Funding the arts

The Platte Valley Arts Council (PVAC) recently received two grants from two organizations which will go towards the installation of public art in the Valley.

One of those grants comes from another Valley organization, Bridge Street Bargains. The other comes from the Wyoming Community Foundation.

The announcement of both grants came in press releases on March 15 from Stacy Crimmins, project coordinator for the PVAC.

The Wyoming Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization which works with donors to support the charitable causes they care most about. In 2020, the Wyoming Community Foundation granted $7.7 million to charitable causes across the state.

“Last year, we were able to commission and install two beautiful new murals in the Valley,” said Crimmins. “This new funding will help ensure the PVAC will be able to commission six local artists and install six new murals or sculptures this fall.”

The plan to install six murals this year is just the latest in murals added by the arts council. Last year, a mural composed of bottle caps gathered by the Encampment Preschool was erected in Encampment. Also last year, a mural was commissioned and placed at Khe Sahn West Park, next to Lollypop’s in Saratoga.

Crimmins said the projects have been incredibly positive.

“Families will have more opportunities to explore public art in their communities without worrying about money or time constraints,” Crimmins said.

Since its formation in 1993, the PVAC has worked to bring arts, cultural events and programs to the communities of Saratoga, Encampment and Riverside. The arts council believes the Public Art Project will help promote a sense of community pride and increase the quality of life for the community as well as encouraging awareness in the arts.

With a poverty rate two percent higher than the state, the PVAC believes the project is also important as it can allow children and adults with socio-economic needs to participate. Rather than the pieces being in private locations, they will be public all throughout the year.

To learn more about the Platte Valley Arts Council or to donate, visit their Facebook page or contact Stacy Crimmins by calling 307-326-7150 or emailing [email protected].