Hueneke, gallery assistant, who is furiously learning about our art community and the day to day tasks required at the Art Center; Ashley Reeves, our artist-in-residence here until December, who has been helping us keep the doors open on Saturday; and Jillian Lewis who accepted the challenge of teaching the youth afterschool classes. Onward!

DebOrah britt greW up in a SMaLL

town in northwest Missouri. She is well-schooled with a degree in Market-ing, a Masters in business, And a fine Arts degree from webster university in St. Louis where she finally learned of her love for clay! in 2003, Deborah and her husband moved to Lander where she has her own studio and salt kiln. She loves working in this beautiful environment with its much varied and inspirational elements.

“I draw inspiration for my porcelain and stoneware from many sources—nature, other artists I admire, and even current events. I love to experiment and play with form. You will see this in both my functional and sculptural work. I hope the sculptures will inspire viewers to pause and consider how the piece relates to their lives.”

upcoming Shows

• Margo’s Pottery in buffalo, wY

nov 25 to dec 24, 2011

• Lines Into Shapes at estes park art

Center

oct 28 to nov 13, 2011

• 18 Hands Show and Sale at Artful

Hands gallery in Cheyenne

nov 10-12, 2011

• Art in the Afternoon Holiday Art Sale

in Lander

dec 4, 2011

Interested in being the featured artist? Email a photo of yourself, your artwork, and your abbreviated artist statement to dannine@landerartcenter.com.

Lander Art Center224 Main streetLander, wY 82520

Reminder!

There is still time to sign-up to participate in the Artists for Animals Lander Art Center and Lander Pet Connection joint fundraiser/exhibition! See www.landerartcenter.com/artistsforanimals for details.

Membership type: q new q renewingare you an artist? q Yes, Media ________________ q no Membership Level

q friend ($30–74)q supporter ($75–124)q patron ($125–299)q benefactor ($300–499)q sustainer ($500–999)q Connoisseur ($1000+)please see the website (www.landerartcenter.com), or stop by for details on Membership benefits for each level.referred by: _________________________________________________

the Lander art center wants YOu!

We are always looking for new members. Many levels, many

benefits. Join us and be a part of something artsy!

Membership formto become a member, please complete this form and send it with your payment, to 224 Main Street, Lander, WY 82520 or sign up on the web at www.landerartcenter.com.

preSOrteD

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LAnder,wY

perMit #78

bo by Joy Fiordalisi, Mixed media