The Historic Hynds Building in downtown Cheyenne sat vacant for decades. But in recent years, the 1919 structure, now slated for a major renovation, has shown signs of life: The Wyoming nonprofit LightsOn! has been hosting concerts and artist residencies in its formerly empty spaces.
Denver artists and 2016 Hynds residents Amber Cobb and Mario Zoots set up shop in Cheyenne earlier this month; through July, they're working with youth from the Boys and Girls Club on "Nothing to Something," a hands-on educational workshop for which they are creating art using junk and discarded objects. The finished pieces — from body-casting works to wheat pastes — will be displayed in Cheyenne alleyways.
At the same time, Cobb and Zoots have also been working on personal projects that reference the history and unique Western traditions of Cheyenne for an exhibition that opens tonight with a reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m. as part of Arts Cheyenne’s monthly ArtWalk.
Cheyenne is only ninety minutes from Denver (traffic willing): Hit the road and meet the artists in their element at the Hynds, located at the corner of Lincolnway and Capitol Avenue. You'll be back in town well before last call.