Two Laramie residents recently received Gov. Matt Mead’s 2015 Governor’s Arts Awards.

Cedric Reverand, now retired, was professor and Director of Cultural Programs at the University of Wyoming for almost 25 years.  He was recognized for bringing hundreds of famed artists to Wyoming and negotiating contracts to sell tickets at a price greatly reduced from what major venues would charge for the same acts.

“This could only happen if overseen by a selfless and patient arts leader such as Ric Reverand,” says Timothy Wilson, executive director of the Western Arts Alliance.  “His service was greatly appreciated by the small communities of Wyoming to which he donated his time, energy and passion for bringing the finest performing artists to the stages of Wyoming,”

Paul Taylor, a Wyoming Arts Council roster artist, is a musician and storyteller who has performed for roughly 140,000 people over the course of nearly 2,000 shows.  He has been endorsed by the arts councils of six U.S. states and engages in residencies at K-12 schools, teaching students traditional Aboriginal Australian dot painting among other styles.  Taylor also travels the U.S. extensively, performing for all ages in a blend of story, song, dance, and theatre.

Other recipients this year include Sarah Rogers of Sundance, Chris Navarro and Brian Scott Gamroth of Casper, and the Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation of Thermopolis.

The Governor’s Arts Awards program was established in 1982 to recognize artists, arts organizations, and patrons who have displayed excellence and outstanding service to the arts in Wyoming.

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