2026 Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month Poster Commission

The Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office seeks a visual artist to create a poster for the 2026 Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month (WAAM) program, celebrated annually in September. The poster serves as the centerpiece of statewide activities devoted to discussing archaeological issues and educating the public about preserving Wyoming's archaeological heritage.

For the 2026 program, the SHPO proposes a special theme honoring the United States' 250th anniversary. The poster should explore Wyoming's Indigenous peoples' connection to horses in the 18th century, informed by archaeological scholarship from sites like the Blacks Fork River in southwestern Wyoming. Proposed descriptive themes include "Hoofbeats as Heartbeats," "Echos of Equus," "Gallop into the Past," "The Thundering Spirit of the West," or "Thundering Beings of the Plains." The commissioned work must be situated within archaeological, ethnographic, and historical context, referencing texts such as "Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History" by William T. Taylor and "Horse Nation: The Worldwide Impact of the Horse on Indigenous Societies Post-1492" by Peter Mitchell.

Applicants must submit a resume, artist's statement, statement of purpose (no more than one page), a written digital design proposal (no more than one page) describing the medium and how the artwork will be archaeologically informed, and up to six digital images of previous work. The artwork must be representable on a 24"x36" poster in high quality format; video and audio submissions will not be considered. Artists must be year-round residents of Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Idaho, or Utah, with preference given to Wyoming residents. Both established and emerging artists are welcome; Native American artists are strongly encouraged to apply. The selected artist will receive a $6,000 stipend, paid half before completion and half upon final acceptance. The finalized artwork must be completed by November 15, 2025. The artist retains copyright but grants the State of Wyoming a non-exclusive, limited, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, free license for promotional and non-sales purposes. The artist must work closely with the State Coordinator, including minimum monthly check-ins, and the completed artwork will be donated to State Parks and Cultural Resources for auction to support future Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month programs. Application deadline: July 18, 2025, 11:59 P.M. MT.