Several artists coming to town

There will be plenty of artists and art projects to check out in the coming weeks, in addition to the regular ArtStrolls and music jams, during the unofficial Community Arts Month.

October 12 and 13 will see South Dakota artist Dick Termes’ art residency. He will work with fifth and sixth grades and high school art classes, and do an activity at the October 14 Artstroll.

October 20 and 21 will be a two-day residency for Celtic duo Men of Worth They will work with a high school choir class, do an assembly for the elementary school, an assembly for the middle school and a short performance at the Pioneer Home in addition to a public performance October 20 and a house concert October 21.

On Oct. 27, Gillette artist Chris Amend will work with high school art students and will have an exhibit on display at Flying Eagle Gallery.

November 3 will see something of an artistic double header. Buffalo Bill Boycott will present his annual program to the fourth grade. This program focuses on the history of Wyoming, including the Native American culture and the signs that were used in communication. In the evening, there will be a free performance in the auditorium from the UW Ballet, of “Dracula: The Legend in Motion.”

Sue Blakey, the president of the Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation, explained the organization works hard in finding partners and grants that will allow them to bring high quality, well researched, enjoyable arts programs to the community at an affordable cost to the patrons. Such programs, she noted, can help expose people to other cultures and broaden their awareness of the world. Through these programs, she said, people learn about themselves, the world and the human condition.

According to a recent study, Wyoming citizens participate in all forms of art more than most states, and the National Endowment for the Arts has released information that shows this.

The Highlights of Arts Participation by State (2012-15) takes in measures such as performing arts attendance, art exhibit attendance, movie going, touring of buildings for historic or design value, literary reading, personal performance or creation and consuming arts through electronic media. Percentages are as follows:

Performing arts attendance: National Average — 32; Wyoming Average — 42.7.

Art exhibit attendance: National Average — 18.7; Wyoming Average — 26.1.

Movie going: National Average — 58; Wyoming Average — 66.6.

Touring of buildings: National Average — 27.4; Wyoming Average — 34.6.

Literary reading: National Average — 43; Wyoming Average — 55.9.

Personal performing/creation: National Average — 45.1; Wyoming Average — 58.7.

Consuming through electronic media: National Average — 61; Wyoming Average — 63.7.

The Thermopolis Independent Record will feature stories about the upcoming arts events as dates draw closer.