Staff, Board & Panel

A dynamic staff is committed to supporting residents behind the scene during their time at Jentel.

Officers and Board of Directors

Beginning with the first annual meeting of the Board of Directors in June 2001, Jentel as a private family foundation has enjoyed the enthusiasm and support of a small and dynamic group of family members, arts professionals, artist staff and a financial advisor.  Neltje’s vision is no longer a dream.  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.

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.

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.

Friends of Jentel will expand to assist with development, identify additional resources, and provide feedback about programming. Residency alumni, faculty, and students — as well as local, regional, and national artists and colleagues who support the residency program — will be welcomed.

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.

Animals

Many “individuals” are committed to supporting residents during their time at Jentel.