The Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition is a biennial juried exhibit that celebrates the work of Wyoming artists. The exhibition was established in 2000 under an initiative by Governor Geringer and is organized by the Wyoming State Museum and the Wyoming Arts Council.

This exhibition is the primary avenue for the state museum to acquire modern Wyoming art for its Capitol and permanent collections. The art for the Capitol collection is selected by the State’s five elected officials and representatives from other state agencies. While the museum’s curators select purchase awards for the Museum’s permanent art collection. All other artwork in the exhibition is available for sale to the general public. 

The exhibit is open to artists currently working and living in Wyoming. There is no fee to enter. Questions may be directed to Mariah Emmons, Museum Registrar, mariah.emmons@wyo.gov, (307) 631-3368.

The juried exhibition will be on display from February 9 through August 10th at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne. This year’s juror is Terri Porta from Billings, Montana.

ABOUT THE JUROR

Terri Porta is a multidisciplinary artist, place-maker, activist, and community advocate for the arts. Across her oeuvre of placemaking projects, there are two distinct connective tissues. These concepts weave through the kaleidoscope of expressionist color, centering her work around a better, more engaged community through activism and beauty. An engaged community is a window to the past and the future, which she highlighted in her historical timeline portraits at the City Hall Mural in Downtown Billings, using famous and local figures who have impacted the world through their art and lives. This work led to her selection as the first Artist in Residence for Billings through the Mobilize the Magic City project, which received a National Endowment for the Arts grant. Through generous donor support and enthusiasm, Billings is adopting new policies and improving communication with local artists to streamline collaborative efforts with Billings city officials. Terri’s work to communicate public art’s impact in encouraging creativity and mental health awareness is still ongoing. Terri received her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Montana State University Billings. 
 

AWARDS

• Governor’s Choice Award
• Bobby Hathaway Juror’s Choice Award
• People’s Choice Recognition
• Purchase Awards

LIABILITY

The Wyoming State Museum will exercise professional care in handling all entries, but cannot assume liability for loss or damage, however caused, while works are in transit. Accepted entries will be insured while in the museums care for 60% of the sale price indicated on the entry form. It is suggested that artists insure their work while in transit.

NOTIFICATION

Following juried review; all artists will be notified concerning their status by December 20, 2023. Acceptance in this exhibition automatically permits images (fully credited) to be used in all forms of promotion and publicity.

SALES

New for 2024: The museum will collect a commission on the sales price provided by the artist, rather than adding the commission on top of the price. Please price work accordingly

The Wyoming State Museum encourages the sale of exhibited work and will collect a 40% commission from all work sold during the exhibition. Commissions allow the Wyoming State Museum to fund acquisitions for the museum’s permanent art collection.

SHIPPING

Artists will pay for shipping to and from the Wyoming State Museum, or will arrange for hand delivery. A reusable shipping carton must be used and return shipping fee or arrangements must be enclosed. Unsold works will not be shipped if proper postage is not included with original submission.

MEDIA RESTRICTIONS

Wet paintings, works needing special hooks, and any work considered unsafe will not be accepted. No special handling or special installations. 

Application Requirements

Artists may submit up to three works for consideration and may include up to two images for each work. Do not submit artist statements or any additional material.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Entry Deadline: 11/18/2023

Notification of accepted work: 12/20/2023

Accepted artwork due at the Wyoming State Museum: 01/22/2024

Exhibit Opens: 2/09/2024

Reception: 2/16/2024

Exhibit Closes: 8/10/2024

Deadline to pick up unsold artwork: 8/31/24

WHO MAY APPLY

All Wyoming visual artists working and living in the state are invited to enter. 

RULES OF ENTRY

There is no entry fee. Artists may submit up to three works for juried review. Images are assumed to be accurate representations of actual works. The Wyoming State Museum has the right to reject any accepted work not accurately represented by the image submitted or not deemed ready for display. All accepted works must remain for the duration of the exhibit.

Works may be either two- or three-dimensional, must be original, and completed within the last three years. Works selected for previous Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibitions will not be considered for inclusion. Works may not exceed 50 lbs. Due to the display venue, restrictions apply to organic, toxic, or hazardous materials.

2D works must be ready to hang on a picture rail system with D-rings installed. Work that requires a cleat or any special mounting hardware may not be exhibited. 2D work may not exceed 120” in length or 54” in height.

3D work must be stable and ready for display. Works requiring complicated installation or assembly may not be exhibited. Pedestal dependent work may not exceed 30” in any dimension. Floor dependent work may not exceed 30” in width or length or 96” in height. Floor dependent work will not be cased and must be safe and stable if touched by the public. Wall dependent sculpture will not be accepted. Fragile 3D media (ceramic, glass, etc.) may be secured to pedestals using museum wax. Electrical outlets are not available. 
 

Eligibility Criteria

Artists must be Wyoming residents in order to be included. Artists listing a permanent address outside of the state will not be considered for the show.