WAA ORGANIZATION HISTORY

A record of seven decades.

1938 — The New Deal Lays the Foundation

The federal government's Public Works of Art projects establish art galleries in ten Wyoming towns, administered through the University of Wyoming. Individual artist groups form around these galleries — the earliest roots of what will become the WAA.

1940 — A First Gathering

One of those groups calls itself the Wyoming Artists' Association and holds a convention on Casper Mountain in May. World War II interrupts everything shortly after. Both the PWA projects and the early association go dormant.

1954–1955 — Reformation and the First Official Convention

Artists gathering at the Conner Hotel Exhibition in Laramie in 1954 elect an executive secretary who organizes a travel show, sends newsletters, and rallies Wyoming artists around a shared event. In May 1955, the first official Wyoming Artists' Association Convention is held in Rock Springs — enthusiastically attended by artists from across the state. Officers are elected, a constitution is adopted, and a newsletter editor is named. The convention has been held every May since.

1956 — The University of Wyoming Traveling Exhibit

James Hartley of UW's Adult Education Department agrees to manage an annual traveling exhibit, extending the reach of Wyoming art beyond the convention.

1963 — The Congressional Show

The Casper Convention introduces the Congressional Show — artwork selected to hang in the Washington, D.C. offices of Wyoming's Congressional delegation. Wyoming art goes to the nation's capital.

1985 — The Grand Wyoming Artist Trophy

The Casper Convention establishes the WAA's highest honor — an annual award recognizing a member whose quality of work and generosity of spirit has contributed to the success of the association and inspired other artists throughout the community. The first recipient is J.K. Davis of Buffalo, Wyoming.

2017 — Official Nonprofit Status

The Wyoming Artists' Association receives IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit status — formalizing seven decades of community service under federal nonprofit law.

2018 — Wyoming State Articles of Organization

The association files Wyoming State Articles of Organization, completing its legal foundation as a recognized Wyoming nonprofit entity.

2020–2021 — COVID Disruption

The pandemic interrupts the convention for the first time since 1955. The organization goes quiet — but does not disappear.

2022 — Return

Conventions resume in Big Piney. The association begins rebuilding its membership, its programming, and its presence..

*PRESENT DAY* 2025–2026 — Revitalization

A new board drives a full digital transformation — a new website, online membership, and a return to Jackson for the Annual Convention.

The theme for 2026: The Eternal Frontier. 

It fits.