CASPER, Wyo. — Five Wyoming organizations were awarded a total of $11,500 in funding from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning’s Pacific Power Fund to help broaden and preserve worthwhile cultural and educational programs. The PacifiCorp Foundation, which serves as the charitable arm of Pacific Power, assists organizations with projects that help further learning.

“We know how important it is to lend a hand to help broaden an appreciation for the value of arts,” said Leslie Blythe, Pacific Power regional community manager. “This type of learning is important in rural areas and large cities alike, and the PacifiCorp Foundation is making a positive contribution to arts and cultural education programs throughout Wyoming.”

The following organizations received funding from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning:

Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, Inc. (Casper) — Funding will help support the Orchestra’s “Energizing the Future” musical education program for students of all ages, ranging from elementary school thru college. The program includes special lessons led by Orchestra musicians and guest artists; musical conversations led by music director Jonathan Shames; curriculum packet about this year’s featured concert, “The Music of Childhood”; lecture and group discussion at the Natrona County Library; classroom visits by Orchestra members; and more.

Nicolaysen Art Museum (Casper) — Funding will help to bring the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Student Docent Program to central Wyoming. The program has served as a model for institutions in other parts of the country and was designed as a partnership between museums and schools. The goal of the program is to equip student docents and their peers with the skills and confidence necessary to observe, discuss and understand contemporary art.

Fossil Country Frontier Museum (Kemmerer) — Funding will assist in procuring negatives and reprints of historical photographs recently donated to the Fossil Country Frontier Museum’s collection. The museum’s archival library currently includes more than 1,000 historical photographs of the area, and PacifiCorp Foundation funds will help enable an additional 255 photographs to be made available for research purposes.

Pinedale Fine Arts Council (Pinedale) — Funding will help support The Drum Brothers’ Musical Ensemble Residency and Performance, scheduled to take place in February. Residency activities will consist of four lecture/demonstrations and 12 classroom workshops with high school and middle school music students and elementary students in Pinedale and Big Piney. The Drum Bothers will demonstrate rhythms of many cultures, including: African, Caribbean, Asian, South American, American Indian and American Jazz.

Town of Diamondville — Funding will aid in the construction of a museum to house local artifacts and antiques, helping to preserve the rich heritage of the community. Items to be included in the museum are currently located in the town’s firehouse and spread throughout the Town Hall. The new museum will provide a place for permanent display of these historic items.