WLM | community
THERMOPOLIS
ARTSTROLL Local Art for Everyone
By Ellen Sue Blakey,
Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation
Images as noted
A
Courtesy Thermopolis Independent Record
rtStrolls, gallery walks and other special
events have blossomed across the state in the
last few years. One of the most successful
is in Thermopolis, a quaint rural community whose
biggest claim to fame is Hot Springs State Park,
Wyoming Dinosaur Center and the Big Horn Basin
Folk Festival.
Exposing kids as well as adults to art is one of the unique features
of the ArtStroll
“The Second Friday ArtStrolls started as an effort
to draw attention to our local artists,” says Toddi
Darlington, who heads up the ArtStroll effort. The
Strolls are held on the second Friday of each month,
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. “Most downtown businesses are
open, and they host one or more artists in each store.
Courtesy Thermopolis Independent Record
“We have many people who grew up in this
agricultural community learning older crafts and
skills from friends and family -- quilters, basket
makers, metal workers. We also have people
who have moved here, bringing other skills; plus
we’ve had artists from around the state who have
participated -- that makes for an eclectic mix of crafts
and fine arts,” Darlington explains.
The ArtStroll was the brainchild of the Hot Springs
Greater Learning Foundation, a local not-for-profit
organization dedicated to lifelong learning and
community support. The Smoking Waters Art Guild
-- a subcommittee of the Foundation -- is responsible
for organizing the activities.
Artists demonstrate their crafts and skills as part of participating
in the ArtStroll
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Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Winter & Holiday 2016
“The Strolls have created an awareness of the arts
in the community and for visitors,” says Darlington.
“It has helped create interest in our downtown
businesses, which has helped the local economy.