Governor Gordon Names Recipients of 2024 Governor’s Arts Awards
Governor Mark Gordon recently announced the recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Arts Awards, recognizing six individuals for their significant contributions to the arts in Wyoming, Oil City News reports.
These honorees will be celebrated during the 42nd Annual Governor’s Arts Awards Banquet, which will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne. The event will include a dinner and awards ceremony attended by Gov. Gordon, the First Lady, and other dignitaries.
The 2024 Governor’s Arts Award recipients are:
- Mike Kopriva (Powell) – A skilled painter known for his western landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that vividly depict the American West.
- Jane Lavino (Jackson) – The Sugden Chief Curator of Education at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, recognized for her commitment to arts education and curatorial work.
- Tim Allen Lawson (Sheridan) – A landscape artist celebrated for his breathtaking portrayals of Wyoming’s natural scenery.
- Sue and Albert Sommers (Pinedale) – Advocates for the arts, honored for their years of service and support. Sue is a painter, book artist, and printmaker, while Albert, a former Wyoming legislator, has been a steadfast supporter of the arts in the state. The Sommers family has a long history of ranching in Wyoming dating back to the early 1900s.
- Willie LeClair (Posthumous) (Riverton) – An Eastern Shoshone spiritual leader and storyteller, recognized for his significant influence on Native American culture and the arts.
“These honorees embody the rich cultural heritage of Wyoming and their work continues to inspire communities across the state,” said the Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources release.
The recipients were selected for their long-term dedication to the arts, their impact on the community, and their involvement in supporting artistic initiatives in Wyoming.
The selection process was highly competitive, with numerous nominations submitted to the Wyoming Arts Council in September. In November, the council’s board reviewed the nominations and forwarded their recommendations to Gov. Gordon for final approval.
Established in 1982, the Governor’s Arts Awards were made possible by an endowment from the Union Pacific Foundation in honor of Mrs. John U. Loomis, a lifelong patron of the arts. Over the years, individuals and organizations from more than 40 Wyoming communities have been recognized for their dedication to enhancing the arts in the state.
For more information or to reserve a seat at the awards ceremony, visit governorsartsawards.rsvpify.com.
