The Wyoming Arts Council is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Fellowships in Visual Arts, Creative Writing, and Performing Arts.

Visual Arts Fellowship recipients are: Diana Baumbach of Laramie, Shawn Bush of Casper, and Rachel Hawkinson of Casper. Honorable mentions were awarded to Barrie Bryant of Kirby, Carli Holcomb of Casper, and Mona Monroe of Alta.

Creative Writing Fellowship recipients are: Betsy Bernfeld of Wilson in Poetry, Susan Marsh of Jackson in Fiction, and Shreve Stockton of Ten Sleep in Creative Nonfiction. An honorable mention was given to Kate Northrop of Laramie in the poetry category.

Performing Arts Fellowship recipients in Music are: Aaron Davis of Jackson and Abby Webster of Wilson. An honorable mention was awarded to Andrew Wheelock of Laramie.

Performing Arts Fellowship recipients in Theatre and Dance are: Anne Mason of Laramie and Luke Dakota Zender of Jackson. Honorable mentions were awarded to Patrick Konesko of Laramie and Gina Patterson of Jackson. 

Fellowships are merit based awards to selected Wyoming artists based on their submitted portfolio of work that reflects serious and exceptional artistic investigation. Recipients each receive a $3,000 award and the opportunity to share their work with the community through support from the Wyoming Arts Council.

Submissions are juried anonymously by jurors from outside the state with extensive backgrounds in each artistic area. The jurors for this year’s Fellowships were Iwan Bagus and Nicole Herden for Visual Arts, Mesha Maren, Marie Mutsuki Mockett, and Kathryn Savage for Creative Writing, and Tara McGovern and Claro de los Reyes for Performing Arts.

For more information on this program and details on each recipient please visit www.wyomingartscouncil.org or contact Taylor Craig at 307-274-6673 or taylor.craig@wyo.gov. 

Photo caption:  The 2021 Wyoming Arts Council Fellowship Recipients. Top row L-R Shreve Stockton, Abby Webster, Aaron Davis (photo by Brad Christensen), Middle row L-R Anne Mason, Shawn Bush, Diana Baumbach (photo by June Glasson), Bottom row L-R  Betsy Bernfeld, Luke Dakota Zender, Rachel Hawkinson, Susan Marsh.

Action item: Read Peggy McIntosh's White Privilege: The Invisible Knapsack.
Where to read it: via this link
Time needed to read it: 15-20 minutes. 
What It's About: Peggy McIntosh gives a personal account explaining how we are often blind in the ways we are privileged in comparison to others. 

Discussion questions:

• Were any of the privileges listed surprising to you?
• How was privilege taught to you growing up?
  
• Which of the "daily effects of white privilege" stick out to you? Why?
  
• How can white people lessen the impact of our privilege? 
  
• Does this essay make you feel encouraged or discouraged? Why?

Action Item: Watch 13th: An Original Netflix Documentary. 
Where to watch it: On Netflix, or streaming free on YouTube.
Length: 100 minutes
What It's About: Filmmaker Ava DuVernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation's prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans.

Discussion questions:

• What was your initial response to this film?
• Have you ever been directly affected by any of the issues presented in the film? If not, do you know anyone who has?
• What are your thoughts on the film’s argument that people have been subconsciously conditioned to fear black men at the behest of the media?
• How knowledgeable are you on the concept of social privilege? Do you ever reflect upon the systematic privileges you may or may not experience because of privilege?
• Prior to seeing the film, were you aware of the corporate interest group ALEC? After having seen the film, how do you feel about ALEC?
• The film argues that there is a direct link between American slavery and the modern American prison system. What is your take on this argument?
• Do you see yourself making any personal changes in your life after having watched 13th? If so, what kinds of changes?

How These Black Playwrights Are Challenging American Theater
Jackie Sibblies Drury, Jeremy O. Harris, Antoinette Nwandu and Jordan E. Cooper, on influences, gatekeepers and helping “the young black theater nerd find work that looks like them.”


Black Lives Matter: U.S. Theatres Stand With the Movement for Racial Justice
Dozens of theatres express their solidarity in the grief and anger over anti-Black violence, offer resources, and commit to more equitable paths.

“Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man”  - A new series by ex-NFL player Emmanuel Acho
The audience is specifically for White people. There are now two conversations:
#1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8jUA7JBkF4
#2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwiY4i8xWIc

Movies, Documentaries & TV to Watch:

• 13th - Netflix (and streaming free on YouTube)
• Whose Streets? - Hulu
• I Am Not Your Negro - Amazon Prime
• The African Americans: Many Rivers To Cross - Amazon Prime
• LA 92 - Netflix
• What Happened, Miss Simone? - Netflix
• Strong Island - Netflix
• The Loving Story - HBO
• Teach Us All - Netflix
• King In The Wilderness - HBO
• The Hate U Give - Amazon Prime
• Mudbound - Netflix
• The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson - Netflix
• Sorry To Bother You - Hulu
• If Beale Street Could Talk - Hulu
• Becoming - Netflix
• Homecoming - Netflix
• Just Mercy - Amazon Prime
• Black Stories Presents: Your Attention Please - Hulu
• Moonlight - Netflix
• Black America Since MLK: And I Still Rise - Amazon Prime
• The Black Godfather - Netflix
• When They See Us - Netflix
• American Son - Netflix
• See You Yesterday - Netflix
• Selma
• Green Book
• Dear White People - Netflix
• Hidden Figures
• Do The Right Thing
• Time: The Kalief Browder Story - Netflix
• Crime + Punishment - YouTube
• The Black Power Mixtape - Amazon Prime

Books To Read:

• Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Y. Davis 
• The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander 
• How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi
• Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
• Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
• Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
• I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
• White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
• The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
• Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X Kendi and Jason Reynolds
• Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Renni Eddo-Lodge
• So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
• White Tears/Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad
• Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
• This Is My America by Kim Johnson
• Pet by Awaeke Emezi
• Well-Read Black Girl by Glory Edim
• Killing The Black Body by Dorothy Roberts
• Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
• White Rage by Carol Anderson
• Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper
• Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez
• The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
• How We Fight For Our Lives by Saeed Jones
• Read more books about race

Podcasts to Listen To:

• 1619 - NY Times
• About Race
• Seeing White
• Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast
• Code Switch
• The Diversity Gap
• Intersectionality Matters!
• Pod for the Cause
• Pod Save the People
• The Combahee River Collective Statement
• Still Processing
• The Lack of Attention for Violence Against Black Trans People - Nala Simone Toussaint and Ash Stephens on The Takeaway (2020)
• Higher Learning

Places to Donate:

• Reclaim The Block (MN-Based)
• Black Visions Collective (MN-Based)
• Equal Justice Initiative (AL-Based)
• The Audre Lorde Project (NY-Based)
• The Okra Project
• George Floyd Memorial Fund
• Minnesota Freedom Fund
• Unicorn Riot
• Run With Maud
• Justice for Breonna
• National Bail Out
• Campaign Zero
• The Innocent Project
• Ask employers if they will match recurring donations long term. 
• More places to donate 

Other Educational Resources:

• [Graphic] I Want To Be An Ally But I Don’t Know What To Do: A Resource Guide - Giselle Buchanan (2020)
• [Graphic] 10 Steps To Non-Optical Allyship - Mireille Charper (2020)
• [Short Reading] What Is White Supremacy? - Elizabeth Betita Martínez  (1998)
• [Short Reading]  White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack - Peggy McIntosh (1989)
• [Article] The Myth of Police Reform - Ta-Nehisi Coates (2015)
• [Episode] John Oliver on Police Reform (2020) 
• [Zine] Building A Police-Free Future: FAQ - MPD150 (2020)

Black Owned Businesses to Support:

• Shop for anti-racist literature at black-owned bookstores
• Google doc of black-owned businesses, organized by city

Engage in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, community:

• Template For Holding Your Employer Accountable For Racial Justice - Whitney Evans (2020)
• How To Talk To Your Family About Racism - Jen Winston (2020)
• Join your chapter of Showing Up For Racial Injustice

Organizations to Follow:

• @colorofchange
• @theconsciouskid
• @naacp
• @showingupforracialjustice
• @fams2gether
• @unitedwedream
• @mpowerchange
• @civilrightshostage
• @eji_org
• @sistersong_woc

Conversation With Yourself:

• Evaluate what your long term commitments to this work are. Build your vocabulary to address racism. “If they do this, I will do this.”

Theatre Resources:

• Follow @projectamiright

• https://www.weseeyouwat.com/?fbclid=IwAR3Ym_y8-8GFdSROblV4toN2SXBFNE8Iw7t9qZ9YfGK_h0ITFcMD0HGBRYM
• Broadway is Racist
• https://www.queerty.com/gay-black-writers-just-won-pulitzer-prizes-drama-poetry-20200505?fbclid=IwAR0bPv_T0e5lVYF7pby4k1vbRjn875NEOyXQerTHK3lyMrChy-p7pgnqxVE

How a local Laramie theatre company and specialty shop collaborated to create a unique experience for their customers during Covid-19. 

Back in March, like many business owners, Anne Mason, the founding Artistic Director of Relative Theatrics, a Laramie based theatre company, was faced with closing the doors of her theatre, canceling upcoming live performances and postponing her annual fundraising event. Despite taking a big financial hit from these cancellations, Anne quickly organized a virtual programming series to continue to engage her subscribers during these isolated times. 

What started as a cancellation of her annual fundraising event (that was to be held at Chalk N’ Cheese) turned into a collaboration with a local business to combine wine, cheese, and virtual theatre. Pairings @ Chalk N’ Cheese is a specialty shop in Laramie, WY that features cheese, foods, and wines from around the globe.

“We had initially planned a Season Announcement Fundraising Event at Chalk N' Cheese on April 30th. When that was canceled, Misty (the owner) and I brainstormed ways that we could still support one another and create something for our customers that was both new and familiar at the same time,” Anne explained, “I had been exploring the mechanics of virtual programming for our theatrical presentations - a way to enjoy the theatre inside the home. What better way to enhance that experience than by throwing delicious wine and cheese into the mix?” 
 
Misty Hester, the owner of Chalk N’ Cheese commented on how the collaboration with Relative Theatrics has supported her business during Covid, “It has been a great opportunity to reach a new customer. But, more importantly, it has given the audience a feeling of experience; not just watching. Anne Mason and I have discussed each reading and worked together in finding the right wine and cheese to fit.”
 
Anne remarked, “Through the partnership, Relative Theatrics and Chalk N' Cheese are able to curate a unique entertainment experience that gives our community something to look forward to every week.” 
 
One example of their weekly pairings comes from the April 17th premiere of TWO DEGREES: “On Friday, April 17th we offer you Blanc de Bleu, Cuvee Mousseax to enjoy during our reading of TWO DEGREES by Tira Palmquist. While this sparkling wine may be thought to be reserved for a prestigious celebration, we believe that in today's world we should celebrate everyday. The winemakers dazzle the imagination with Blanc de Bleu's seductive flavors and beautiful shade of blue; reminding us of the colors found within glaciers. This effervescent wine contains a dry, crisp finish and a hint of blueberry, perfect to pair with Delice Mon Sire Brie from France and/or Parrano Gouda from Holland. Delice Mon Sire - a triple cream cheese that is soft, yet bold - is enriched with creme fraiche adding a luscious creaminess. The Parrano, a semi-soft aged gouda, delivers a caramel/scotch-like flavor that melts in your mouth.”
 
Relative Theatrics has observed increased social media engagement from the wine, cheese, and theatre pairings. “It's so much fun to see people sharing pictures of their glasses of wine and cheese boards in front of their televisions or computers with the live stream playing. The virtual programming from Relative Theatrics has allowed us to expand our reach to every corner of the state, and beyond. People are no longer restricted by geographical limits. We are reconnecting with past patrons who have moved away from Laramie. We're also building a new virtual network of viewers that will hopefully entice folks to visit Laramie for a play and glass of wine once we're on the other side of this pandemic!” stated Anne.

Pairings @ Chalk N’ Cheese has also seen increased revenue from the weekly pairings with the virtual readings. “Maybe 25% to 30% of the sales on the day of the event. Fluctuates with each reading.” Misty added, “The customers know that I am giving 10% of the sales to Relative Theatrics and they are very supportive! It's pretty cool. But, even more so, we are seeing these customers return, buying more and wanting to know more about what we offer.”
 
Anne Mason believes the partnership between businesses is important. 
“We are in such uncertain times. Everyone is concerned about where their next paycheck will safely come from and how we will collectively survive these trying times. I strongly believe that the best way to ease the economic and psychological stress is to support our fellow community members. What is possible if we approach these circumstantial obstacles with a spirit of creative collaboration rather than caustic competition?”

Misty has been ‘Pairing with other Businesses’ for the past 2 years. “We have had desserts and wine with Big Hollow Co-op, International Cabernet Franc Night tasting with Sweet Melissa's, International Merlot Night tasting with WyoColo Restaurant, a tasting with a specific winery and their representative in house to talk about their wines, etc. Customers enjoy the flavors and experience!”

The silver-lining through this has helped both Relative Theatrics and Pairings @ Chalk N’ Cheese with long-term business strategies. 
“I love the idea of continuing this partnership once we are all able to gather in person again. An evening at Chalk N' Cheese before heading to the theatre sounds like a wonderful night out to me,” stated Anne, “In the meantime, we will do our best to facilitate a wonderful night in!”

Misty responded, “We are already trying to come up with ideas to keep the momentum going and always looking for ideas to keep our customers engaged. It's about the experience and learning along the way.”

Relative Theatrics will be wrapping up their 7th Season this month with the 6th Annual PLAYWRIGHTS VOICED FESTIVAL: Featuring New Plays, May 20-23, 2020 virtually through a YouTube Live Stream. The series features 4 nights of new plays by developing playwrights. 

“For both Chalk N' Cheese and Relative Theatrics, the wine and cheese pairing with each virtual play reading is an excellent way to introduce our patrons to new stories, new flavors, new experiences.”