It’s been a Wyoming tradition for 34 years. On the third Sunday in May, artists gather to exhibit their work and hope for one of the coveted awards. Visitors stroll among the booths to marvel at the beautiful creations, enjoy the spring weather, and perhaps even take some art home. The Wyoming Art Show, which hosts over 125 exhibitors and displays work from professional artists and students alike, is a high point of the season—but it doesn’t happen by itself. It takes dozens of volunteers and generous donations to become a reality, and organizers are inviting residents to help.
“If you’d like to get involved in Wyoming, there’s no better way than the Art Show,” says Becky Miars, Chair of the show’s Volunteer Recruitment Committee. “It’s a great opportunity to meet a lot of people from all over town.”
There’s all manner of ways volunteers can help, before, during, and after the show, in all areas: Setup, the Children’s Area, the Food Court, and much more. You might hand out programs for a couple of hours, or hang art before the show. You could help collect and tag student art from city schools, or give exhibitors a hand unloading their cars. You could even join the organizing committee and work behind the scenes to make it all happen. Best of all, no art experience is needed, but you might wind up getting some.
“I’m not an artist; I can barely draw stick figures,” says Becky Miars. “But I’ve learned so much about art from talking with the artists and putting on the show.”
Of course, not everyone can volunteer in person. That’s why donations to the Art Show are so important. “The show could not go on without the gifts of generous donors,” says Judy Carter, the Committee member in charge of donations and sponsorships. “They pay for everything, from tents to awards for individual artists.” Judged by art professionals, the show gives out $5000 in cash awards, including the $500 prize for Best Of Show. In addition, the Art Show gives grants around the area to promote the arts, such as helping art teachers purchase supplies in neighboring school districts.
To get involved, make a donation, or become a sponsor of the Wyoming Art Show, visit the website or email info@wyomingartshow.org.
