CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 1, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council is now accepting applications for the Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant and the Arts Access Project Grant. 

Beginning in May 2026, both grants will be offered through three application cycles throughout the year. Applicants should apply during the cycle that best aligns with their project timeline or set project start date.

Application cycles are as follows:

• Round one: May 1 through June 1, 2026, for projects beginning between July and September 2026
• Round two: Aug. 1 through Sept. 1, 2026, for projects beginning between October 2026 and February 2027
• Round three: Jan. 1 through Feb. 1, 2027, for projects beginning between March and June 2027

“Together, these two grants reflect a vision for Wyoming’s artistic ecosystem, one that invests in both artistic development and access,” said Kimberly Mittelstadt, creative arts specialist for the Wyoming Arts Council. “By empowering artists to grow professionally while expanding opportunities for community engagement, the Wyoming Arts Council is strengthening not only the arts sector, but also the social and cultural fabric of the state as a whole.”

The Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant provides funding to Wyoming artists and organizations to build skills, expand capacity, and increase long-term impact in the creative sector.

The Arts Access Project Grant is available to organizations for arts project funding designed to increase access to the arts for communities with limited access through comprehensive and collaborative community engagement.

Applications are available through the Wyoming Arts Council’s online grant system at wyomingartscouncil.org under the Grants tab. A complete list of eligibility requirements and guidelines is also available on the website.

Arts Council staff are available to answer questions and encourage applicants to reach out prior to applying.

For questions about application content or eligible projects, contact Kimberly Mittelstadt, creative arts specialist, at (307) 274-6673 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For general questions, contact Cashmere Balland, grants and administration manager, at (307) 214-7819 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figure 1: Casey Rislov, Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant recipient, hosting a literary reading and actor performance of one of her books to a school in Cheyenne.

Contact: Kimberly Mittelstadt, (307) 274-6673; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. – April 29, 2026 – The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and Wyoming State Trails Program, both part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, are preparing to welcome attendees to the second-annual Mountain West Trails Conference, taking place May 19–20, 2026, at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs.

Bringing together trail professionals, advocates, and outdoor recreation leaders from across the region, the conference offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and experience Wyoming’s trail systems firsthand.

Early bird registration is available for $199 per person through May 11. Registration will remain open after that date, with pricing increasing to $225.

Day 1 is centered on hands-on workshops and field tours across the Rock Springs area, while Day 2 features keynote, general, and breakout sessions covering trail planning, stewardship, accessibility, and partnerships.

A highlight of the conference is its lineup of immersive field experiences. Attendees can explore Wyoming’s landscapes and trail systems through opportunities such as:

• Red Desert Old West History Tour & Honeycombs Hike
• OHV Tour of the Red Desert: A Historical and Scenic Adventure
• Hidden Waters of Flaming Gorge: A Lucerne Valley Boat Experience
• Adaptive, beginner, and intermediate mountain bike rides
• Trail signage and restoration projects
• Guided hikes and partner-led experiences

These field tours provide hands-on learning and real-world application, connecting participants directly to the work shaping trail systems across the Mountain West.

Important Registration Reminder

Conference registration does not automatically reserve a spot in field tours or workshops. Attendees must log back into the registration system to select and secure their sessions. Space is limited and expected to fill.

In addition to conference programming, the public is invited to attend a free film screening presented in partnership with the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, Wyoming State Trails Program, and Wyoming PBS. The screening will take place on Wednesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. at Western Wyoming Community College’s Western Theatre in Rock Springs.

The event will feature the film “Headwinds: Bikepacking the Red Desert,” which highlights the unique landscape and trail opportunities of the very region hosting this year’s conference, along with an extended trailer of the forthcoming film “A Life Outside.” The screening is free and open to the public, offering an engaging look at outdoor exploration and the landscapes that define the Mountain West.

To explore the full schedule, field tour options, sponsorship opportunities, and speaker lineup—and to register—visit mountainwesttrailsconference.com. 

The Mountain West Trails Conference brings together participants from Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and advance trail systems across the region. The event highlights the role of trails in supporting recreation, tourism, health, and community connection throughout the Mountain West.

Figure 1: Mountain West Trails Conference Graphic. 

Attached: Mountain West Trails Conference 2026 logo, A Life Outside poster, and Headwinds poster. 

Contact: Mark Tesoro, (307) 679-2507; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. – April 28, 2026 – The Wyoming State Trails Program’s Advisory Council will meet in Thermopolis on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person, watch virtually, or listen in by phone. 

The meeting details are as follows: 

Meeting Location: Hot Springs Hotel, 115 E. Park St,  Thermopolis, WY 82443. 

Video call link: meet.google.com/bft-brmu-ude 

Or dial:  ‪(US) +1 234-805-1090‬ PIN: ‪504 288 107‬# 

Agenda items include RTP Updates, the OHV Partnership, a presentation on a new Non-Motorized Grant opportunity, and updates from the State Trails Program and the Office of Outdoor Recreation.

The Wyoming State Trails Advisory Council is a ten-member recreational trail advisory committee appointed by the Governor to advise the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources regarding trail policies, functions, and priorities. 

If you have questions about the meeting, please call (307) 777-7446. You can also learn more about the Wyoming State Trails Program and Advisory Council by visiting wyoparks.wyo.gov. 

Contact: Naomi Lopez, (307) 777-7446; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

LARAMIE, Wyo. – April 28, 2026 – In anticipation of Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month (WAAM), held each September, the 2026 WAAM poster and new Wyoming Archaeology merchandise are now available through the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). 

Each year, the centerpiece of WAAM programming is an award-winning poster and accompanying brochure, produced annually and free and available to the public. The 2026 poster celebrates the long and complex relationship between people and horses, as reflected in Wyoming’s archaeological record, as part of our Nation’s Semiquincentennial celebrations. The featured artwork was created specifically for the poster by well-known, award-winning Wyoming native Robert Martinez of Riverton. 

Dr. William Taylor of the University of Colorado Boulder, and a noted expert on horses in the archaeological record, states, “As we celebrate our nation’s 250-year anniversary in the American West, it’s hard to imagine a more powerful and enduring symbol of our culture and history than horses.” 

The poster is available free of charge and may be picked up at the State Historic Preservation Office or Wyoming State Museum, Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne, or at the University of Wyoming Anthropology Building in Laramie (12th and Lewis, Room 312). To request a poster by mail, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details. 

In addition to the release of the 2026 WAAM poster and brochure, new Wyoming Archaeology merchandise is now available for purchase through the WAAM Wear website. Artwork featured on t-shirts, sun shirts, and hats was created by Cheyenne artist Howard Clayton and reflects a well-known archaeological discovery in Wyoming’s Green River valley –  a young horse that was intentionally buried. Research conducted at this site dates the horse to several decades prior to the arrival of Europeans in Wyoming, suggesting horses arrived in Wyoming much earlier than researchers previously thought.  Proceeds from WAAM Wear support the development of WAAM activities, such as printing posters and brochures. 

Several state agencies have also collaborated to create a temporary museum exhibit celebrating the archaeology and history of horses in Wyoming. The Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, the University of Wyoming’s Archaeological Repository, and the Wyoming State Museum developed the temporary exhibit “Hoofbeats as Heartbeats.” The exhibit features a variety of artifacts highlighting the role of horses in both Indigenous and European immigrant cultures in Wyoming. From the evolution of objects like saddles and parfleche bags to depictions in Wyoming’s rock art, the horse has played a central role in Wyoming over the last 400 years. The exhibit is on display in the lobby at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne for one year. 

For more information about the Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month program, contact Gwendolyn Kristy, chief of SHPO's Planning & Historic Contexts Development Program, at (307) 766-5366 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or wyoshpo.wyo.gov. 

For more information about the temporary museum exhibit, contact Elisabeth DeGrenier, supervisor of exhibits and programs at the Wyoming State Museum at (307) 275-4018 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Figure 1: 2026 Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month Poster featuring artwork “Hoofbeats as Heartbeats” by Wyoming artist Robert Martinez. Figure 2: Photograph of temporary museum exhibit at the entrance to the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

Contact: Gwendolyn Kristy, (307) 766-5366;This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 27, 2026 – The Wyoming State Archives is pleased to host John Shields for a public presentation on May 14, 2026, at 7 p.m. Shields will discuss three pillars of local history: F.E. Warren, the "Lights in Cheyenne," and the Cheyenne Club.

This event is part of the Archives' monthly Speaker Series held on the second Thursday of each month. Attendees can participate in person at the Wyoming State Museum Classroom or virtually via Eventbrite. A Q&A session will follow the talk.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees may participate in person or virtually. Both formats will include a live Q&A session following the presentation.

• Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• In-Person Location: Wyoming State Museum Classroom, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY.
• Virtual Attendance: Registration is required for the online livestream via Eventbrite at: eventbrite.com/o/wyoming-state-archives-49902991693.

About the Wyoming State Archives

The Wyoming State Archives collects, manages, and preserves public records and non-government materials that document the state’s history and the activities of its government. The Speaker Series is held on the second Thursday of each month. For a complete calendar of events, visit wyoarchives.wyo.gov.

The Wyoming State Archives is fully accessible in accordance with ADA guidelines. For special assistance requests, please contact Sara Davis.

Contact: Sara Davis, (307) 777-7826; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 24, 2026 – The Wyoming Monuments and Markers Program preserves and interprets significant historic places, people, and events through a statewide system of monuments and roadside markers. The program highlights Wyoming’s diverse heritage, from Indigenous history and historic trails to community development and notable individuals, helping residents and visitors connect with the stories that shaped the state’s landscape.

A major focus of the program today is expanding public access through digital tools. The recently refreshed interactive Monuments and Markers Map modernizes how users explore Wyoming history by providing updated locations and improved usability. The map revamp strengthens heritage tourism, educational outreach, and public engagement, allowing users to discover historic sites across Wyoming anytime, anywhere. View the interactive map at Bit.ly/WyoMM. 

The program operates through collaboration with key partners, including Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, both part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, and the Wyoming Department of Transportation, the Wyoming Office of Tourism, local governments, tribal nations, historical societies, tourism organizations, and community volunteers. These partnerships support research, installation, and long-term stewardship of monuments and markers while ensuring historical interpretation remains accurate, accessible, and representative of Wyoming’s shared history.

Learn more about the Monuments and Markers program or other Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources programs and initiatives at wyospcr.wyo.gov. 

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Figure 1: Custer Expedition Monument in Sundance, Wyoming. Figure 2: Sheep Mountain near Greybull, Wyoming. Figure 3: Art Gallery of Time in Sweetwater County, Wyoming.

Contact: Savannah Daniels, (307) 777-6314; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 23, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council, in partnership with the Piatigorsky Foundation, announces the Spring 2026 statewide tour featuring mezzo-soprano Katherine Calcamuggio Donner and pianist Gabriel Evens. From May 2–7, the duo will present a series of free public concerts and school outreach programs in communities across Wyoming.

The Piatigorsky Foundation is dedicated to making live classical music accessible to all, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Since its founding in 1990, the foundation has brought music to more than 3,700 communities nationwide, engaging seniors, students, and general audiences. This tour is made possible by the generous support of the Muriel & Seymour Thickman Family Charitable Trust in Sheridan.

This spring tour offers residents across Wyoming an opportunity to experience live classical music in their own communities. Performances will take place in community spaces and schools, reinforcing the Wyoming Arts Council’s commitment to statewide access and community engagement.

“What’s meaningful about this tour is the opportunity to experience live classical music in a setting that feels familiar,” said Amara Fehring, community development and arts learning specialist with the Wyoming Arts Council. “The Piatigorsky Tour brings high-level performances directly into places like schools, senior centers, libraries, and museums, making classical music more accessible and ensuring that cultural experiences aren’t limited to major cities.”

Spring 2026 Piatigorsky Tour Schedule

Unless noted as a school show, performances are free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 2, 5 p.m.
Douglas Baptist Church, Douglas
135 Pearson Road

Sunday, May 3, 2 p.m.
Laramie County Public Library, Cheyenne
2200 Pioneer Ave.

Monday, May 4 — School show only
Trail Elementary School, Torrington

Tuesday, May 5, 6:30 p.m.
Congregational Church, Lusk
120 E. Fifth St.

Wednesday, May 6 — School shows only
Boal Auditorium, Upton
Rural Homeschoolers Association, Newcastle

Thursday, May 7 — School show only
Moorcroft Secondary School, Moorcroft

About the Artists

Katherine Calcamuggio Donner, mezzo-soprano, is an award-winning performer known for her powerful voice and compelling stage presence. She has appeared in opera productions, recitals, and symphonic works throughout the country, earning praise for her expressive interpretation and technical skill.

Gabriel Evens, pianist and composer, brings rich musicality and improvisational flair to classical performance. In addition to his work as a collaborative pianist, he has performed as a jazz artist and composer across the United States and internationally.

For more information about the Piatigorsky Tour in Wyoming, contact Amara Fehring, community development and arts learning specialist, at (307) 630-3918 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additional information is available at wyomingartscouncil.org.

Figure 1: Mezzo-soprano Katherine Calcamuggio Donner and pianist Gabriel Evens will tour Wyoming this May through a Wyoming Arts Council partnership with the Piatigorsky Foundation.

Contact: Amara Fehring, (307) 630-3918, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 21, 2026 – The Wyoming Arts Council will hold a panel review meeting for Community upport Grant applications on Monday, May 4. Applicants and members of the public are invited to listen to the panel’s review and discussion.

The review of applications requesting operating support, project support, and arts learning funding will begin at 9:30 a.m. The public may listen by calling (240) 903-4221 and entering PIN 668 582 782#. All callers will be muted for the duration of the meeting and will not be able to comment.

During the meeting, panelists will discuss trends across applications, including strengths and weaknesses by section, such as community impact, evaluation, and project or operational support. 

“We encourage applicants to listen to the panel discussion as a form of professional development in grant writing,” said Cashmere Balland, grants and administration manager for the Wyoming Arts Council. “Even if you have listened in years past, you can always learn something new from the feedback provided.”

The Wyoming Arts Council board will review panel recommendations during its quarterly meeting in Lusk on May 18–19. The board meeting is the only opportunity for applicants to provide public comment. Additional information, including call-in details and public comment times, will be available at wyomingartscouncil.org under the “News” tab as the meeting date approaches.

For more information, contact Amara Fehring, community development and arts learning specialist with the Wyoming Arts Council, at (307) 630-3918 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Figure 1: Participants observe a demonstration of traditional sinew sewing techniques during a hands-on workshop at By Western Hands in Cody.

Contact: Amara Fehring, (307) 630-3918; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – April 20, 2026 – The Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund (ORTTF) board will meet on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MDT) and Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MDT) at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, located at 601 Pic Pike Rd, Saratoga, WY 82331.  

The ORTTF will support outdoor recreation infrastructure projects across Wyoming through funds generated from the statewide lodging tax.

The nine-member board was appointed by Governor Mark Gordon and confirmed by the Wyoming Senate. Its members reflect a broad spectrum of outdoor recreation perspectives, interests, and experiences statewide.

The board will oversee the ORTTF and award competitive grants from the fund for outdoor recreation infrastructure projects across the state. The board accepted applications from February 25 through April 11 for the inaugural funding round. During this meeting, the board will review submitted applications to determine which projects warrant additional evaluation through site visits, with final grant awards to be determined at the board’s July meeting.

Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings. An online attendance option will be available for virtual attendees; however, the ORTTF board will benefit from your in-person attendance.  A designated time will be provided for public comment. 

To join the meeting virtually, register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PDOjb9nyTOWkM4bYAlxL6g 

For more information about the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, please visit wyorec.com. 

Contacts: 

Mark Tesoro, (307) 679-2507; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Brynn Hirschman, (307) 701-5011; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.