CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Dec. 10, 2025 – Gov. Mark Gordon has announced the recipients of the 2025 Governor's Arts Awards. Three individuals and one community organization will be honored for their contributions to the arts in Wyoming during the 43rd annual Governor’s Arts Awards banquet, where they will be recognized by the Governor, First Lady, and other state leaders.
The 2025 Governor’s Arts Awards honorees are:
- Community Fine Arts Center (Rock Springs) – A cornerstone cultural institution in Rock Springs, celebrated for bringing high-quality visual and performing arts to Sweetwater County through exhibitions, education, and community outreach.
- Rebecca “Becky” Larsen (Lander) – A dedicated theater director honored for more than two decades of leading the Story Hour Players, a volunteer troupe that brings live performances to more than 2,000 Fremont County students each year.
- Ernie Marsh (Lovell) – A master traditional silversmith recognized for his exceptional craftsmanship and for mentoring the next generation of makers. He is also a 2025 NEA National Heritage Fellowship recipient.
- Susan Miller (Sheridan) – An arts advocate celebrated for her longstanding leadership, philanthropy, and support of arts organizations across the state. Her work has strengthened Wyoming’s cultural landscape and elevated The Brinton Museum’s national visibility.
These honorees reflect the rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit of Wyoming. Their work continues to inspire and connect communities across the state.
They will be honored at a dinner and awards ceremony at Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.
The Wyoming Governor’s Arts Awards were established in 1982. Winners are selected based on their substantial contributions and long-term commitment to the arts, including impact, breadth of support, dedication to artistic excellence and involvement in initiatives that support the arts.
There were many nominations submitted for this year’s awards, and the selection process was competitive. Nominations were submitted to the Wyoming Arts Council in August, then reviewed in October by the Wyoming Arts Council Board. The board’s recommendations were submitted to the Governor for final selection.
The Governor’s Arts Awards were first made possible by an endowment from the Union Pacific Foundation in honor of Mrs. John U. Loomis, a lifelong patron of the arts. Since then, individuals and organizations from more than 50 Wyoming communities and statewide organizations have been honored for their dedication to the arts in Wyoming.
For reservations to the dinner and awards ceremony, or for more information on this event, visit 2026governorsartsawards.
Figure 1: Governor Mark Gordon speaks at the 2024 Governor’s Arts Awards ceremony, held in Cheyenne in February 2025. Photo by BHP Imaging.
Contact: Mandy Connelley, (307) 214-2701; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.