Big Horn County Arts Guild remains dormant

Members of the Big Horn County Arts Guild met last Tuesday, Sept. 1 in a failed attempt to rekindle the local group. Only three non-officer members attended. 

The Standard reported in February earlier this year that “After cancelling their fourth annual Winter Arts Gala in January, BHCAG announced that they would enter a sunset period until their Sept. 1 annual meeting due to declining participation and a need for redirection.”

Unfortunately, the recent meeting was not well attended. The location of the meeting was changed abruptly, and little notice was given to area residents and guild members. Social media comments included a request for another meeting to be held this fall and for the meeting to be available virtually. 

“We didn’t reach the participation needed to move forward,” said former BHCAG board member Bonnie Kowalczyk. “The Guild will enter dormant status for one calendar year. We’ll reassess on Sept. 14, 2027, to see if there’s renewed interest and fresh leadership ready to step up. If participation remains low, we’ll sunset the guild. This isn’t goodbye – it’s a pause.”

Current board members were released from their positions at the conclusion of last week’s meeting. Brianna Laird and Jacqui Thomas will remain available for questions and feedback and will monitor the guild email account, BHCAG.wyoming@gmail.com. 

At its height, the guild had 40 dues-paying members. At the start of this year, the group had 10, including board members. The guild was started in 2022 by a group of like-minded artists including Deanna Skillman, Robert Skillman, Rebecca Kinane, Lisa Kunkel, and Roxanne Harwood. 

BHCAG has been known for its high-class Winter Arts Gala and the Days of ’49 Quickdraw and Art Show amongst other community events. The group was also responsible for painting the Greybull mural on the wall of CC’s Pizza in Greybull. 

Board members noted in an earlier interview that economic factors have influenced artists’ ability to create, with the price of materials on the rise, as well as patrons’ ability to purchase artwork.

Kowalczyk said in a statement to community members, “We also want to ask you: What made our Guild events special? What do you love about other artists’ gatherings? What would bring you back? Take some time over the next year to reflect on what you want to see from the arts in the Big Horn Basin. When we reconvene in 2027, we want to return with fresh leadership, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to supporting the arts we love.” 

Those interested in submitting anonymous feedback are encouraged to complete the guild’s survey which can be found via the group’s Facebook page. The form is open to all current and former members as well as the general public. Letters can be sent to P.O. Box 17 in Greybull.

The statement went on to encourage participation in other local art events and groups; directing people to the Greybull and Basin Farmers Markets, the Sagebrush Artisans guild in Worland, and the Cody Arts Gallery and Creative Center. 

“We’re still here. The community is still here. And we’ll be back,” said Kowalczyk.

A request for comment on the guild’s finances was not responded to by press time.