Mobile Art Program in Cheyenne
Multifund Grantmaking from WYCF
This story is from our Spring 2023 newsletter. See the full newsletter here!
In the southeastern part of our state, there is a unique tiny-house. Even though nobody lives there, it’s full of life. Inside lives a rotating gallery of artwork that moves from place to place. The ArtHaus, a project of Arts Cheyenne, gives emerging artists and youth a unique home to showcase their work.
The ArtHaus gives everyone a chance to view art as the gallery can be set up anywhere. Last summer, the Downtown Depot in Cheyenne was just one of the venues patrons enjoyed.
“As a working artist myself, it was a struggle finding galleries,” says Arts Cheyenne Board Member and teacher Steve Knox. “Cheyenne needed something desperately for newer artists to display their work, that’s where Arts Cheyenne proposed a mobile art gallery.”
With your support, a grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation made the ArtHaus possible.
“Once the mobile art gallery was built, the grant from WYCF helped start our actual programming,” says Steve. “It creates an accessible opportunity for artists in Cheyenne. We don’t have to charge a crazy commission number that other galleries would. Artists can have a professional space to show their work and sell it too.”
The ArtHaus is giving artists in the community an opportunity to make connections. Emerging artist, Anjel Garcia, is grateful. Anjel’s first showing was when he was a senior in high school, Anjel has Steve and the ArtHaus to thank for that.
“The ArtHaus has given me so many opportunities to showcase my work,” says Anjel. “I knew little to none about where to display my work, who I should connect with, and I wanted to see art thrive in Cheyenne.”
The ArtHaus is a place of education. Artists learn how to display their work and create a show that tells a story. “The ArtHaus enhances the professionalism of the art sector in Cheyenne,” says Steve. “Artists who have never displayed work or have only had a high school hallway as a makeshift gallery now get the opportunity to display their work in a quality setting.”
Donors like you, who care about the arts, make Cheyenne a better place. Now and into the future.
“I was given countless opportunities to sell my work, make connections, and display my pieces to a community that otherwise would not know who I am,” says Anjel.
“I am extremely grateful for Arts Cheyenne, Steve Knox, and the art community for working so hard to give young artists opportunities to build a career in art.”
WYCF staff Kathleen and her daughter toured ArtHaus at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.
An inside look at the gallery space. A Plein Air exhibit was on display last fall.
Visitors watching a rainbow stretch over the ArtHaus at Curt Gowdy State Park.
A mobile gallery like the ArtHaus makes art accessible to someone who might never have gone to a traditional gallery. “Public art creates vibrant communities. It keeps our town alive and beautiful,” says Steve.
The ArtHaus offers a spot anywhere the public can enjoy, thanks to your generosity.
“Through the arts, we’re also teaching people how to be problem-solvers, care about others, and tell stories through visual arts.”