CASPER, Wyo. — Gov. Mark Gordon recently announced the recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Arts Award.
The news comes courtesy of a release from Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources.
According to the release, the six recipients of the award will be recognized for their contributions to the arts in Wyoming at the 42nd Annual Governor’s Arts Awards Banquet. They will be honored by Gov. Gordon, the First Lady and others during a dinner and awards ceremony happening at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
This year’s recipients are:
- Mike Kopriva, a talented painter from Powell, renowned for his western landscapes, still lifes and portraits that capture the essence of the American West.
- Jane Lavino, Sugden chief curator of education at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, recognized for her dedication to arts education and curatorial excellence.
- Tim Allen Lawson, a celebrated landscape artist from Sheridan, known for his stunning depictions of Wyoming’s natural beauty.
- Sue and Albert Sommers, advocates for the arts from Pinedale, honored for their longstanding commitment to promoting and supporting the arts in Wyoming. Sue is a painter, book artist and printmaker; Albert served in the Wyoming legislature from 2012 to 2024. The Sommers family has been ranching in Wyoming since about 1900.
- Willie LeClair (posthumous), an Eastern Shoshone spiritual leader, teacher and storyteller from Riverton, recognized for his profound impact on Native American culture and the arts.
“These honorees exemplify the rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit of Wyoming, and their work continues to inspire communities across the state,” the release states. “Winners are selected based on their substantial contributions that exemplify a long-term commitment to the arts through their outstanding impact, breadth of support, dedication to artistic excellence, and involvement in special initiatives supporting the arts.”
The release noted that there were several nominations for this year’s awards, which resulted in a very competitive selection process. Nominations were submitted to the Wyoming Arts Council in September and were reviewed in November by the Wyoming Arts Council Board. Following that, the board’s recommendations were submitted to Gov. Gordon for final selection.
The Governor’s Arts Awards were first established in 1982 and were first made possible due to an endowment from the Union Pacific Foundation in the honor of Mrs. John U. Loomis, who, the released stated, was a lifelong patron of the arts.
“Over the years, individuals and organizations from more than 40 Wyoming communities and statewide organizations have been honored for their dedication to the arts in Wyoming,” the release states.
For more information or to reserve space at the awards ceremony, visit governorsartsawards.rsvpify.com.
