Neltje’s Legacy Topic of Discussion at UW Art Museum Nov. 14

The life and legacy of famed artist Neltje is the topic of a free public program from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at the University of Wyoming Art Museum (UWAM).

The program centers on the UWAM's "Neltje: The Collector" exhibition and the artist's impact on the cultural landscape of Wyoming. Celebrated as an artist, philanthropist and collector, Neltje spent decades transforming a ranch outside Sheridan into an internationally renowned destination for arts and culture.

The 440-acre working ranch is home to the Jentel Artist Residency and UW's newly formed Neltje Center for Excellence and Creativity in the Arts. In addition to her own abstract expressionist-inspired works, Neltje was a prolific collector, traveling the globe and acquiring works of art from each place she visited.

UWAM's exhibition provides a glimpse into Neltje's home and life as a collector and curator by sharing eight vignettes of her personal collections and how she arranged them.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with a reception -- hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided -- followed by the program at 6 p.m.

UWAM curators will be joined by Beth Venn, Neltje Center director, and special guests Mary Jane Edwards, former director of the Jentel Artist Residency, and writer and ceramicist Elaine Henry.

A short reception will be followed by a moderated discussion with experts to learn more about the life and lasting legacy of Neltje.

For more information, call Will Bowling, UWAM public programs coordinator, at (307) 766-3496 or email [email protected].