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Ucross Announces Auction as Part of 40th Gala Celebration
On September 8, Ucross announced a slate of unique artist residency and Wyoming experiences that will be presented during its 40th Anniversary Gala on Wednesday, September 27.
The live auction will offer a weekend for two at Ucross in a beloved artist studio; dinner for 10 guests at Ucross; a sourdough workshop led by Ucross Chef Jackie Vitale in the winning bidder’s kitchen; a private leather-carving and tooling workshop with Ucross alumnus Jim Jackson, courtesy of The Brinton Museum; a private tour of the Wyoming State Capitol with Governor Mark Gordon; a trip to the Sundance Film Festival, guided by Ucross; and a Wyoming Whiskey bottle, signed by three Wyoming Governors. In addition, there will be a paddle raise to support the Ucross mission.
“Our auction will provide some exciting opportunities to connect with the artists’ experience at Ucross, as well as the state of Wyoming,” said Ucross President William Belcher. “All funds raised during the auction will support future residencies for artists, thoughtful stewardship of our 20,000-acre ranch and community programming. We hope you attend and raise your paddles to support the next 40 years of Ucross.”
The 40th Anniversary Gala will begin in the Ucross Art Gallery, carry through to the newly constructed Koehler Performing Arts Center and Lauren Anderson Dance Studio and continue outside to a patio overlooking the Bighorn Mountains and a heated tent.
The evening will include a dinner with seasonal ingredients; performances by Ucross alumni Sarah Sample of Sheridan and Kate Schutt of New York City; and a special curator’s viewing of the current exhibition, “The Shape of Time: 16 Photographers and Their Creative Paths.”
The gala will culminate in an awards ceremony honoring Governor Mark Gordon and First Lady Jennie Gordon with the Outstanding Patrons of the Arts Award for their generosity and commitment to the arts in Wyoming. The Gordons will be welcomed to the stage by best-selling author Craig Johnson, a longtime Ucross neighbor. Founding Trustee and longtime Chairman Jim Nelson will also be honored with the Raymond Plank Award for Visionary Leadership for his vision and unwavering support for Ucross.
Since its residency program began in 1983, Ucross has developed into one of the most respected artist communities in the nation. More than 2,600 visual artists, writers, choreographers and composers have been to Ucross, benefiting from its uninterrupted time and studio space, as well as the experience of the majestic High Plains. Distinguished fellows include Annie Proulx, Colson Whitehead, Terry Tempest Williams, Billy Porter, Elizabeth Gilbert, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Ann Patchett, Sigrid Nunez, Ricky Ian Gordon, Bill Morrison, Theaster Gates, Joy Harjo, Anthony Hernandez and Tayari Jones.
Tickets, tables, and details for the Ucross 40th Anniversary Gala are available at ucross.org.
