Lander Pioneer Museum: Abraham: Out of One, Many

The exhibition addresses the growing incidents of racism, prejudice and discrimination related to color, faith, culture, and ethnicity through art and informative display boards. For this peacebuilding through the arts initiative, fifteen paintings were commissioned from three celebrated contemporary artists of Middle Eastern heritage from Muslim, Christian, and Jewish traditions around the theme of all people living harmoniously, welcoming the stranger, and embracing the other. The exhibition premiered in Rome, Italy in 2019, showcased in Paris, France, and Edinburgh, Scotland in the summer of 2019.  In the fall of 2019, the exhibition began touring the United States. The Wyoming leg of the tour has been showcased in Rock Springs at Western Wyoming Community College and in Laramie at St. Matthew’s Cathedral. In Lander, the opening reception and program are at the Museum of the American West Livery Stable. Additional public events continue at several locations May 14th-28th.

Full details: 307-332-3339.

May 14  Opening Program & Reception 6 pm in the Museum of the American West Livery stable featuring locally prepared Middle Eastern hors d’oeuvres Following a short opening program with special guest speakers Bishop Paul-Gordon Chandler of Wyoming (curator of the exhibition) and celebrated Iraqi artist Qais Al Sindy (participating artist), the exhibition will be viewable at the Fremont County Pioneer Museum through May 28. 307-332-3339. Mon.-Sat., 9am-5pm. 1443 W. Main St. fremontcountymuseums.com

May 15  Artist Talk and Q & A by Qais Al Sindy, “The Power of Art to Bridge Differences.” Celebrated Iraqi artist, Qais Al Sindy, shares about his practice, and the influence and inspirations that have shaped and led his life’s creative work at the Lander Art Center. 9:30 am. 258 Main St. 307-332-5772

May 18 Film Screening & Discussion of “Arranged.”  Two devout Brooklyn schoolteachers from Jewish and Muslim backgrounds clutch hands across the religious divide as their respective families prepare to marry them off. A question and discussion time will follow the film viewing at the Lander Fremont County Public Library. 6:30 pm. 451 N. 2nd St. 307-332-5194

May 20 Lander Pioneer Museum: Abraham: Out of One, Many. Wind River Indian Dancers & Rev. Roxanne Friday (Shoshone) will present “Celebrating Peace with Native American Dance and Perspectives.” The Rev. Roxanne Friday will provide a short introduction on Native American Perspectives followed fifteen dancers, with drummers and singers, will perform and educate about the meaning of 7 different categories of Native American Dance, including the celebrated hoop dance. Museum of the American West. 6:30 pm. 307-332-3339. 1443 W. Main St. fremontcountymuseums.com