WYO WOMAN & FAMILY: Menarche … What the Heck is that Word & How do I tell my Daughter?!

garrison-keillor-wyoming-lifestyles

laramie-sweetheart-2017-poster

wywomen-family-magazine-logo

In this & future blogs, we’ll feature writing by students of the University of Wyoming’s Family & Consumer Science Department, within the College of Agriculture. A select number of professors have chosen to provide student papers & projects to be displayed via our blog and new e-magazine. Keep an eye out for more topics on parenting, growth & development, learning, relationships, nutrition and more!

 


“Blood is Going to Come From WHERE?!”

by Jordan Kucera and Alyssa McElwain, PhD, CFLE

Across generations, women can recall their personal experiences in early adolescence when they encountered their first period. For some women, this experience was welcome and expected, whereas others experienced shock, distress, and confusion. Research suggests that these experiences can have either positive or negative associations with becoming a woman based on the information (or lack thereof) young girls receive prior to their first period or menstruation.

On average, girls get their first period around age 12-13; however, there is great individual difference and girls can get their period between ages 9-16. Some parents miss the window of opportunity to prepare their daughters because puberty is occurring at younger ages. Research shows that when discussions take place before puberty, young girls have a more accurate understanding of what will happen to their bodies and a more positive outlook on becoming a woman. For this reason, it is a good idea to begin conversations about puberty sooner rather than later.

Information about menstruation typically comes from our mothers, but also comes from friends, female relatives, books, magazines, school, the internet, movies, and television. These sources may provide conflicting, inaccurate, and even pessimistic perspectives about menstruation. For example, girls sometimes think they cannot use tampons until they are older or that they should not be physically active during their period, neither of which are true. Some girls receive little to no information and feel confused about this important aspect of the female body.

A study conducted with early adolescents (youth ages 10 to 14) who had not yet begun menstruation, found that few girls were knowledgeable about the menstrual cycle. Many girls reported negative attitudes about menstruation and some even compared their menstruation to having an illness. A majority of girls believed that their periods would bring incurable and unavoidable pain that would prohibit them from participating in social activities or attending school. One study found that some girls believe they need to hide their menstruation from family members and friends (especially males). Although a majority of girls thought that having your period was a sign of maturity, many girls persisted in having negative beliefs such as the idea that menstruation is embarrassing, uncomfortable, or even shameful.

Lack of information and misunderstandings about periods can lead young girls to feel overwhelmed and extremely frightened about what is happening to their bodies when they encounter their first period. Research shows that poor overall experiences with menstruation are linked to low self-esteem, poor body image, and issues with sexuality. Accurate information, provided at earlier ages from a variety of sources that include not only the mother, but also informative education programs can allow girls to have a better overall experience and view menstruation more positively.

Knowledge is power and accurate, positive information provides young girls with more optimistic and all-encompassing knowledge regarding the processes involved in maturation. See the talking points below for important information to include in a conversation with the young girl in your life.

Period-Positive Talking Points:

  • Menstruation is a healthy and normal part of being female.
  • You can continue to have a normal, active life during your period.
  • The women in your life have your back! We’ve all been there and are understanding, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or even ask a stranger for a pad or tampon if you need one.
  • Girls start getting their period at different ages and bleeding usually occurs for 5-7 days each month, about every 28 days. It’s normal for some women to get premenstrual symptoms (PMS) like cramps, headaches, and bloating before their period.

 

References

Amann-Gainotti, M. (1986). Sexual socialization during early adolescence: The menarche.             Adolescence, 21, 703.

Burrows, A., & Johnson, S. (2005). Girls’ experiences of menarche and menstruation. Journal      of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 23, 235-249.

Newton, V. (2016). Positioning periods in context: Contemporary discourses and dilemmas.         In Everyday Discourses of Menstruation (pp. 49-70). Palgrave Macmillan: UK.

Moore, S. (1995). Girls’ understanding and social constructions of menarche. Journal of   Adolescence, 18, 87-104.

Rembeck, G., Möller, M., & Gunnarsson, R. (2006). Attitudes and feelings towards menstruation and womanhood in girls at menarche. Acta Pædiatrica, 95: 707–714.

Uskul, A. K. (2004). Women’s menarche stories from a multicultural sample. Social Science & Medicine59, 667-679.

ON THE CALENDAR: October 12, 2012

VISIT OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS:  Wyoming Weddingshttp://www.wyoweddings.com/ Wyovore  http://www.wyovore.com/ WYO XYhttp://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html The Wyoming Woman http://www.thewyomingwoman.com/

LARAMIE:  Fall Bridal Expo by Wyoming Weddings, October 21

Head to the UW Hilton Conference Center for our Laramie Bridal Expo — Fall Edition! 1-4 PM, with fashion shows by Mountain Valley Bridal and all sorts of information from area wedding professionals. If you’d like a booth, contact us at editor@wyolifestyle.com!

JACKSON:  Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club Ski Swap, October 27

The Ski Swap is an annual fundraising event hosted by the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club.  Local and regional vendors as well as local ski enthusiasts will be selling new and used Alpine, Nordic and Snowboard equipment and clothing.  If you have gear to sell or need something for the upcoming season, this is a great opportunity! Heritage Arena, Teton County Fairgrounds, 430 W Snow King Ave in Jackson. Drop off Friday, October 26 from 12 – 7 P. Saturday October 27 7:30A-8:15A Early Bird admission $10 ($5 with Ski Club Membership Card).  8:15 A – 1P — Doors open to public, general admission $1 (free with Ski Club Membership Card). Ski Club Memberships will be for sale at the door for $30 and provide hundreds of benefits and discounts at local businesses throughout the winter season. Pick up Saturday, October 27, 2-4P. Visit this link for contact info for more information:  http://www.jhskiclub.org/ski-swap-october-27-2012

ROCK SPRINGS:  Rock Springs Urban Renewal Agency/Main Street Pumpkin Patch through October 27

The Rock Springs Urban Renewal Agency (URA)/Main Street Program will be hosting their annual Pumpkin Patch again this year, starting on October 1 and running every day until October 27.

This year patch will include 22,000 lbs of pumpkins along with gourds, squash and other fall harvest and the ever-popular Giant Pumpkin!  This family filled atmosphere will have food, local vendors, face painting, games for the kids and opportunities for photos. There will be a professional photographer Saturdays from 12-2pm to capture a family moment or you can take all the pictures you want with your own camera!

Proceeds from the event benefit the URA’s Renewal Fund which assists with grants to downtown businesses, the Downtown Pocket Park, Freight Building renovations, downtown business recruitment and many other projects. If you have any questions, please contact the Rock Springs URA office at (307) 352-1434.

image from www.county10.com

LANDER:  Lander Lions Club Apple Sale, through October 31

The Lander Lions Club is now taking orders for their annual Apple Sale. Choose from Fuji, Gala, Cameo, Honeycrisp and Jonagold. A 38-pound box is $36 and a 1/2 box is $19. Apples must be ordered and paid for before Oct. 31. To order, contact any Lander Lions Club member or:  Wyoming National Bank (685 Main St., Lander); Furry Friends (116 Chittim Road, Lander);  See Brenda at Lander Senior Center; Valley Automotive (7854 Hwy 789); Call the Tappan’s at 332-7164 or the Durfey’s at 332-5578. Pick up your apples at 230 Christina Dr. (behind Alco) on Saturday, Nov. 3 or Sunday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. They will deliver in Lander area, if requested. Proceeds from this sale benefit Lander Lions Club charitable projects.

CODY:  Wild West Brew Fest at The Terrace Restaurant & Bar, October 20, 5 PM

Sample home-brewed beers, microbeers, and beer-inspired food. Judge’s Choice & People’s Choice Awards will be bestowed. Interested in home brewing? You can’t miss this event! Held at The Terrace Restaurant & Bar, 525 W. Yellowstone Ave. Tickets are $25 and available at the Cody Chamber or at the door. Call 307-587-5868 for more information!

image from Laramie Recreation Center

LARAMIE:  Pumpkin Dunkin, Laramie Recreation Center, October 26

Join the Laramie Recreation Center for their 7th annual Pumpkin Dunkin event, held October 26th, 5 – 8 pm in the Recreation Center Leisure Pool. This event is full of festive fall family fun! Pick out your favorite pumpkin from their aqua-pumpkin patch and have your kids enter the pumpkin creation contest. This event is free with a membership or daily admission pass. Pumpkins may be taken home for $4 each, limit one pumpkin per person.

TORRINGTON;  Eastern Wyoming Arts Council presents Allison Sage, October 28

On October 28 at 7 PM, Allison, a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe from the Wind River Indian Reservation and Northern Arapahoe Eagle Drum Society, will demonstrates Native American traditional singing using a hand drum. She’ll also explain the meaning of the various songs.

Held at Eastern Wyoming College Fine Arts Auditorium; tickets are $15 if purchased by October 26, $20 at the door. Tickets available at the EWC Community Office Tebbet 134, Pinnacle Bank and the Goshen County Chamber of Commerce. Call EWC at 307-532-8213 with questions.

SHERIDAN:  WYO Theater Gala presents “Anything Goes”, October 20

From Sheridan Chamber of Commerce:  The WYO Theater’s Annual Fundraising Gala features the musical “Anything Goes”, winner of three 2011 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical. Cole Porter’s classic stars your favorite local talent in an unforgettably fun and willfully silly musical. As the SS American heads out to sea, two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love … proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise, and some good old-fashioned blackmail. Peppering this hilariously bumpy ride are some of the musical theatre’s most memorable standards, including “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “It’s Delovely,” and of course “Anything Goes.” The October 20th performance is the big gala event, with hors d’oeurves and drinks preceding the performance. Doors open at 6:00 pm, curtain at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the gala evening are $100 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets (when available), contact the WYO Theater box office at (307) 672-9084 or online at www.wyotheater.com. Encore performance will be October 25-28.

CASPER:  Sesame Street Live at the Events Center!
A treat for the little ones! Tuesday, October 16 at 6:30 pm, Wednesday, October 17 at 10:30 am (Kids’ Matinee Special); Wednesday, October 17 at 6:30 pm. Tickets:  $18, $22, $27 Gold Circle, and $52 Sunny Seats; Special Kids’ Matinee Group Pricing:  $12 for Groups of 10 or more (excluding Gold Circle and Sunny Seats). Click here for ticket purchasing.

IN FOOD NEWS…

ALTITUDE CHOPHOUSE & BREWERY WEEKLY SPECIALS, LARAMIE

shrimp diablo Sauteed shrimp tossed with spicy marinara sauce and served over fettuccine. Topped with a sprinkle of asiago cheese. 12.5

steak special Eight ounce cut of Certified Angus Beef® sirloin, tenderized, flour dusted and braised in beef broth and red wine. Topped with sauteed bell peppers, onions and tomatoes and served over a side of creamy mashed potatoes. 18.

ancho chicken pizza Amber ale pizza crust brushed with a spicy tomato sauce and topped with ancho spiced chicken, fresh jalapenos, Anaheim peppers, red onions, tomatoes, garlic and melted mozzarella cheese. 8.5

CONNECT WITH ALTITUDE   facebook  twitter   on the web   foursquare

VISIT OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS:  Wyoming Weddingshttp://www.wyoweddings.com/ Wyovore  http://www.wyovore.com/ WYO XYhttp://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html The Wyoming Woman http://www.thewyomingwoman.com/

WY WOMEN: LISA HUENEKE, NEW EXEC DIRECTOR OF LANDER ART CENTER

LINK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS:  Wyoming Weddings — www.wyoweddings.com  Wyovore — www.wyovore.com  WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html

From the Lander Art Center…

The Lander Art Center Board of Directors is please to announce the appointment of Lisa Hueneke as the new executive director of the Lander Art Center, beginning in Sepetmber 2012.

Ms. Hueneke brings over five years of nonprofit experience including one year as the Lander Art Center Program Coordinator.  Ms. Hueneke has worked for nonprofits both nationally and internationally including with the Academy for Educational Development (Washington, DC), Wilderness Medical Institute (Lander, WY), Octagon Center for the Arts (Ames, IW), T.F. Chen Art and Culture Center Foundation (New York, NY), and Museo Tanga Tanga delos Niños (Sucre, Bolivia). Additionally Ms. Hueneke’s received a Bachelors of Arts in Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science in International Studies from Iowa State University.

As Executive Director, Ms. Hueneke will be responsible for the daily operation of the Lander Art Center including the education and exhibition programming, professional artist development programming, community outreach, and financial management. Her leadership and vision will guide the implementation the Lander Art Center’s strategic goals. “I am honored by this opportunity to serve such an important organization and creative community. It is an exciting time to be involved in the arts here in Lander,” noted Ms. Hueneke.

The Lander Art Center is a leader in Fremont County’s art community. The Lander Art Center provides access to art through education programming including over 45 classes and workshops per year in a variety of visual arts including drawing, painting, pastels, jewelry, ceramics, sculpting, printmaking and related techniques, and fiber arts for preschool, youth, and adults. The Lander Art Center annually hosts between 8-12 art exhibitions of regional, national and international artists that include three to five juried exhibitions in amateur to professional categories. Additionally the Lander Art Center’s professional artist programming includes an Artist in Residence Program, two art fairs (Riverfest Art in the Park on July 21, 2012 and Art in the Afternoon Holiday Art Sale), the Native Emerging Arts Training Program, Exhibition Proposal Program, High School Intern Program, and Summer Assistant Instructor Program.

LINK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS:  Wyoming Weddings — www.wyoweddings.com  Wyovore — www.wyovore.com  WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html

Wyoming Woman: Nancy Curtis & High Plains Press Wins Award

LINK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE OF WYOMING LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, INCLUDING THE WYOMING WOMAN SECTION! www.wyolifestyle.com

OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS:  Wyoming Weddings — www.wyoweddings.com  Wyovore — www.wyovore.com  WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html

Congratulations to Glendo, Wyoming, book publishing company, High Plains Press, and owner Nancy Curtis, for winning two major book awards!

Actor Wes Studi presents the Lariat Award to High Plains Press Publisher Nancy Curtis.

The press was recognized in Albuquerque, on June 16, 2012, by Western Writers of America with the Lariat Award, which goes to a publishing industry professional for support of western books and authors. Publisher Nancy Curtis accepted the award from Wes Studi, who has starred in many movies including Geronimo in the motion picture Geronimo, Joe Leaphorn in the movie made from the Tony Hillerman book, and a role in Dances with Wolves.

The WWA website says: “Proving that neither location nor size affects good work, High Plains Press, which operates on a cattle ranch near Glendo, Wyoming, has won five Wrangler Awards from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum for poetry, a Willa award and several Willa finalist awards from Women Writing the West, several finalist awards in the Western Writers of America Spur Awards, and finalists in the Ben Franklin Awards competitions. Publisher Nancy Curtis has also published several winners for book awards from the Wyoming Historical Society.”

This honor has only been bestowed six times. Previous awards have been presented to the University of Oklahoma Press, True West Magazine, Tom Doherty/Forge Books, Caxton Press, Dorchester Publishing/Leisure Books, and Luther Wilson University Press Director.

In April, Married into It, by Patricia Frolander, published by High Plains Press, won a Wrangler Award from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The award, a bronze based on the painting the Night Herder, was presented to Curtis in a black-tie ceremony by two grandchildren of John Wayne.

LINK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE OF WYOMING LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, INCLUDING THE WYOMING WOMAN SECTION! www.wyolifestyle.com

OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS:  Wyoming Weddings — www.wyoweddings.com  Wyovore — www.wyovore.com  WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html

Wyovore: WY Food & Humanities News May 11

LINK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

Our Sister Publications:  Wyoming Weddings — www.wyoweddings.com  Wyovore — www.wyovore.com  WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html Wyoming Woman — www.thewyomingwoman.com

Click the ad above to connect with the Evanston Bluegrass Festival…

Looking for a Mother’s Day gift? Check out Troll Beads — visit Blackberry Gift Shoppe in Downtown Casper for Troll Beads as well as tons of other great gifts for the favorite Mom in your life… 


WY-P-A — WYOMING’S COLLABORATION BREW — There’s No ‘I’ in ‘Beer’

If you missed our WY Food News blog on April 26, click here to read more about WY-P-A, Wyoming’s collaboration brew which is similar to an IPA. A joint effort between Wyoming’s breweries, the brew was created in Pinedale in late April. The participating breweries gathered and each contributed a portion of this historic compilation.  Now, on May 14, the brew will be served simultaneously at each participating brewery — and we’re excited to see the response! Altitude sent us some great images of the group in Pinedale, as well as their own Nathan Venner from the event…totally diggin’ the tux…

WYOMING CHRONICLE — Wyoming PBS Program features Wyoming Whiskey and WY-P-A

(Riverton, Wyo.)  – This Friday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. on Wyoming PBS, Wyoming Chronicle visits with Wyoming Whiskey COO David DeFazio, and Master Distiller Steve Nally about their obsession with creating the state’s first bourbon whiskey from all Wyoming ingredients, a spirit that is scheduled to make its first appearance in December of this year.

Next, Chronicle producer Richard Ager sits down with brew masters Steve Simpson from Snowy Mountain Brewery in Saratoga and Richie Strom from Wind River Brewing Company in Pinedale and talks about the collaborative effort taken by thirteen brew masters from across the state, including Lander, who gathered recently in Pinedale to create a single beer for Wyoming, WyPA, just in time to celebrate National Craft Beer Week, May 14-20.

Wyoming PBS is a non-commercial, educational institution and cultural resource dedicated to connecting and enriching Wyoming lives through innovative media. Wyoming PBS can be found on various channels across Wyoming; for more information, check local listings, or go to www.wyomingpbs.org for a complete schedule of channel numbers.

–Wyoming PBS

Click on the Lander Brew Fest for more information!

CHEYENNE — Cheyenne International Film Festival 2012

The Cheyenne International Film Festival is about to begin! May 17-20, enjoy Wyoming productions and independent films. We’re also thrilled to be sponsoring the screening of Wyoming Triumph by KGB Productions in Jackson, Wyoming.  Click here for a trailer of Wyoming Triumph — this action-packed ski film takes viewers on a tour of Wyoming’s skiing destinations and locations.  Definitely one to check out!  Wyoming Triumph will be played as part of the Wyoming Showcase on Friday, May 18.  Also at the Wyoming Showcase, the winner of the Wyoming Film Office’s Short Film Contest will be screened.  This is a night of Wyoming film talent not to be missed!

LARAMIE — Lovejoy’s Specials

ham & turkey panini — Thin sliced black forest ham, turkey and melted Swiss and American cheeses stacked on toasted multi-grain bread spread with mustard. Served with your choice of fries, chips and salsa, creamy mashed potatoes, cottage cheese or dinner salad.

grilled sirloin — Six ounce sirloin, grilled to your liking and topped with a Worcestershire cream sauce. Served with creamy mashed potatoes, grilled bell pepper and onion skewers and your choice of soup or salad. 11.50

Connect with Altitude on:  Facebook  Foursquare on the web

 

LINK TO OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

Our Sister Publications:  Wyoming Weddings — www.wyoweddings.com  Wyovore — www.wyovore.com  WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html Wyoming Woman — www.thewyomingwoman.com

Wyo Women: Much to Celebrate!

LINK TO OUR CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

Our Sister Publication: Wyoming Weddings – www.wyoweddings.com Wyovore – www.wyovore.com  Wyoming Woman – www.wyomingwoman.com WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html

click the Lander Brew Fest ad below to connect with them for more information!

ANNOUNCING! The Wyoming Woman Magazine is becoming a new section of each issue of Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine!

We’re excited to announce that we’re the new publisher of The Wyoming Woman Magazine! The ladies that began and grew this publication are AWESOME, and we’re very excited to continue the spirit of the magazine in a special section of each issue of Lifestyle. We’re currently working on our summer issue of Lifestyle, and in it we’ll include some summer recipes — from our readers and fans! We invite you to submit your favorite recipes — click here to be connected with our blog that gives the details!

The subscribers to Wyoming Woman have been moved to our subscription list for Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine. We’d love to hear your suggestions for content, and be looking for Wyo woman-specific blogs, and posts on our Facebook page! To contact us with suggestions, please email editor@wyolifestyle.com.

Children’s Book Illustrator Sylvia Long Wins 2012 Bull-Bransom Award

Museum honors A Butterfly Is Patient with medal for nature illustration excellence

Jackson Hole, Wyoming – May 11, 2012 – Children’s book illustrator Sylvia Long is the recipient of the 2012 Bull-Bransom Award, announced the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States at a reception at the museum last night in Jackson Hole, Wyo.  Long was selected for the award, given annually for excellence in children’s book illustration with a wildlife and nature focus, for the 2011 picture book A Butterfly Is Patient (Chronicle Books), written by Dianna Hutts Aston.  Long was in Jackson Hole at the National Museum of Wildlife Art to receive the award, which was presented as part of the museum’s Celebration of Young Artists event.

Illustrations for A Butterfly is Patient, above, won 2012 Bull-Bransom Award for artist Sylvia Long, far right, shown accepting the award from National Museum of Wildlife Art Board of Trustees member Lynn Friess.

“Sylvia Long’s illustrations were lauded for their detail and striking compositions by this year’s Bull-Bransom judges, who used the adjectives ‘delightful,’ ‘engaging,’ and ‘absolutely gorgeous’ among others to compliment her stellar work,” said National Museum of Art Curator of Art Adam Harris, who serves annually as one of the judges for the award.  “Long’s illustrations fly off the page and enhance the wonderfully written text.” Past Bull-Bransom Award winners Kevin Waldron and Jerry Pinkney were also on the judging panel.

Animals are a favorite subject for Sylvia Long, who admits to preferring drawing animals to people and does a great deal of advance research especially for non-fiction work like A Butterfly Is Patient – spending as much or sometimes more time on learning her subject than on the actual drawing.  It was Long’s interest in all things natural – including an interest in birds that dates back to childhood – that originally led her editor to connect her with author Dianna Hutts Aston.  Their first collaboration, An Egg Is Quiet, went on to win more than 20 awards including from the Association of Children’s Librarians and a Publishers Weekly “Off the Cuff” award for best non-fiction for treatment of a subject.  A Butterfly Is Patient is the third in what has become a series of nature picture books by the duo.

Long, whose very first published title Ten Little Rabbits was named best picture book of the year by the International Reading Association back in 1991, hopes her passion for the natural world will inspire kids to get outside and really observe their surroundings.  Still, asked what aspect of her work is most fulfilling, she responds, “The thought that somewhere ‘out there’ a child will go to their bookshelf and pull out one of ‘my’ books, crawl up in their parent’s or grandparent’s lap and settle in for that close, comforting time, sharing a story.”

Created in the tradition of such prestigious children’s book illustrator honors as the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King and Hans Christian Andersen awards, the Bull-Bransom Award is presented in the form of a medal and $5,000 cash award.  The National Museum of Wildlife Art named the award for Charles Livingston Bull and Paul Bransom, among the first American artist-illustrators to specialize in wildlife subjects.

A member of the Museums West consortium and accredited by the American Association of Museums, the museum, officially designated the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States by an act of Congress in 2008, provides an exciting calendar of exhibitions from its permanent collection and changing exhibitions from around the globe.  A complete schedule of exhibitions and events is available online at www.wildlifeart.org.  The museum is also active on Facebook at wildlifeartjh and on Twitter at @wildlifeartjh.

CASPER — Art Teacher Nancy Lee Receives Tribal Sportswear’s Heart for Art Award from Fashion Crossroads

Art teacher Nancy Lee, a native of Grand Forks, ND, inspires kids daily through her art instruction at Dean Morgan Junior High in Casper.  Today, Nancy appreciates her children for the unique people that they are – and uses her art instruction to help them embrace their own individual personalities. But, she says, the road to take her here has not always been clear to her…

Nancy began her own art instruction at the age of six, when her parents signed her up for Saturday morning art lessons. She continued these weekly lessons until ninth grade, serving as practice for the students who were becoming art teachers at that time.  “I thought I died and went to Heaven,” Nancy says.  “I would wait to go. I experienced a lot of things, working from still life and learning how to make prints at an early age. It was pure joy. It was me!” As a child, Nancy found inspiration through artists at the nearby University of ND, as well as journeying to Europe to view the works of major artists.

Nancy began by teaching art in Dickinson, ND. “I wasn’t very successful there,” she says. She then moved to Missoula, where she earned her Master’s in art.  At UND, Nancy had focused on intaglio printmaking, spending a lot of time creating monoprints. A presentation on handmade paper sparked Nancy’s creativity, and at the University of MT, Nancy developed paper pieces as her Master’s thesis.  Her thesis focused on paper pieces that were patterns, and made statements about Nancy’s personality. Today, Nancy’s creations are abstract, involving found objects from the land and clay pieces that are integrated into paper pieces.

When it came to teaching art, Nancy struggled to find her niche. “It took me a long time to figure out what I was doing in teaching art,” Nancy says. “Sometimes my quote was, ‘I hope I can fake it until I can figure out what I am doing.’” She often went home and cried, thinking that the kids were being mean. “I realized that I was really talking down to them and setting up harsh bounderies they just had to break!” Nancy says. That realization formed a turning point for her, and helped her find her creative and emotional niche with her students. “The first thing I figured out was that you have to build a relationship with junior high/middle level kids. They are really not bad at all if you treat with respect and care about them,” Nancy says. “They wil do anything for you –if you treat them right and they trust you. They will respect you if you actually ‘teach’ them something and have structure.”

Nancy shares that the common emotional pitfalls of the early teenage years are there for a reason.  “At times they layer negatively  because they have to protect their inner self,” Nancy says. “My first weapon is always humor — first comes the kid, then art will follow.”  She found a way to develop art projects that offered structure but also the opportunity for kids to develop their own ideas of who they are. She also found that strengthening the process versus the product was key. “Once that went out the door and I concentrated on a positive, non-critical atmosphere, their work got a lot better. It was so much easier! Work smart not hard!” Nancy adds with a smile.

Nancy’s ability to learn and mold herself and her teaching skills is backed by a history of strong women in her family.  “I am the third Maude Dickinson to graduate from the UND,” Nancy shares. The first Maud Dickinson was a commander in the Coast Guard, earned her Master’s in English and wrote manuals for the Coast Guard in Washington, DC in the early 1930s.  Then came Maude Dickinson Wood, Nancy’s role model, who traveled to UND in a Model T on miserable roads.  Maude Wood began college at 16, earned her degree in English, and taught school to at risk children at Nebraska State School.  Miss Wood used a Labrador in her classroom, keeping the children calm through its presence – before such techniques for ‘at risk’ children were realized.

Nancy’s full name is Nancy Maude Dickinson Lee, and her daughter, Anne Maude Lee, will become the fourth generation of “Maude” in the family line.  The antique family name may not always be a favorite, Nancy shares, but with it comes a line of strong women – something to always be proud of.

Today, Nancy relishes her time with her students.  “I couldn’t stand a job where they put me at a desk and make me file something,” Nancy says.  What she enjoys about teaching art are the experiences that ‘they’ have in the classroom – Nancy and the students both.  “The kids are so funny and and smart and we just roll with it,” Nancy shares. “Junior high kids are ‘for reals’ — they tell it like it is — if you are doing something good they let you know … but if they don’t agree, they will not keep it a secret!”

Nancy received the Heart for Art Award, sponsored by Tribal Sportswear and presented by Fashion Crossroads in Downtown Casper.  She was awarded with a plaque and a $250 prize to purchase art supplies for her classroom.  Connect with our blog post about the award to read students’ recommendations of Nancy, and Fashion Crossroads owner Kyleen Stevenson-Braxton’s statement about Nancy and the award.  Offered for the first time by Tribal Sportswear, the Heart for Art award recognizes local art teachers that are making a different in the lives of junior high/middle school children.  Because children who are fostered in the education of art and the humanities often go on to careers in these fields, Tribal Sportswear found honoring those educators who make a different worthy of celebration.  Kyleen agrees, and hopes that the award will continue. Visit Fashion Crossroads for women’s fashions that span a variety of ages — from leisure to career wear — at 228 E. 2nd St. in Downtown Casper.

LANDER — Lander Art Center Searching for New Executive Director

With a mixture of apprehension and excitement, the Lander Art Center Board of Directors announces the resignation of Dannine Donaho as Executive Director: Apprehension because Dannine’s energy and expertise will be hugely missed and excitement for Dannine as she focuses on her art work more full-time.

Dannine has been involved with the Art Center for years. Prior to the position of Executive Director, Dannine filled many roles including volunteer, board member and program coordinator of the Native American Emerging Artist Training (NEAT) program. Her dedication to the Art Center and entrepreneurial energy has allowed the Art Center to develop our education, exhibition and artists training programs in ways that have uniquely served our community. Dannine has guided the Art Center into a position as an important visual art venue in Central Wyoming. Dannine has nurtured Lander’s vibrant community of artists as an advocate and mentor to aspiring, amateur and professional artists of all ages. We thank Dannine for her dedication to the Lander Art Center and the leadership role that she has played within our art community.

From Dannine:  I came into this job in 2010 as a working, aspiring artist, passionate about maintaining and expanding the art community in Lander.  In the past two years, I have learned intensively about non-profit art organization structure and challenges in addition to our community of artists— strengths and weaknesses.  It has been an assiduous and provoking time.

At the same time, I also learned quite a bit about myself.  By taking on the vast roles of leader and art advocate, I found a voice I didn’t know I possessed.  I believe in art in all its forms for all people.  Ironically, it is in finding this voice that I have decided to make a change and step down as the director.  I believe an artist, leader, and art advocate who has little time to make art cannot cultivate this vast project, the Lander Art Center, with integrity.  Losing one voice to gain another is worth it for a while, but not sustainable. I hope to stay involved, as there are many parts of the job I love that would fit nicely into my life.  And when time travel is available, I will be the first one in line for a ticket.

The Lander Art Center is excited to begin the search for a new director. Contact the Lander Art Center for job description and particulars.  We ask all of our community to assist us as we transition into new leadership. Specifically if you know of a potential candidate, pass them the job announcement.

‘Til Next Time…What a celebration of wonderful Wyoming women!

Kati Hime, Editor

editor@wyolifestyle.com

LINK TO OUR CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

Our Sister Publication: Wyoming Weddings – www.wyoweddings.com Wyovore – www.wyovore.com  Wyoming Woman – www.wyomingwoman.com WYO XY — http://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html