Planning for Discovery Days

The Big Horn Basin Nature and Discovery Center Joint Powers Board will host a “Call to Wyoming Artists” for their 2021 Wyoming Discovery Days on August 7 and 8 at the Hot Springs State Park. The event will be Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Organizer Audra Domínguez says she is excited about the event. Its theme is “Rails, Trails and Folktales,” where we get to explore “Where did we come from? Where are we going? How did we get here?” Dominguez said “We are focusing on transportation in Wyoming through the years. Everything from the trails and the wagons and vehicles.” 

Domínguez said that her “goal and passion is to really grow the festival this year and expand beyond the Big Horn Basin to all of Wyoming and actually the Rocky Mountain region. I want to focus on bringing in some larger musical acts and having concerts at the Pavillion. Having music is a big draw for us, and I want to bring in some larger names.”

Domínguez added that she wants to bring in food truck vendors. She said this is part of her strategy of growing the festival as well as doing the traditional folk arts, fine arts and trading posts that everyone loves and is familiar with. 

For those who want to present their wares at the festival, there are three ways you can participate. First, there will be a folk arts invitational show. Work for sale must be produced by the artist or as an art collaboration by one artist and partners/s. You should be able to demonstrate and or talk about your work.

Second, there will be a fine arts invitational show. Work for sale must be produced by the artist or as an art collaboration by the artist and partners/s. Fine art examples would be acrylic, oil or watercolor paintings that you would find in a galley or sculptures. 

Third, there will be a trading post. Work for sale by an individual or group representing multiple artists. For example, galleries, museums or other representatives. This includes perishables and “usable” items, such as food, soaps, lotions and herbal products. Brand name products may also be sold.

The participation fee is $40 for a single booth. The entry deadline is July 15 and is non-refundable after July 10. For more information, go to wyomingdisoverydays.org or call Audra Domínguez at 904-874-2560 or email info@woymingdiscoverydays.org.