Jackson Hole Art Blog

The Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources website has posted information on Cultural Trust Fund (WCTF) applications, currently available to download.

The deadline for completed applications is May 1, 2010; a postmark deadline.  Hand-delivery date deadline is April 30.   Draft proposals may be submitted no later than April 16.  Projects applying for funds must be “projects/events/activities that commence by July 1, 2010.”   Recipients must also complete a final report, due 60 days after project completion.

I clicked through the site to find out what kinds of projects are currently being funded with grant monies.  It’s a wonderful grouping:

“Learn by Using Museums,” a program developed by UW Art Museum Director and Chief Curator Susan Moldenhauer, covers the importance of museum-supported education.  Specifically, the Museum has created a Master Teacher program that helps students understand their place in history–and history itself—through art projects.  Arts curriculum are enhanced through teachers and venues wanting to collaborate.  Art is used to enrich all curriculum: math, history, language…any topic that does NOT include art can be enriched through art.

You can watch a short video on the project here.

Another project, the Paul Smith Children’s Village at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens has opened. It includes a Secret Garden Wall and Puppet Theater. Laramie County School District #1 will benefit from future programs as well.

The Washakie Museum & Cultural Center, located in Worland, Wyoming, is not yet completed, but its schematics are complete and the facility should be opening very soon.   WCTF grants are helping fund interior museum equipment.   The museum’s director, Cheryl Reichelt, is happy to schedule tours of the almost-finished building.

To learn more about the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural grants program, contact Renee Bovee by phoning 307.777.6312.  Good luck!

The University of Wyoming Art Museum and the Wyoming Arts Council are taking up the matter of public art placemaking, hosting “Public Art and Community: Inspiration and Reflection.” The conference takes place April 2-4.

The focus is public art and its role in shaping community–in this case, participants will discuss public art’s role in civic matters and it’s place on campus.  All are invited to attend.  Those working in arts-related fields are especially encouraged, and we assume public planning and government officials on all levels would be welcomed.  Public art planning does not happen in a vacuum; it takes a special effort by artists willing to engage in public process.

Participants may opt to attend one day of meetings or the entire conference.   Presenters will speak on topics such as “Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational,” Wyoming public arts programs, public policy and other related subjects.

Discounts are available for early registration–which ends Sunday, March 15. For tickets and more information, log onto the University of Wyoming Art Museum’s website, or phone the Wyoming Arts Council at 307-777-7742.