Putting Arts to Work for Downtown
 

Large and small communities alike are saying the same thing:

Arts and culture are critical tools for revitalizing central business districts. Resources such as libraries, museums, parks, cultural centers and performing arts, strengthen human, economic, physical and social improvement.

What exactly do arts and cultural resources have to offer individuals and communities? These resources can foster understanding, build employment and life skills, rekindle pride and belief in a community. Arts and culture address the "basics" such as self-esteem and the power to influence one's surroundings. They can be used to alter the image of a physical area, and provide a common meeting ground. These programs stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and build job skills. And because the arts define our society and its diversity, they are central in binding and mending the social fabric of our communities - and thus a perfect match for local Main Street revitalization initiatives.

Arts and culture are being redefined, not as frills or luxuries, but as essential and useful agents for invigoration and restoring character to our downtown cores, and small towns. This new definition demands an active role by local community arts and cultural groups in the revitalization activities taking place in America's downtowns.

Downtown Sheridan is fortunate in that we have within walking distance of each other, the Library, the WYO Theatre, King's Museum, Centennial Theater, and several art galleries. We have many bronze sculptures on Grinnell Plaza and throughout downtown. There is also a student created mural on Carroll' s Furniture Warehouse at Brooks Street.

It is evident that the Arts play an important role in creating that special. sense of place within our Historic Down town

Public Art Committee

Initial Selections for Grinnell Plaza or Alternate Locations

In 1992 when a group of citizens interested in participating in the Downtown Master Plan met at a town meeting held at the Historic Sheridan Inn, it was suggested that Grinnell Street be the location of street fairs and public art. In 2001, the Grinnell Plaza project, which was funded with private donations, grant monies and City monies, made that dream a reality. The next step towards completing that dream was the addition of public art.

In 2001, then Mayor Jim Wilson formed a public arts committee with a specific mission to promote and select works of art for Grinnell Plaza and other areas of the City.

After City Council approval of written guidelines, the order of business for the the Public Arts Committee was to request proposals from artists nationwide. Forty-eight artists submitted sixty sculptures for consideration. After a careful reviewing process, the committee selected eight sculptures which would be appropriate for Grinnell Plaza and other areas in Sheridan. In addition to funding from the City of Sheridan's 1% optional sales tax, the Arts Committee continuously seeks funding from individuals or organizations to fund additional pieces. Sheridan now has 16 permanent pieces of art and continues to display pieces that are on loan.  All on loan pieces are available for purchase. For more information, contact Fachon Wilson at (307) 674-8027 or by email, rwilson@wyoming.com.

Permanent Collection

	Bozeman Scout By Barry Eisenach Arvada, Colorado 7' 6"
	Donated by  Kim Love Sheridan Media On display at Grinnell Plaza	Project completed June 2002 Part of the permanent collection

The first sculpture to be funded and donated to the City for permanent display on Grinnell Plaza is "The Bozeman Scout" by Barry Eisenach of Arvada, Colorado. This statue was funded by Kim Love and Sheridan Media. It was mounted on Grinnell Plaza in May of 2002 with official dedication during Bozeman Trail Days in June. 
 

	Great Minds Think Alike By T.D. Kelsey Pompeys Pillar, Montana 56-60"
	Donated by Legend Communications On display at Grinnell Plaza	project completed August 2002 Part of the Permanent collection

A second sculpture, "Great Minds Think Alike" by artist T.D. Kelsey has been donated by the owner of Buffalo radio stations, KBBS and KIX, Larry Patrick of Legend Communications headquartered in Ellicott City, Maryland. Placement took place in the summer of 2002.

Organizations and individuals are being encouraged to help fund sculptures for downtown and Grinnell Plaza. If you are interested, please contact rwilson@wyoming.com.

	The Tin Man By Sam Street & Darcy Taylor Sheridan, Wyoming 60"
	Donated by Sam Street On display at Grinnell Plaza	Project completion 2005 Part of the Permanent Collection

 

 

	Circle of Friends By K.E. Crain Littleton, Colorado
	Donated by  The Public Arts Committee and Sheridan Library Foundation On display at Sheridan Library	Project completed 2005 Part of the permanent collection

One of the more recent additions to our permanent collection is the "Circle of Friends."  K.E. Crain of Littleton, Colorado is the artist of this piece.  The bronze was donated by the Public Arts Committee and the Sheridan Library Foundation.  There was an official dedication for the piece in the summer of 2005 and it now resides at the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library.
 

Donated by Best Out West, Crazy Woman Trading, CSI Outdoors, Davis Gallery, Hailey & Emily Dillon, Garry & Paula Ellis, Linda & Willis Fauth, Paula Fauth, Matt & Jan Groshart, Tanner, Cody, Ethan & Alex Perkins, John & Robby Smith, Sam & Connie Street, The Trophy Case, Adam & Lisa Wagner, Paul & Emily Wagner, Wilcox Abstract Title	Midnight Snack By Mary Zimmerman Paonia, Colorado
	On display at Grinnell Plaza	Project completed 2004 Part of the permanent collection

"Midnight Snack" is another bronze piece that we have acquired as part of our permanent collection.  The artist is Mary Zimmerman who resides in Paonia, Colorado.  The piece was acquired in 2004 with the help of various donors.
 

	Summit CEOs By J.C. Dye Stanford, Montana 60"
	Donated by Sheridan Media On display at Grinnell Plaza	Project completed June 2003 Part of the permanent collection

 

	Perfect on Petra By Ross Matteson Olympia, Washington 67" x 20" x 18"
	Donated By The artist in honor of the Yentzer Family, Eyas Foundation, Roger & Fachon Wilson, Dan & Jeanne Konkel, Ken Sterner On display at Grinnell Plaza	Project Completed 2002 Part of the permanent collection

 

	Sandhill Crane By Bunny Connell Sheridan, Wyoming 48"
	Donated by Sheridan Public Arts Committee Golf Tournament 2004 On display at Sheridan Senior Center	Project completed June 2003 Part of the permanent collection

 

Donated By Madeline Albrecht & Willa Albrecht; Shawn Ellen Beasley; Carolyne, Jack, Payton & Olivia Chase; Abigail, Joel & Julienne Meredith; Tori & Nick Gill; Riley & Brenna Hauf; LEK Ranch; Little Goose Ranch; Otto Felix Nedwick; Sage See; Dean & Penny States; Paul Wagner & Emily Wagner; Andrew & Ryan Wilson On display at Kendrick Park	Turtle for Tots By Mary Zimmerman Paonia, Colorado 3'x3'
		Project completion 2005 Part of the permanent collection

 

	Flower Dancing in the Wind By Jerry McKellar
	Donated By  Sheridan Public Arts Committee Golf Tournament 2005 On display at Grinnell Plaza	Project completion September 2005 Part of the permanent collection

 

	Catbird Seat By Bill Noland
	Donated By  Bruce &  Dana Burns On display on Main St.	Project completion 2005 Part of the permanent collection

 

	The Great Escape By Jerold Smiley 30" x  56" x 30" (not including base) $9,000
	Donated by Dixie See & Bill Rawlings on display on Main Street	Project completion 2007

 

	J.D. Loucks By Jerold Smiley 6'
	Donated By Marsha Powers, Jerold Smiley, Margery Loucks Masters, Marcia Masters Powers, Alden & Jack Loucks, Ann Beth & Nancy Garbutt On display at Grinnell Plaza	Project completion 2005 Part of the permanent collection

 

	Rocky Mountain Tag By Bill Noland 36"
	Donated By Paula & Gary Ellis On display on Main St.	Project completion 2006 Part of the permanent collection

 

	Bird Woman By R.V Greeves 5' 6"
	Donated By Kim, Alex and Betsy Love On display at Grinnell Plaza	Project completion 2006 Part of the permanent collection

 

	Bella and the Bug By Louise Peterson 24"
	Donated By Sheridan Public Arts Committee Golf Tournament 2006 On display at BHJ corner (Main and Works)	Project completion 2006 Part of the permanent collection

 

	Wilbur, the Pig By Mary Zimmerman 30"
	Donated By  Library Foundation On display inside Sheridan Library	Project completion 2006 Part of the permanent collection

 

	Big Handy By Jerry Palen 16" (not including base)
	Donated by  Sheridan Public Arts Committee Golf Tournament 2007 On display on Gould Street	Project completion Part of the permanent collection

 

	The Orphans By Dellores B. Shelledy 30" (not including base)
	Donated by Sheridan Public Arts Committee Golf Tournament 2007 On display at Grinnell Plaza	Project completion Part of the permanent collection

 

	The Boss By Dellores B. Shelledy 5' $25,000
	Donated by Public Arts Committee On display on Main Street	Project completion 2007 Part of the permanent collection

 

	Sonrise By Bill Noland 60" $14,000
	Donated for Pheasants Forever On display at Grinnell Plaza	Project completion 2007 Part of the permanent collection

 

	Whoa! What's This? By Mary Zimmerman 48"
	Purchased by Sheridan College On display at Sheridan College	Project completion 2007

 

	Team Ropin' By Mike Flanagan 36" & 18" (not including bases)
	Purchased by Whitney Benefits On display at Whitney Commons	Project completion 2007

 

On Loan Collection

	The American Farmer By Sondra L. Johnson 36" (not including base) $16,000
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	One Who Welcomes Friends By John Kuchera 5' 6" (not including base) $19,000
	On display at Grinnell Plaza	Project completion On Loan

 

	Saturn and Titan By Joe Burleigh 36"  x 52" x 36" $ 3,600
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Duster By Bobbie Carlyle 32" & 12" (not Including base) $6,300
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Freedom By Brenda Daniher 18" x 24" x18" (not including base) $9,375
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Mountain Majesty By Robert Deurloo 42" x36" x 12" (not including base) $9,500
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Puddle Jumper By Susan Geissler 22 x 35" x 20" (not including base) $10,500
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Wyoming Spring By Chon Love 24" x 6"  (not including base) $6,200
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Coming Home: Sacajawea at the Headwaters of the Missouri By Mary Michael 46" x 52" x 39" (not including base) $ 38,000
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Self-Made Man By Bobbie Carlyle 48" x 20" (not including base) $16,500
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Nosey By Bill Noland 15" x 28" x 13.5"  (not including base) $ 4,000
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Workhorse By Malen Pierson 2' x 5' x 6' $ 5,400
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Penguins Waiting for Mama By Dollores Shelledy 2'3" x 3'8" x 2'4"  $15,500
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Billy By Malen Pierson 3' x 2.5' x 1' (not including base) $1,200
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	The Careful Cougar By Dollores Shelledy 8' x 3' x 3' $33,500
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	The Great Escape By Jerold Smiley 30" x  56" x 30" (not including base) $9,000
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Brandy By Mary Zimmerman 18" x 27" x 24"  (not including base) $5,000
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Escape By Bunny Hanley 20" x 19" x 5' (not including base) $4,900
	On display on Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Electric Slide and Twist and Shout By Pokey Park $14,000 each
	On display on Mandel and Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Driving Force By Roane $35,000
	On display at Burkitt and Main Street	Project completion On Loan

 

	Once Upon a Time By James Haire $22,000
	On display at Main Street at The Book Shop	Project completion On Loan

More Public Art on Display at
Sheridan County Library

	Coming Through the Rye 24" (not including base)
		Donated by William C. Fordyce

 

	The Story Teller By Rv Greeves 36" (not including bases)
		Donated by Various individuals

 

 

There are many additional pieces of artwork on display at the
Sheridan County Library (click!)
For additional arts around Sheridan, WY click on the following links:
Bradford Brinton Memorial (click!)
   Jentel Arts (click!)
             Public Arts (click!)  (click!)
Ucross Foundation (click!)

For more information contact rwilson@wyoming.com

To learn more about Grinnell Plaza, click here