BACKGROUND

The NIC’s mission is to collect, preserve, and exhibit the work of contemporary artists and present it to the community as a vital source of inspiration and education. We believe art is what makes us human. We believe contemporary art inspires important discussion about ourselves and the world in which we all live, building community through a greater understanding and appreciation of each other. We value being a center for creativity, self-expression, and cultural dialogue, making The NIC a place where individuals can become connected to the larger community in which they live and work. We believe in helping everyone understand the role of art in our daily lives by showcasing and celebrating art, art education, and art appreciation opportunities. We believe art stimulates the hearts and minds of everyone who comes in contact with it—because creativity is an essential element of a joyful life.  We sustain an environment that encourages children, families, and community members to discover art, be creative, and interact with each other through their shared art experience.

The 38th Annual NIC Art Auction & Dinner is the Nicolaysen Art Museum’s most important annual fundraiser,—connecting our central Wyoming community of arts patrons and collectors with the work of fine artists throughout the region.  The event is a longstanding platform for local, Wyoming, and regional artists and patrons to contribute to the sustainability of the museum’s mission and values.  Together we work to improve the environment for arts and culture in central Wyoming and beyond.

“From every member of the NIC staff we would like to say thank you to all artists who have submitted artwork to the Galas over the years and have supported the museum for so long. We could not do it without our amazing artists in the community who see the value in creativity and human expression. It has been a fantastic 38 years of galas, and we look forward to more galas for years to come!” Mark Bennet, Museum Coordinator

On September 8, 2023, attendees at “The Neon Gala” will don their finest attire and fill the 25,000 square foot museum’s McMurry Gallery for an evening of dining, entertainment, awards, and bidding on a juried exhibit of fine art. This year’s panel of jurors are Pinedale-area artist, Sue Sommers, and Casper College instructor of painting, Justin Hayward.

MEET THE JUROR: SUE SOMMERS

The space where the intensely personal merges with universal human experience has always energized me. I believe that visual art should satisfy the way great literature satisfies: by challenging us to find beauty and truth in the unexpected.

I participate in the Wyoming arts community as an artist, board member, mentor, donor, connector and communicator. Only about 500,000 people live within Wyoming’s 98,000 square miles. Our isolation makes us all neighbors, even if we don’t always agree.

Allowing space for other people’s points of view and profoundly different life experiences has made me a better neighbor, stronger as an individual, and more flexible as an artist.

MEET THE JUROR: JUSTIN HAYWARD

Originally from Traverse City, MI., Justin Hayward now lives in Casper, WY with his wife, three children, and two French bulldogs. He received his BFA in Illustration at Brigham Young University and a MFA from the New York Academy of Art in painting. Justin has also studied at the Florence Academy of Art and with several renowned artists throughout the country. He has been the drawing and painting instructor at Casper College for 15 years.  He exhibits in galleries and juried shows, designs logos, and creates paintings and drawings on commission. When he is not teaching and creating art, he enjoys being with family, reading, hunting, hiking, and watching Family Guy episodes.

Application Requirements

HOW TO SUBMIT ARTWORK

You can submit up to FOUR (4) works for the Gala Auction. The artist determines minimum bid prices, but all pieces must be valued at $300 or more.

Please complete the registration form on CaFE by July 24th, 2023, and submit it to The NIC with images of the work you propose for the exhibition. Registration link: https://

2023 CALL FOR ART SCHEDULE

June 19th – Call for Art released
July 24th– Firm deadline for submissions of the Registration Form
July 25th– August 4th – Panel Process
August 8th – Notification of selections
August 22nd - Firm deadline for artwork delivery to

Nicolaysen Art Museum
400 E. Collins Dr.
Casper, WY 82601
Attn: Neon Gala Committee

August 26th– Exhibition of Gala Auction Opens
September 8th– “The Neon Gala” 38th Annual NIC Art Show & Dinner
September 22nd– Pick-up of any unsold works & release of consignment payments to artists.

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR ARTISTS

● Artworks submitted to The Neon Gala will be consigned. The price– auctioned only at or above your stated minimum – will be shared 50/50 between you and the NIC.

● We encourage artists to support The NIC further with an option for total donation of the sold piece’s top bid.

● During The Neon Gala, we will offer a “BUY IT NOW” price, which is 30% higher than the minimum bid provided on your submission form.

● All entries must be original work completed within the last five years. Works on canvas must be framed or have finished edges.

● Once an accepted piece of artwork is installed in the show, you may not ask to change its location or orientation.

● Work juried into the auction may not be substituted or withdrawn.

● Frames must be in good condition (no scratches or loose corners). Screw eyes and hanging wire must be attached firmly to the back of the piece. The NIC must be notified in advance by email or snail mail if an unconventional method of hanging is required. 

● All entries are left at the owner’s risk. Although precautions are taken, The NIC is not responsible for damage or theft.

● Art must be picked up – or with special instruction, mailed back to the artist – no later than Friday, September 23rd, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. After 90 days, The NIC will assume ownership of the piece.

● We will be giving a limited number of tickets to the Gatsby Gala to participating artists. Please let us know in your registration form if you would be interested in attending the Gala, if chosen.

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY

Submissions for the gala auction are open to any artist!