DATES TO REMEMBER

Entry Deadline: 11/14/2021

Notification of accepted work: 12/20/2021

Accepted artwork due at the Wyoming State Museum: 01/21/2022

Exhibit Opens: 2/14/2022

Reception: TBD

Exhibit Closes: 8/14/2022

Deadline to pickup up unsold artwork: 8/31/22

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 picture wire or D-rings installed. Work that requires a cleat or any special mounting hardware may not be exhibited. 2D work may not exceed 144” 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.

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 under the auspices of the Wyoming State Museum and the Wyoming Arts Council.

The exhibition is the primary avenue through which the state museum acquires art for its collections. The State’s five elected officials and representatives from other state agencies select purchase award winners for the Capitol art collection. While the museum’s curators select purchase awards for the 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 14 through August 13th at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne. This year’s juror is Wade Patton.

FROM THE JUROR

I’m an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe and grew up on the Pine Indian Reservation, which now is Oglala Lakota County in the southwest of South Dakota. I was surrounded by a rich culture of art and music. After obtaining a BA in art from Black Hills State University and having a solo exhibit during my senior year at the Sioux Indian Museum in Rapid City, I decided to move away.

It took leaving South Dakota for me to find a voice in my most recent body of work. Yet, while pursuing other art opportunities on the east coast, I longed for home. Living on the east coast, I began expressing what I missed, the beauty and splendor of the Black Hills and the skies of South Dakota. I started to draw landscapes and clouds, as a reminder of home. The spare beauty of the prairie resonates in my work.

Something clicked, not only in my artistic expression, but with collectors and galleries. Their response was unexpected, but welcomed. I started sending work back home for exhibits and galleries, and was getting recognition. Finally, I realized how much I needed to return, I missed my family and I wanted to pursue my art in the place where I find the most inspiration. That decision brought me straight into a thriving Native art scene that clearly wasn't here when I left.

Interestingly, when I moved back people would say, ‘Oh, you’re the cloud guy!’. People didn't know me, but knew my work. I’m reacquainting myself with the land and my ancestry. This is most prevalent in my recent works and it's exciting for me as an artist to look forward to the future with new works. 

In moving back to South Dakota, I have been fortunate in having more opportunities in pursuing my art. I have traveled the country for art residencies, to do solo/group exhibits, art markets, juror of art shows and to teach(young and old) different art mediums across the state.

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 on exhibit for 100% of the artist value 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. Acceptance in this exhibition automatically permits images (fully credited) to be used in all forms of promotion and publicity. 

SALES/COMMISSION

A 40% commission will be added to the submitted price and retained by the Wyoming State Museum on all works sold to fund future 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. 

MEDIA RESTRICTIONS

Wet paintings, works needing special hooks, and any work considered unsafe will not be accepted. No special handling or special installations. Unsold works will not be shipped if proper postage is not included with original submission.

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists must be Wyoming residents in order to be considered.