ART IN WY: Karen McLain, Sage Community Art Center & More

artists Jamie Barron & Sonja Caywood

SHERIDAN:  Sagebrush Community Art Center Presents “East Meets West in Wyoming”

Sagebrush Art Center hosts “East Meets West in Wyoming,” paintings by Sonja Caywood & Jamie Barron.  This show features a common theme in two artistic styles:  

Jamie Barron, born in North Dakota, currently resides in New York City, where she earned her MFA in Fine Art.  Barron says of her work: “I like to engage the viewer by using familiar iconography from everyday life experiences such as barns, cows and horses but changing them just so subtle to make one stop and look.  Sometimes using glitter or glazes to create an ethereal image. I find one can easily transplant his or herself into my paintings and remember, dream or reflect. “

Jamie Barron, “Blue Moon Beauties”

Sonja Caywood was born in Sheridan and attended Sheridan College.  Caywood explains: “Raised in a ranching family, I deeply value the land and the livestock of the Bighorn Mountain region.  It’s essential for me to record this vestige of ‘the west,’ as subjects once thought to be permanent fixtures of our landscape disappear.  I strive to express my affection for my subjects in painterly strokes of color with an emphasis on light.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonja Caywood, “Golden Opportunity”

The exhibition runs October 11th- November 16th at the Sagebrush Art Center (located in the Historic Train Depot, 201 E. 5th St. in Sheridan). An Opening Reception and artists’ talk was held on October 11. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council, through funding from the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Karen McLain, “Freedom on Top of Mountain”

KAREN MCLAIN:  Capturing the Beauty of Wyoming’s Wild Horses

We appreciate Arizona artist Karen McLain sharing her love of Wyoming and its wild horses with us – she has tireless captured our state and its wildlife in paint and the result is exquisite. The following is a description from Karen of her most recent trek through Wyoming…

This was the fifth summer that I have gone to visit the wild horse ranges, but the first year that I made it to Wyoming. The trip included stops at the Little Book Cliffs, Sand Wash Basin, McCullough Peaks and Pryor Mountain areas.  The beauty of Wyoming was very inspiring and the horses were ones that I wanted to visit for many years. I traveled with my 1972 Shasta trailer, “The Paint Box” and stayed out on the ranges. (Although some areas required truck and tent camping), I had a very comfortable month-long painting adventure.

The McCullough Peaks horses were rugged and handsome, a  classic wild horse. Even tough it was windy, I did get some paintings done while I was there. The range is easy to access and the location as the gateway to Yellowstone is easy for visitors to be able to get to on a day trip.  After spending three nights at McCullough Peaks, I headed up to the Pryor range.  The beauty just blew me away. The open meadows, Tea Cup  and Mystic Waterhole  areas allowed for wonderful photo and video opportunities. It was a real treat to spend time with Cloud and his band. I know I will be back next year.

 

“McCullough Peaks Paint”

“Fishing Yellowstone”

On the way home to Arizona, I spent a few days in Yellowstone. While I was there, I was able to get two buffalo paintings done, even though I had to move three times while working on one of them. The buffalo clearly had someplace to go!

Wyoming is a painter’s paradise, and I look forward to my next visit!

“Stallion Bunch”

“Wild Rainbow”

Thundered Into Our Hearts”

“When They Got to the Top”

 

 

 

 

 

MADE IN WYOMING: Laramie Knife Works

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We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Laramie Knife Works of Laramie, WY

Steve Torok, Laramie Knife Works Laramie, WY  307-747-7410 laramieknifeworks@msn.com   www.laramieknifeworks.com

Steve Torok is an avid hunter and fisherman and has always using knives. One day he thought it would be nice to make a knife from an animal he had harvested; so he did.  Steve’s dad was a metallurgist and working with steel is a family tradition.

Steve gets his materials from all over the world.  He once lived in New Zealand three months out of the year and he’d bring back a lot of wood each year.  Steve also gets a lot of domestic wood from people who supply AAAAA Presentation Grade woods to famous guitar makers.  He got most of the antlers and horns (including Bighorn Sheep horns) from a trading post in Lander, WY.

Steve makes 8 different types of knives. Two types of Large Linerlock folding knives with Damascus Steel blades; two types of Medium Linerlock folding knives with Damascus Steel blades; two types of Small Linerlock folding knives with Damascus Steel blades; Stainless Steel Drop Point Hunting and Skinning Knives; and Damascus Steel Drop Point Hunting and Skinning Knives.  He also occasionally makes filet knives; steak knives, and kitchen knives.

Steve uses some of the rarest woods and horns available which makes the knives unique and one-of-a-kind. Who wouldn’t like a knife made with Bighorn Sheep Horn?  He also uses a lot of gemstones including diamonds, rubies, and sapphires in his Linerlock folders which is somewhat uncommon.

Laramie Knife Works’ knives are available online at www.laramieknifeworks.com.   They are also available in Galleries (New York, Colorado, etc).  Price range: $190 (for small Linerlock folders), $225 for Stainless Steel Drop Points, $275 for Damascus Steel Drop Points, and $300 for Large Linerlock folders.

All the knives are made by hand and are guaranteed for life.  Steve is also a proud sponsor of the University of Wyoming.

Calendar & Food News: June 7, 2012

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LANDER BREW FEST IS THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 8-9! Click on the image above for more info!

Are you making plans to hit the Lander Brew Fest this year? It’s coming this Fri & Sat, June 8-9, and is going to be another great event! Click on the image above to connect with the fest’s website — activities kick off Friday, June 8, with a from 5-9 PM (adults only), and Saturday, June 9, from 2-7 PM. Activities take place at the soccer fields adjacent to Lander Valley High School, 400 Baldwin Creek Road. Check out amazing Rocky Mountain breweries and dig the music — groups like Musketeer Gripweed & The Foot Friday night, and The Codi Jordan Band and Fluffy Buffalo on Saturday. They’re also offering a NEW feature this year — whiskey & wine tasting on Friday night only. Whiskey tasting cards will be for sale, 4 samples for $10. The wine tasting will be included in the cost of admission. There will also be non-alcoholic drinks available.

While you’re there, check out the Central WY Speedboat Rugby Club and the Jackson Hole Moose Rugby Club as they compete in the inaugural Wind River Rugby Challenge — held Saturday, June 9 at 12:30 PM at the same soccer fields adjacent to LVHS.  Check out the action, then hit the brew fest!

Call the Lander Chamber of Commerce at 307-332-3892 for more info — and be sure to click on the Brew Fest image above to connect with their website!

COKEVILLE ANGLER’S SIDEKICK FISHING DERBY, JUNE 30

Check-in: 7:00 AM-8:00 AM @ Cokeville Town Park

Judging: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM @ Cokeville Town Park
Contestants must participate as a team of 2.  Each participant will need a fishing license in accordance with Wyoming Game and Fish Department policy. Visit the Cokeville community website to download the PDF of rules. Thanks to the Cokeville Arts Council for the information on this event!

JACKSON – BE PREPARED TO PLAY IN THE BACKCOUNTRY — Community Presentation: Summer Backcountry Preparedness from the Community Health Info Ctr, St John’s Medical Center & Teton Wellness Institute

Ever wondered: Where the bears are?  The correct way to use bear spray? Are there trails in the Tetons where you DON’T need to carry bear spray? What you need to take with you – for safety – on a day hike? What simple steps can keep you safe in a backcountry emergency?

Presented by Stephanie Thomas, AJ Wheeler, MD and Kate Wilmot: Stephanie Thomas is the Executive Director of the Teton County Search and Rescue Foundation and TCSAR member. Dr. AJ Wheeler is an emergency medicine physician and TCSAR member. Kate Wilmot is the Bear Management Specialist for Grand Teton National Park.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm St. John’s Medical Center, Moose-Wapiti Classrooms

SARATOGA — Jalan Crossland at “The Yard” June 9 — Call the Sartoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce for more info!

EVANSTON BLUEGRASS JUNE 23 — Click on the image above for more info!

Bluegrass Evanston is a great event — a free, one day outdoor concert, the event hosts four bands from all over the bluegrass spectrum:  traditional and progressive bluegrass to Newgrass. Artists, food and beverage booths also make up the festival.  A kids’ fest, “Pop, Dogs & Songs” will be held from noon to 3 PM prior to the main event, which runs from 5-10 PM. Activities and crafts such as shoebox banjo making will be available for the kiddos!

Fine artists range from jewelry, fiber artists, potters and painters.  ”The bluegrass festival in Evanston will serve to enhance economic development and cultural tourism, while providing the residents of Evanston, Bridger Valley and the Wasatch front with great musical entertainment, fine arts and a sense of community,” the festival says via its website. “It also strives to pass on a love of bluegrass music to the next generation.”  Be sure to check out this great musical event in Southwest Wyoming — and while you’re there, hang out and try some of Evanston’s great restaurants, shopping, lodging and recreation — be sure to check out the Bear River State Park for all sorts of summer fun!

image by Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site

LARAMIE — BUTCH CASSIDY DAYS JUNE 9

Butch Cassidy Days involve a lot of fun at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, in West Laramie. Kite-flying will be a fun activity of the day, and with Laramie’s recent windy weather, a lot of fun will be had! Also catch a concert by Mary Kaye & cream can dinner … more details here!

LANDER — LANDER DAYS MAIN STREET EVENT JUNE 30 — The Lander Downtown Merchants Association invite you to kick off the 4th of July festivities with a fun event on Main Street! Event runs 4-10 PM on June 30.  Find the Lander Downtown Merchants Association on Facebook — or call Chisholm’s Jewelry and ask Eric & Tami for more information!

CASPER — NIC FEST AT THE NICOLAYSEN ART MUSEUM — JUNE 22-24

From Nicolaysen Executive Director Connie Gibbons:  “Every June, the Nicolaysen Art Museum throws open its doors to music, art and family fun for the 2 1/2 day event that features artist booths, artist demonstrations, food and two stages with music and entertainment. For 2012, the Nic Fest introduces a celebration of folk-life. Each year a different cultural region, country or tradition will be explored and this year the festival integrates a celebration of Mexican culture, art, music, dance and food.”

The 3rd Annual Firefighter ‘Downtown Throwdown’ Competition will take place in conjunction with Nic Fest. Dates are June 22 (5-9 PM) and June 23 (10 AM – 5 PM), between 1st & 2nd St. on Beech St. Watch the ‘toughest two minutes in sports’ as local firefighters face off against other firefighters from across the area, region and nation.

Click here to visit the Nic’s informative, online Nic Fest brochure — exhibitors, musicians, schedule and more. VERY cool feature!

SHERIDAN — 3RD THURSDAY EVENTS KICK OFF JUNE 21!

image courtesy 3rd Thursday Festival Committee

Sheridan’s 3rd Thursday Festival kicks off for the months of June, July, August & September. Located on Main Street from Loucks to Alger and including Grinell Plaza, the festival includes strong man competitions, chicken roping, the ROTC Rock Wall, steak grilling competitions in July (w/a $500 cash prize!), live music performances, various local & regional vendors, a food court, beer & wine gardens and extended hours for downtown local merchants.

In June, dig the musical talents of Gary Small and the Coyote Brothers. This event is sponsored in part by the Downtown Sheridan Association, Sheridan Chamber, Sheridan Travel & Tourism, the City of Sheridan, Bighorn Beverage — and “…the greatest group of voulnteers and local support a committee could ever ask for,” says committee member Chad Franklin.

LARAMIE — Downtown Laramie Continues Lighting Infrastructure Project

The City of Laramie, in partnership with the Laramie Main Street Alliance, has begun the second phase of the downtown street light improvement project that was initially started in 2009. The 2012 lighting project includes upgrades to the wiring system, existing light fixtures as well as the installation of new, antique decorative light poles on 3rd and 4th Streets between University Avenue and Custer.

The lighting project is funded by the City of Laramie with a Business Ready Community Loan from the Wyoming Business Council. The project is expected to cost between $1.3 and $1.9 million. The addition of the new antique poles will aesthetically tie 3rd and 4th Streets in with the rest of historic downtown Laramie. Studies show that shoppers enjoy a well lit, inviting atmosphere and are more likely to linger in an area that is welcoming and well designed.

The downtown lighting project began on June 4th at 3rd and University and will conclude October 19th at 4th and Ivinson. Work will be done weekly on a block-by-block basis. No street closures are expected and sidewalks, driveways and alleyways will remain open. During construction, there will be no on street parking. Contact the Laramie Main Street office at 307-760-3355, or David Derragon, Assistant City Manager at 307-721-5304 for more information.

Brand 307

BURNS DAY — JUNE 9

LOTS of excitement coming up Saturday, June 9 for Burns Day! Some of the events and time schedules that we know of:  PANCAKE BREAKFAST (7-9 AM); 9:30 Police Dog Demo; 9:45 Kids’ Parade; Burns Chptr Order Of Eastern Star Bake Sale (9-11); FOOD IN PARK; Hands In Harmony Performance@Gazebo (1:00); Search & Rescue Dog Presentation; Service Dog Presentation; Cheyenne Animal Shelter Will Be Present All Day For Adoption Info; Cheyenne Quick Draw booth; BRAND 307 playing from 7-11 PM

LARAMIE — SPECIALS FROM LOVEJOY’S BAR & GRILL

bbq pork sandwich Shredded pork, drenched in bbq sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and tucked in a hoagie. Served with your choice of fries, chips and salsa, creamy mashed potatoes, cottage cheese or dinner salad. 8.5
lovejoy’s pasta Grilled chicken breast and sauteed artichoke hearts tossed in a sauce of chicken stock and sundried tomato pesto. Served over cavitappi pasta with a sprinkle of asiago cheese. Accompanied by your choice of soup or salad. 11.

Connect with Lovejoy’s:  Facebook  FourSquare  on the web

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Saratoga Cutter Races 2012

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Image by Reumade Images

Thanks to our friend DJ Anderson for keeping us informed with great events from Saratoga! The annual cutter races were held this past weekend…it’s always a great time!  More info from DJ on cutter racing and some images from this year’s and last year’s event follow…thanks to our friends for keeping us plugged in to great Wyoming information!

Image by Reumade Images

DJ Anderson sent us this information from Star Valley:  Cutter racing had its start in the late 1930’s with two milk wagons barreling away from the Freedom Cheese Factory in a mad dash to see who had the faster team.  This impromptu sport progressed when they dropped the wagon and ran with the front bob to get the faster time.  Cutters became popular during the winter and they began starting races using the ‘Lay 7 Tap’ method.  Cutters with tracks were popular until the 1960’s when wheeled chariots became common with the advent of dirt tracks (vs. the maintenance-intensive snow track). Cutter races were held in many different towns and the track might be the main street, a field or anywhere a track could be marked out.  Starting gates were scarce and were moved from track to track.  For many years, Thayne, WY hosted the cutter races in Star Valley with the gairgrounds in Afton being an alternate race location.  Thayne was known as the home of cutter racing and in 1948 The Racing Club was chartered.  In 1994, thanks to the support of the public and local businesses, the best track int he state of Wyoming is located in Afton.  It is a snow track which is rpetty uncommon now — the races do use wheeled chariots but the track provides a beautiful backdrop.  One can also get better photos than mud flying from a dirt track!

Image by Reumade Images

Learn more about cutter racing in Wyoming via the Wyoming Tourism website, Star Valley Chariot Racing on Facebook, or the Carbon County tourism website! Thanks to DJ Anderson for passing along this great information and photos!

‘Til Next Time…

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

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