The Laramie Plains Civic Center (LPCC) will continue to expand community-focused visual arts programming thanks in part to a $5,000 grant from the Wyoming Intertie Community Investment Program (WICIP), a fund of the Wyoming Community Foundation.
LPCC serves Albany County and surrounding rural communities by providing affordable space for more than 90 tenants, including artists, nonprofits, educators, and small businesses, while offering inclusive, low-cost programming that strengthens cultural and community life. The Gorgon Gallery, public pottery studio, and Siren Studios are central to this mission, providing identity-based exhibitions, hands-on arts education, and creative opportunities that bring thousands of visitors through the Civic Center each year.
“As a substantial multi-use facility, LPCC serves not just Laramie but also rural communities across the region. Our facility is accessible, centrally located, and open to the public year-round,” said Jessica Brauer, Executive Director of the Laramie Plains Civic Center. “Every dollar invested in visual arts programming and infrastructure strengthens the community fabric by expanding access to culture, empowering diverse voices, and creating opportunities for shared growth.”
“These spaces do more than showcase art or offer classes; they spark local commerce, incubate talent, and connect people across demographics,” said Fred Schmechel, founder of Artillect Inc. and supporter of the Gorgon Gallery. “I’ve seen firsthand how artists and makers, given access to space and resources, go on to launch businesses, host workshops, and contribute meaningfully to the broader economy.”
The Wyoming Intertie Community Investment Program was established at the Wyoming Community Foundation by Wyoming Intertie LLC. WICIP supports innovative projects that enhance quality of life while strengthening communities in Albany, Carbon, and Platte Counties.
The Laramie Plains Civic Center is a nonprofit organization with a mission to foster connections, nurture creativity, and ensure an enriched future. Learn more at lpccwy.org.