The Casper Artists Guild is a non-profit educational
organization, that provides opportunities for its members and non-members to
develop, improve and exhibit their artistic skills. An active program of
workshops is taught by recognized professional artists from as far away as New
York. The gallery has several shows each year which include: local, national and
international exhibitions.
The guild membership is open to artists in
all media: watercolor, acrylic, oil, sculpture, ceramics, woodcarving, as well
as photography. Artists can sell their work with a percentage of proceeds shared
with the Gallery, which in turn apply the funds to support the Guild's shows and
workshops.
During the year 2000 the Guild is holding
thirteen shows, sixteen workshops - three or four of which are conducted by
artists of national prominence. Several of the shows are juried and judged which
attracts artists throughout the world. Between scheduled shows, members are
invited to exhibit their work so that art is on display and for sale at all
times of the year. Membership meetings are held once a month. A popular feature
of each meeting is the critique session. Members are encouraged to bring
examples of their work to the membership meetings for a constructive evaluation
by the group. As of the first of January 2000 the Guild membership totaled 107,
most of whom are residents of Wyoming, but with some out of state.
There is a life drawing group that meets
every Monday evening at seven p.m. Also, Sunday afternoons painters meet from 2
p.m. to 5 p.m. for an informal painting session. All are invited to join in!
The Guild provides meeting space at a nominal
fee to other non-profit civic groups in the city. Further, the Guild sets aside
the entire month of April for high school and junior high art classes to exhibit
their works. The Guild also provides, at no cost, art workshops at rest homes
and senior citizens centers; provides art on a loan for exhibits at public
buildings: and participates in the Annual Casper Downtown Art Festival held each
summer.
Visitors are encouraged to stop at the Casper
Artists Guild/West Wind Gallery to view and visit the Gift Shop. Many pieces of
original art, including cards etc. are offered for sale through the gallery.
