Little Buds, Teresa Arens
Little Buds, Teresa Arens

Acrylic on canvas

“It’s never too late to try something new.”

Sunrise, Bill Higgins
Sunrise, Bill Higgins

Acrylic on paper

“Sunrise...that time of day when hope begins its journey across the sky whether for oneself, family, friends, neighbors or complete strangers. A moment of encouragement and optimism...and of course...coffee.”

Count Your Blessings, Svetlana Howe
Count Your Blessings, Svetlana Howe

Watercolor, 2021

“In times where everything appears to be completely hopeless, we can confidently stand in the security that God is not finished working. We can seek His face for guidance and encouragement, we can wait in the presence of the Lord, and we can expect the unexpected blessing and works of God. So, seek His heart and never lose the lifeline of hope.” C. Logan

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

CCD Pollination, Drew Yerkovich
CCD Pollination, Drew Yerkovich

Linoleum block print, 2020

“This artwork intends to communicate the dynamic relationship between colonies of bees and how they achieve the pollination process. Specifically, it investigates the Colony Collapse Disorder of Bees. I want viewers to connect with this work to understand the process of how nature works in unity and continuity. As humans, we disconnect ourselves frequently from nature when in all reality we are one with their existence as they provide for us in numerous ways. I want my neighbors to reflect on the daily beauty and essential aspects earth provides us on a day-to-day basis from the tiniest of insects to the grandest of trees.”

Mandala #20, Michael McGee
Mandala #20, Michael McGee

Paper collage, 2017

“Mandalas help to clam and focus us. During this pandemic, I’ve submitted a mandala to help soothe us.”

Travelin' Joe, Jimmy Devine
Travelin' Joe, Jimmy Devine

Watercolor, 2016

“It’s always impressive to see a cowboy or cowgirl riding on their horse. I tried to focus on that with this piece. In doing this piece, Travelin’ Joe, I wanted the background to be a foil for the cowboy riding his horse. I concentrated on the positive space and let the negative space melt into the background of the work.”

Sun's Return, Erin Abraham
Sun's Return, Erin Abraham

Mixed fibers, driftwood, glass beads, 2021

“The past year has felt like a constant impending disaster, from the pandemic to the fires to various other related things. When I tried to visualize what it felt like to imagine the sense of impending doom leaving, my first thought was of the sun peeking through the clouds after a storm.”

Gowdy, Sarah Conrad
Gowdy, Sarah Conrad

Color linocut, 2020

“Mountain biking on the trails of Curt Gowdy State Park is a favorite summer activity for many area residents and visitors. Ancient granite and ponderosa pines combine into an expansive playground.”

Feather & Mudcracks, Erin Stoesz
Feather & Mudcracks, Erin Stoesz

Unaltered digital photograph, 2010

“Neighbors, let’s celebrate our beautiful home by preserving water and protecting our wildlife! This photo was taken along the shores of a dry alkaline lake in the Laramie Valley. The image is pristine and completely unaltered to encourage all of us to tread lightly on our wild spaces.”

Springtime Reflections, Linda Lillegraven
Springtime Reflections, Linda Lillegraven

Oil on linen, 2006

“The Little Laramie Valley is a gem, with open vistas and riverside groves, changing with every season. I have painted many depictions of it over the years. This is in May, when the grass is greening up, and many roads are flooded from snow melt.”

Landscape 2, Sadie Clarendon
Landscape 2, Sadie Clarendon

Hand-foraged earth pigments, handmade paper, 2020

“I found many of these earth pigments during the early part of quarantine; taking long walks away from humans and reconnecting with the land I inhabited. Making the earth into paint and eventually into art was literally a grounding activity for me during this time. I hope to remind my neighbors to do similar activities.”

Sunlight in the Cloudy Day, Svetlana Howe
Sunlight in the Cloudy Day, Svetlana Howe

Watercolor, 2020

“Too often we allow the wounds of this world to settle in our hearts and dictate the way we live our lives. Live today openly and honestly before God and man. Open up your life to those in darkness that they might see the light of God’s glorious grace. And live as the light of the world, illuminating the path to God’s heart for all those around you”. G. Denison

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”.

Train, RoseMarie London
Train, RoseMarie London

Archival pigment print, 2013

“The U.P. platted Laramie City in April 1868 and within a week about 400 lots were sold. That figure was inflated to more than 1,000 by The Frontier Index, the newspaper printed by U.P. at each “end of tracks” town it reached. Of Laramie City, the publication’s headlines trumpeted, “The HalfWay Town Between Salt Lake and Omaha! Everybody Buying Lots!”

Excerpted from Albany County, Wyoming by Marguerite Herman Published: November 8, 2014, WyoHistory.org

Here to Stay, Jeny Stoesz
Here to Stay, Jeny Stoesz

Hand-dyed silk, wool crepe, silk chenile, 2021

“This 100% silk weaving celebrates the human network of Albany County. The multi-colored threads represent people with varied backgrounds, heritage, experiences weave together. Yarn scraps are tied — as are people, across generation, lifestyles, geographic locations, and identities. Rather than passing through the high plains on the highways, railroads, rivers, trails — we share a common effort to stay HERE despite challenges of weather and location, thus creating a beautiful fabric of community.”

Red Canyon Wild, Sarah Conrad
Red Canyon Wild, Sarah Conrad

Color linocut, 2020

“The image of this wild brookie, inspired by a photograph taken by former Laramie resident Mike Kusiek, highlights the beauty of catch-and-release fishing so popular in Wyoming’s streams and rivers.”

Trouble in the Street, Ginnie Madsen
Trouble in the Street, Ginnie Madsen

Oil on canvas, 2007

“There are many nice things about living in Laramie and Albany County: the landscape, the cultural and educational opportunities and the support of neighbors. That support literally includes the neighbors who are there taking care of infrastructure when we need them most. I enjoyed the colors and textures of this scene and knowing I did not have to be working out there that day.”

Salad Days, Michael McGee
Salad Days, Michael McGee

Paper collage, 2020

“We all like salads, so I created a tossed salad look with lots of greens!”

Pair of Pears, Teresa Arens
Pair of Pears, Teresa Arens

Acrylic on canvas, 2018

“It’s never too late to try something new.”

Flower Power, Bill Higgins
Flower Power, Bill Higgins

Acrylic on paper, 2020

“Flower Power...it could be an attractive garden, or a few potted plants, even a colorful bouquet on the front porch...either way, neighbors always seem to take the time to stop, chat and admire...the gift of nature inspires all who take the time.”

Shabona Falls, Lee Lane
Shabona Falls, Lee Lane

Oil on board, 2020

“Nature’s beauty is all around us. Nature is calling us back after our long period of isolation. It replenishes our souls.”

Landscape 1, Sadie Clarendon
Landscape 1, Sadie Clarendon

Hand-foraged earth pigments, handmade paper

“I found many of these earth pigments during the early part of quarantine; taking long walks away from humans and reconnecting with the land I inhabited. Making the earth into paint and eventually into art was literally a grounding activity for me during this time. I hope to remind my neighbors to do similar activities.”

Winter Range, Jonathan Madsen
Winter Range, Jonathan Madsen

Oil on canvas, 2018

“The landscape near Jelm has had a pull on me — beautiful folding hills which articulate light, collect snow and foliage differently and shelter wildlife. Many of us living here even if we don’t talk to or know each other, share connections through these kinds of places.”

Daybreak, Bill Higgins
Daybreak, Bill Higgins

Acrylic on paper, 2021

“Daybreak...that moment in time for anticipation and purpose...’hello’ to the neighbors out for an early walk with the dog, the jogger at first light, the one on their way to work, Mr. Smith watering his garden (or shoveling snow), grandma with her second cup of green tea in the front yard, etc.”

Stryup, Tiffany Whitby
Stryup, Tiffany Whitby

Charcoal

Still Life, Teresa Arens
Still Life, Teresa Arens

Acrylic on canvas, 2018

“It is never too late to try something new.”

Gift of Joy, Svetlana Howe
Gift of Joy, Svetlana Howe

Watercolor, 2019

“I think one of the hardest things to do in life is to live with joy in the midst of trials and challenges. It’s so easy to let life dictate to us our emotions and state of being. But in God, there is a joy available to us right where we are, no matter how good or bad the situation may be” G. Denison

Windswept Clouds, Linda Lillegraven
Windswept Clouds, Linda Lillegraven

Oil on linen, 2018

“This scene is off of Herrick Lane. The lenticular clouds, their sleek form visible in the clear evening air, speak of strong winds aloft over the Laramie Range.”

Work Site, Ginnie Madsen
Work Site, Ginnie Madsen

Oil on canvas, 2015

“In Albany County, neighbors can be considered next door or across the street. They are the people we share gardening suggestions with or potlucks but they are also people we may hardly know who are members of the community working around us. As an artist, I have enjoyed observing these neighbors and painting their working situations.”

Leopard Gecko, Kevin Rossi
Leopard Gecko, Kevin Rossi

Watercolor, 2020

“We have all been holding on through this incredibly tough year and angry at each other for the past four or five, but here’s to better days ahead!”

Diagon Alley, Sarah Conrad
Diagon Alley, Sarah Conrad

Color linocut, 2021

“The nearby trails at Happy Jack are one of the best things about living in Laramie. Whether on skis, bikes, or feet. I’ve passed many happy hours in the woods and the quiet. My favorite days are those cold winter days with lots of snow and little wind when I effortlessly glide along the trails.”

Lost in the Sauce, Tiffany Whitby
Lost in the Sauce, Tiffany Whitby

Oil and charcoal

Shampoo, Michael McGee
Shampoo, Michael McGee

Paper collage, 2019

“I want to brighten your day with a colorful design made from shampoo ads in magazines.”