Ever wonder how the Cheyenne Artists Guild got started?

Cheyenne Artists Guild

In case your new to the guild, we thought you might like to know some interesting facts about how the Cheyenne Artists Guild began!!!  

• In 1949 a group of artists decided to turn their passion into something more. The original Art Center was located at 112 East 8th Avenue 

• On May 19, 1949, 13 people signed Cheyenne Artist's Guild Constitution their names were: 

                President: Mary Ellen Seribrer
               Vice-President: Christine Lowery
               Secretary: Mildred Breitweiser
               Treasurer: Charles Letsche
               All those who joined in 1949 are considered "Charter Members"
                       Hilma S Deleplaine
                       Eileen Mackley
                       Janet Rider
                       Barbara King
                       Gladys Spatz
                       Jayne Letsche
                       Alycemae Kastle
                       Margaret Brown
                       Dorothy Feildman
                       Helen Helzer
                       M.J. Andrew
                       Earnestine Dunlap
                       Mary Scheicher
                       Grace Bancroft
                       Frederick Hutchinson Porter

• November 9, 1954 : First Cheyenne Art Center Dedicated to: "Further the efforts and studies of its members, to sponsor exhibits, and to promote interest in art in this locality" 
• 1962 : Created Kruz-Andrews Scholarship honoring two early Guild Presidents 
• June 1966 : Guild sponsored Cheyenne's first Artist-Craftsman Exhibit in Dairy Gold Building Capitol City's only free public Art Gallery until 1970 Frederick H (Bunk) Porter : Director of interior renovation of the Carriage House 
• Restoration was performed by members American National Bank & the community donated 

             Bricks
             Ceiling tile
             French Doors (3 pairs)
             Fluorescent Lighting
             Cash
             The haymow Area
             Ladder was replaced by stairs
             Re-floored
             Wired for electricity
              Insulated

•  Fire Escape (Steps on side of building) was added later as a gift from Cheyenne Insurers Association whom also paid to have the roof painted. Stalls were temporarily left in place and used as art supply storage and sale areas 
• 1969 : Seven-State Regional Art Show started which was later renamed: 'National Show' 2012 marks the 42nd year for this event. 
• 1970 : mortgage was paid off as a result of 'dedication and fundraising efforts'. Guild organized and staffed the first 'Fine Arts Division' of the County Fair
• May 10, 1979 : Application for design as a National Register of Historic Places was approved and presented