Wyoming PBS is excited to announce the live streaming of the 42nd Annual Governor’s Arts Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to the arts in Wyoming. Tune in to the station’s YouTube channel at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 to view the ceremony held at the Little America in Cheyenne.
“This event showcases the remarkable talent that makes Wyoming’s art scene so special, and we are proud to share it with viewers from across the state and beyond,” says Joanna Kail, CEO at Wyoming PBS.
Established in 1982, this prestigious event honors individuals whose artistic endeavors have greatly enriched the cultural landscape of Wyoming. The Governor, First Lady, and other state leaders will be present to celebrate this year’s honorees, recognizing their dedication to the arts.
This year’s honorees are:
- Mike Kopriva, a talented painter from Powell, renowned for his western landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that capture the essence of the American West.
- Jane Lavino, Sugden Chief Curator of Education at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, recognized for her dedication to arts education and curatorial excellence.
- T. Allen Lawson, a celebrated landscape artist from Sheridan, known for his stunning depictions of Wyoming’s natural beauty.
- Sue and Albert Sommers, advocates for the arts from Pinedale, honored for their longstanding commitment to promoting and supporting the arts in Wyoming. Sue is a painter, book artist, and printmaker; Albert served in the Wyoming legislature 2012-2024. The Sommers family has been ranching in Wyoming since about 1900.
- Willie LeClair (Posthumous) was an Eastern Shoshone spiritual leader, teacher, and storyteller from Riverton, recognized for his profound impact on Native American culture and the arts.
The live stream will be recorded and available on the Wyoming PBS YouTube channel to view anytime.
Visit the Wyoming Arts Council website for more information about the Governor’s Arts Awards program.