2026 Wyoming Governor's Capitol Art Exhibit

The Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition (GCAE) is a biennial juried exhibit that celebrates the work of Wyoming artists. The exhibition was established in 2000 under an initiative by Governor Geringer and is organized by the Wyoming State Museum and the Wyoming Arts Council.

This year, GCAE will be featured as part of Wyoming's tribute to America's 250th anniversary. Artists are encouraged to submit entries that celebrate Wyoming’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant communities, and the people who call our great state home.

This exhibition is the primary avenue for the state museum to acquire contemporary Wyoming art for its Capitol and permanent collections. The art for the Capitol collection is selected by the State’s five elected officials and representatives from other state agencies and the museum’s curators select purchase awards for the Museum’s permanent art collection. All other artwork in the exhibition is available for sale to the general public.
 

The Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibition (GCAE) is a biennial juried exhibit that celebrates the work of Wyoming artists. The exhibition was established in 2000 under an initiative by Governor Geringer and is organized by the Wyoming State Museum and the Wyoming Arts Council.

This year, GCAE will be featured as part of Wyoming's tribute to America's 250th anniversary. Artists are encouraged to submit entries that celebrate Wyoming’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant communities, and the people who call our great state home.

This exhibition is the primary avenue for the state museum to acquire contemporary Wyoming art for its Capitol and permanent collections. The art for the Capitol collection is selected by the State’s five elected officials and representatives from other state agencies, while the museum’s curators select purchase awards for the Museum’s permanent art collection. All other artwork in the exhibition is available for sale to the general public. 

The exhibit is open to artists currently working and living in Wyoming. There is no fee to enter. Questions may be directed to Nathan Doerr, Capitol Curator, nathan.doerr1@wyo.gov, (307) 823-2935.

The juried exhibition will be on display from February 9 through August 8 at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne. This year’s juror is Kate Hlavin from Denver, Colorado.

ABOUT THE JUROR

Kate has served as Curator of the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale in Denver since 2023. Her extensive experience in western art includes a tenure at Hindman Auctions, which she joined in 2017 as Director of Business Development, Western Region, at the Denver location, becoming a department director in 2020. Under her leadership, the Western Art sales in Denver established many sales records.

Prior to her time at Hindman, Kate dedicated seven years to working with galleries in Jackson Hole, Scottsdale, and Denver. Most recently, she was the Gallery Director at Visions West Contemporary in Denver and Jackson Hole, and before that, she was the Director of American & Western Paintings at Altamira Fine Art in Jackson Hole.

Currently, Kate is a respected advisor to the Jackson Hole Art Auction and actively contributes to several prominent museum boards and committees. Her commitments include The National Advisory Board for the Couse-Sharp Historic Site in Taos, New Mexico; the Board of Directors for The Arthur Mitchell Museum in Trinidad, Colorado; the Community Advisory & Engagement Council for the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming; and serving as an Ambassador to Museum Friends at the Denver Art Museum in Denver, Colorado. She is also a member of the Denver Art Museum Westerners group.

AWARDS

Governor’s Choice Award

Juror’s Choice Award

People’s Choice Recognition

Purchase Awards

LIABILITY

The Wyoming State Museum will exercise professional care in handling all entries, but cannot assume liability for loss or damage, however caused, while works are in transit. Accepted entries will be insured while in the museums care for 60% of the sale price indicated on the entry form. It is suggested that artists insure their work while in transit. 

NOTIFICATION

Following juried review; all artists will be notified concerning their status by November 19, 2025. Acceptance in this exhibition automatically permits images (fully credited) to be used in all forms of promotion and publicity. 

SALES

The museum will collect a commission on the sales price provided by the artist, rather than adding the commission on top of the price. Please price work accordingly

The Wyoming State Museum encourages the sale of exhibited work and will collect a 40% commission from all work sold during the exhibition. Commissions allow the Wyoming State Museum to fund acquisitions for the museum’s permanent art collection. 
 

SHIPPING

Artists will pay for shipping to and from the Wyoming State Museum, or will arrange for hand delivery. A reusable shipping carton must be used and return shipping fee or arrangements must be enclosed. Unsold works will not be shipped if proper postage is not included with original submission.

MEDIA RESTRICTIONS

Wet paintings, works needing special hooks, and any work considered unsafe will not be accepted. No special handling or special installations. 

Application Requirements 

Artists may submit up to three works for consideration and may include up to two images for each work. Do not submit artist statements or any additional material.

Eligibility

Artists must be Wyoming residents in order to be included. Artists listing a permanent address outside of the state will not be considered for the show. 

DATES TO REMEMBER

Call for Entry Opens: 09/03/2025

Entry Deadline: 10/18/2025

Juror selection of pieces: 10/21 - 11/07/2025

Notification of accepted work mailed out: 11/21/2025

Accepted artwork due at the Wyoming State Museum: 01/09/2026

Exhibit Opens: 02/09/2026

Reception: February, date to be finalized

Exhibit Closes: 08/08/2026

Deadline to pick up unsold artwork: 08/31/26
 

WHO MAY APPLY

All Wyoming visual artists working and living in the state are invited to enter. 

RULES OF ENTRY

There is no entry fee. Artists may submit up to three works for juried review. Images are assumed to be accurate representations of actual works. The Wyoming State Museum has the right to reject any accepted work not accurately represented by the image submitted or not deemed ready for display. All accepted works must remain for the duration of the exhibit.

Works may be either two- or three-dimensional, must be original, and completed within the last three years. Works selected for previous Governor’s Capitol Art Exhibitions will not be considered for inclusion. Works may not exceed 50 lbs. Due to the display venue, restrictions apply to organic, toxic, or hazardous materials.

2D works must be ready to hang on a picture rail system with D-rings installed. Work that requires a cleat or any special mounting hardware may not be exhibited. 2D work may not exceed 120” in length or 54” in height.

3D work must be stable and ready for display. Works requiring complicated installation or assembly may not be exhibited. Pedestal dependent work may not exceed 30” in any dimension. Floor dependent work may not exceed 30” in width or length or 96” in height. Floor dependent work will not be cased and must be safe and stable if touched by the public. Wall dependent sculpture will not be accepted. Fragile 3D media (ceramic, glass, etc.) may be secured to pedestals using museum wax. Electrical outlets are not available. 
 

Artists must be Wyoming residents in order to be included. Artists listing a permanent address outside of the state will not be considered for the show.