A dynamic staff is committed to supporting residents behind the scene during their time at Jentel.
Beth Venn
Managing Director
Laramie, WY
Lynn Reeves
Residency Program
Manager
Big Horn, WY
Butch Kennedy
Facilities
Banner, WY
Emi Whiting
Residency Assistant
Buffalo, WY
Ashley McCann
Residency Assistant
Dayton, WY
Officers and Board of Directors
Beginning with the first annual meeting of the Board of Directors in June 2001, Jentel has enjoyed the enthusiasm and support of a small and dynamic group of arts professionals, artists and Neltje’s family. Jentel is a vital and inspiring place for artists and writers to explore the creative process, to experience the vastness and power of the Wyoming landscape and to balance the solitude of the studio life with interaction within a small and engaging residency community.
J. Scott Turpen
Chair
Laramie, WY
John Sargent
Vice Chair
Brooklyn, NY
Dr. Stephen Nicholas
Director
Mount Kisco, NY
Matt Johnston
Director
Dayton, WY
John Small
Director
Laramie, WY
David N. Jewell
Director
Chagrin Falls, OH
Neltje (Deceased)
Founder
Banner, WY
University of Wyoming and the Neltje Estate Gift
In December 2022, the University of Wyoming, to ensure Neltje’s legacy, announced the launch of the Neltje Center for Excellence in Creativity and the Arts (Neltje Center), an initiative within the College of Arts and Sciences engaged in instruction, creative activity, research, collaboration, and related service. The Neltje Center provides a platform to link higher education with the arts and humanities in one of the most scenic locations in the country.
Panel Review
After reviewing the art work and manuscripts, a panel of arts and literary professionals rate and rank the applicants based on the development or promise of a personal vision or voice. Along with the supporting materials and references, the staff uses the rankings to prepare invitations and schedule residencies. Panelists rotate every two years. In some instances, as part of our partnership program with other residencies and agencies, artists and writers may be invited to Jentel without submitting an application.
Since its inception, Jentel has made awards to over 1,200 visual and literary artists from the Rocky Mountain region, across the U.S. and to members of the international arts community, residing in the U.S. Many alumni have produced work during residency that subsequently received national recognition. Neltje Center programming with the Jentel Artist Residency will continue to provide opportunities in art, creative writing, and music.
Animals
Many “individuals” are committed to supporting residents during their time at Jentel.
