[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 76 (Thursday, May 2, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

   RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING ART 
                                 MUSEUM

 Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, I rise today to recognize and 
honor the 50th anniversary of the Art Museum at the University of 
Wyoming--UW--in Laramie, WY. This important cultural icon will 
celebrate the occasion during its annual fundraising gala on May 18, 
2024.
  The University of Wyoming Art Museum prides itself on connecting 
people from all walks of life to experience the power of the arts and 
cultural heritage. It possesses over 11,000 art objects in its 
permanent collection. Regional, national, and international exhibits 
and local activities are designed to engage visitors in thoughtful 
dialogues regarding our collective humanity.
  This well-esteemed museum had humble beginnings. In 1971, UW Art 
Department Chair James Boyle and Art History Professor James Forrest 
established the university's first museum dedicated to art. Both 
believed a university needed a tangible collection of all genres of 
art, media, and cultures in order to have a viable visual art program. 
Forrest became its first director.
  The small museum was housed in the lower level of the fine arts 
building. Its two exhibition spaces occupied what are now dance studios 
in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts. During this time, the 
museum focused on building its collections and conducting outreach 
around the State.
  In 1988, Director Charles Guerin recognized the need for a larger 
space to display UW's collections. He applied for--and received--a 
$400,000 Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, NEA. 
This grant was the largest ever awarded by the NEA at that time. A 
robust capital fundraising campaign followed. Supporters, donors, and 
artists raised an astonishing $7.5 million for the first phase of the 
new art museum facility.
  The University of Wyoming broke ground on the project in October 
1990. The 137,000-square-foot building took 3 years and cost $19 
million to complete. On September 10, 1993, then Wyoming Governor Mike 
Sullivan and UW president Terry Roark cut the ribbon to officially open 
the Centennial Complex. Today, it houses the art museum and the 
American Heritage Center.
  Internationally acclaimed architect Antoine Predock designed the 
iconic Laramie landmark. His inspiration for the cone-shaped building 
was an ``archival mountain,'' mirroring neighboring Medicine Bow Peak 
to the west and Pilot Knob to the east. The galleries of the art museum 
represent the rendezvous sites of the pre-settled West, where people 
gathered to trade, socialize, and exchange ideas.
  For 50 years, the UW Art Museum has placed art at the center of 
education. Its ``Museum as Classroom'' concept features innovative 
educational and public programs for all ages. The Ann Simpson Artmobile 
and the Touring Exhibition Service were created in 1982. These 
remarkable outreach programs share quality artwork with Wyoming 
communities that often have limited access to original art. The 
dedicated staff also create on-site programs for K-12 students, 
teenagers, and adults. These community-based activities enhance and 
expand our understanding of art, culture, and personal creativity.
  Private contributions--through donations, endowments, and fundraising 
campaigns--account for over 60 percent of the museum's operating 
budget. It also receives Federal grants and funding from the State of 
Wyoming. This generosity allows the museum to continue its important 
mission of sharing the transformative power of art through exhibiting, 
preserving, and interpreting visual culture from around the world.
  The success of the UW Art Museum comes from the dedication and hard 
work of its staff and many volunteers. Lead by director and chief 
curator Nicole Crawford, the museum employs 10 full-time staff:

       Nicole Crawford, Director and Chief Curator
       Debra Littlesun, Assistant Director
       Michelle Sunset, Curator
       Emily Conner, Master Teacher (pre-K through 12 program)
       Sarita Talusani Keller, Artmobile Educator
       Will Bowling, Education & Public Programs Manager
       Molly Marcusse, Collections Manager
       Sterling ``Stoney'' Smith, Chief Preparator
       Anthony Teneralli, Collections Preparator
       Jon Cabera, Marketing Coordinator

  The museum's national advisory board provides guidance and direction 
to ensure its longevity. My late wife Bobbi served on the board with 
great commitment for many years. Current board members are:

       President Lisa McElwee
       Vice President Melissa Lyon
       Secretary/Treasurer Susan Miller
       Past President Sue Sommers
       Student Representative Cierra Roberts
       Yancy Bonner
       Brenda Bland
       Anne Brande
       Nicole Choi
       Alyson Hagy
       Jody Levin
       Kelly Milam
       Katy Rinne
       Nancy Schiffer
       Sue Simpson-Gallagher
       Jay Schneiders
       Fred Von Ahrens
       Kathryn Boswell, Emeritus Member
       Mary Horton, Emeritus Member
       Felicia Resor, Emeritus Member

  On May 18, 2024, patrons and supporters of the UW Art Museum will 
gather for the annual UW Art Museum Gala: ``A Hat Ball.'' This year's 
gala mirrors the museum's special 50th anniversary exhibition, ``The 
New West: University of Wyoming Art Museum at Fifty.'' Open from July 
2023 to May 2024, the exhibit explores the role of the museum and its 
place in the American West.
  It is an honor to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the University of 
Wyoming's Art Museum. This wonderful place, which is Wyoming's only 
academic art museum, offers free general admission to more than 20,000 
visitors annually. It is a great place to visit, explore, and engage 
with the art on display. I send my best wishes to the UW Art Museum for 
a prosperous future.

                          ____________________