The 2026 Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition will open at the Wyoming Capitol on February 9, featuring local artist Alexandra Hansen of Aladdin among 53 artists selected from 383 entries by 152 artists. The biennial exhibition, part of Wyoming's tribute to America's 250th anniversary, celebrates the state's landscapes, communities, and people. Hansen, a contemporary Western artist known for stylized vintage patina oil paintings, grew up on a South Dakota ranch and studied at Oklahoma State University. Kate Hlavin, Curator of the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale, served as guest juror. A public reception and awards ceremony will be held on February 26, with a People's Choice Award vote on the Wyoming State Museum Facebook page.
The exhibition matters because it is the primary avenue for the Wyoming State Museum to acquire contemporary Wyoming art for its Capitol and permanent collections, directly supporting local artists and preserving the state's cultural heritage. Established in 2000 under Governor Geringer and organized by the Wyoming State Museum and the Wyoming Arts Council, it provides a significant platform for regional artists like Hansen to gain visibility and sell their work, while engaging the public through voting and purchases.