Ucross Foundation inviting public to Founder’s Day celebration

The Ucross Foundation is inviting the public to tour the artist residency campus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the studio spaces, meet artists and enjoy a picnic outside of the historic Big Red Ranch House. 

The inaugural Founder’s Day celebration is in recognition of the centennial anniversary of its late founder, Raymond Plank, Ucross will host its event for the public on Saturday, June 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Ucross President William Belcher told listeners that this is the first opportunity the public has had to see behind the curtain of Ucross’ operations and creative culture. 

According to the Ucross Foundation, Plank, born on May 29, 1922, grew up on his family farm in Minnesota. He entered Yale University in September 1940 but left just three months later, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserves. During World War II, he piloted B-24 bombers, completed 40 combat missions and earned numerous commendations. After the war, Plank went on to graduate from Yale; form an accounting and tax service; and  in 1981, Plank founded Ucross Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the residency program welcomed its first artists in 1983. 

During Ucross Founder’s Day, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the community will be able to visit the studios of composer Anahita Abbasi of San Diego, California; photographer and curator Keith Davis of Sheridan, Wyoming; and poet Adele Williams of Houston, Texas. Ucross will also open the doors to the Big Red Ranch House, built in the late 19th century. One of the oldest standing structures in Sheridan County, the Ranch House is included in the National Registry of Historic Places and now houses staff offices.

According to Ucross, Sheridan-based food truck Stoked will be onsite slinging wood-fired pizzas, or guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the lawn outside of the Ranch House.

At 1 p.m., attendees will gather outside of the Big Red Barn, which houses the Ucross Art Gallery, to honor Plank’s legacy and be the first to hear a major announcement about the organization’s future.

Parking is limited, and carpooling is encouraged. Tickets are free, open to all and available at ucross.org.