They have been gone awhile, but not beyond the memory of some of you. They were well known and contributed much to the community.

Let’s meet Edna Earl Welch, a member in the 1980s. Imagine my surprise, while researching, to discover my Rock Springs high school typing teacher in the annals of the Sublette County Artists’ Guild. She was a lovely lady with a soft Texas accent and a gracious smile. This is what she had written about the Philosophy of Wildflowers: color (don’t be drab), a sense of duty (bloom where you’re planted), a feeling of time (we each have our season), and the value of a name (Indian paintbrush or monkey flower). A philosophy good to adopt?

Barbara Wise, who recently passed away, left her mark on the community. She was helpful in many of the local stage productions and active in the guild. If you read her poem, A Christmas Walk, perhaps you won’t dread the coming winter quite so much. Find it in the guild’s book “Seeds-ke-dee Revisited.”

I met Caryn Murdock Bing long before I moved home to Wyoming or knew there was a guild. My mom would trot me to the Cowboy Shop whenever I visited. Caryn would hop down off her stool to greet us. She told me of her years teaching the Japanese at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center. I’m sure she brought comfort and encouragement with her, as she counted it an interesting experience for herself.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.”

You will discover many of her writings in that guild book also.

Ethelyne Worl and I became friends when she moved into the Sublette Center where I worked. While interviewing her, I was delighted to learn that she had a background in journalism. With little urging she wrote a weekly newspaper column, Under the Hill, relating what and who was happening at the center. Her computer setup and watercolor paraphernalia all but filled her small living room. Yes, she was also an accomplished artist who graced me with her painting of Square Top. She was also a fountain of knowledge when it came to local history; much of it can be read in the guild books.

Barbara McKinley was also a teacher in Big Piney and supporter of the Rendezvous. She was instrumental in bringing Michael Bad Hand Terry to share his knowledge of the Plains Indians at his encampment by the Mountain Man Museum. She saw the humor in creatures around her as shown in her poem.

Lynn Thomas contributed both artwork and writings to the guild. She is still remembered during Sublette Fair time. Many of her detailed Wyoming ranch pencil drawings were reproduced in the early Sublette Examiner. Her love for color is revealed in her poem Treasure below.

Treasure

by Lynn Thomas

Deep turquoise sky above ruby tree.

Topaz meadows, opal hills

encrusted with sifted gold dust

borne by Autumn’s last vibrating breath.

Summer’s emeralds are paid for

with shimmering coins

cast adrift through golden air.

Clothed in ermine and icy diamonds

winter waits to change gold for silver.

Magpie

by Barbara McKinley

Arrogantly he sits on the window sill

Demanding entry,

This marauding king, meticulously groomed,

Gleaming white shirt,

Haughtily he orders the window be opened

As he bangs his beak against the glass.

Six of his retinue perch on the balcony railing

Cheering him on.

Shortly, he admits defeat and disdainfully

Tosses his head in disgust.

They all leap to the balcony, plunder the cat chow

From the vanquished yellow house cat

And withdraw.

These writers left their words and artwork for us to enjoy. Please join members of today’s Sublette County Artists’ Guild next Friday, Oct. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lovatt Room in the Pinedale Library during Delsa Allen’s photo exhibit and reception.