Exhibition pairs local artists, NIC collection

"Next Generation," an exhibition opening Jan. 23, highlights the artwork of three diverse contemporary Wyoming artists and uses the Nicolaysen Art Museum's Permanent Collection as a dynamic repository of inspiration and ideas, according to a release.

Portrait and landscape painter Tom Loepp, of Casper, landscape painter Jenny Glenn Wuerker, of Buffalo, and ceramicist Mike Olson, of Casper, have explored the thousands of artworks in the NIC's permanent collection from their own artistic and aesthetic viewpoints. "Next Generation" combines the unique artworks from these three artists alongside their choices from the Permanent Collection that both inspires and compliments their original artistic process.

"Next Generation" closes March 29.

For more information, call (307) 235-5247 or visit www.thenic.org.

Glenrock officer represents Wyo in global run

Michael Kavenius, an officer with the Glenrock Police Department, has been selected by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wyoming to represent the state in the Final Leg for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, according to a release.

The Flame of Hope for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games was lit in Athens, Greece, in November 2008, formally launching the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run. In keeping with Olympic tradition, the torch was lit by the sun's rays (through a reflecting cauldron) before embarking on a three-month journey around the world to Idaho, the site of the World Games.

From Nov. 12, 2008 to Jan. 24, 2009, the Flame of Hope will have traveled to 10 cities across five continents, honoring the spirit of the Special Olympics global movement and delivering a message of hope to communities where people with intellectual disabilities continue to fight for acceptance and a chance to excel without barriers.

The flame will travel more than 37,000 miles before arriving in Idaho, where it will be used to ignite the cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Winter Games on Feb. 7, 2009.

The 2009 Final Leg will begin in northern Idaho and cover scores of cities, towns and communities. It will include all of the Host Town Program communities on the way to Opening Ceremonies at the Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho on February 7, 2009.