GOSHEN COUNTY – This month, artists and art lovers of all media, levels, and ages are invited to gather at the Fort Laramie Community Center for an all-day networking and brainstorming session, followed by an evening creative showcase.
Event coordinator Jennifer Lanier said the purpose of the artistic gathering is “to increase the viability of the area through art.
“Art has always been a big part of Goshen County, and the Fort Laramie area in particular,” she said. “A lot of the artists have mentioned they would like to develop something in the area to get their work out, be more expressive, and highlight the area for themselves and for tourists.”
After several conversations with members of the local art community, Lanier found significant interest in more opportunities to showcase, sell, and buy art.
“Art is ingrained in the fabric of people here in Goshen County … there’s family, history, and art,” she said. “So, I decided, let’s provide the space and opportunity for people to (come together), say what’s on their minds, and to explore options … and if we’re going to do that, why don’t we have all the artists bring their art?”
Thus, the brainstorm and networking session, followed by an evening art show, was born.
The event begins Tuesday, March 12 at 10 a.m. and will feature confirmed speakers Shannon Smith of the Wyoming Humanities Council, discussing art at the legislature and state level; Wyoming Business Council’s Desiree Brothe, speaking on art cooperatives; Wells Howe of TravelStorys, presenting on using artwork in the self-guided audio tour app; as well as representatives from the Wyoming Arts Council, and Goshen County Economic Development.
The brainstorm session ends at 4 p.m., with the art show to begin at 4:30 and last until 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. However, Lanier requests attendees RSVP online using Event Brite: www.eventbrite.com/e/art-brainstorm-during-the-day-and-art-show-in-the-evening-tickets-54983034737. The Gathering Place in Fort Laramie will provide a catered lunch for about $10 to $12 onsite, or attendees may visit local businesses.
“Anyone who considers his or herself an artist (is invited),” she said. “Professional or amateur, children … I want all voices represented: actors, crafters, dancers, musicians, painters, photographers, schools, sculptures, writers.”
Artists may offer their works for sale at the evening event, but Lanier emphasized it is not a craft show, and participants are responsible for setup, cleanup and display, including tables, extension cords, and lighting. A microphone and stage are available for performances. Setup is Monday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday 7 to 9:50 a.m. The art show will feature a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres.
“I’m hoping for the interaction to be dynamic,” Lanier said. “At the end of the day, action would be great, whether it is, ‘We don’t want to do anything,’ or ‘Let’s build an art community in Fort Laramie’. I would love to help them create a movement.”
The Fort Laramie Community Center is located at 102 Otis St. For more information, follow Fort Laramie Connection on Facebook; or contact Lanier by phone at (765) 721-5154, or email jenniferllanier@gmail.com.
