Metal art pieces have been appearing across Wyoming over the last year. The silhouettes can be spotted on long stretches of highways or in the downtown of a city.
This art project is just a small piece of a statewide, grassroots campaign to support Wyoming businesses called 307 First.
Around a decade ago, this volunteer-driven initiative was first organized and focused on Wyoming contractors, noted Kandice Hansen, who manages 307 First’s media and marketing and is the southeast representative.
Like some grassroots efforts, the capacity for volunteers to keep things going can oftentimes taper off. In January 2020, the campaign was reignited, rebranded, and relaunched with a focus on all Wyoming businesses.
307 First is largely sponsored by Wyoming Financial Insurance, continued Kandice. “It has been organically growing and each week we look at how we can support Wyoming businesses.”
The idea behind the metal silhouettes is to bring communities together to collaborate on an art project, she explained. Potentially four entities or more including a metalworker, artist, business owner, and landowner.
A goal of 307 art pieces across the Cowboy State has been set. They hope to have an app available once they hit the goal that shares details about the history they may represent and information about the artwork itself.
307 First recently decided to allow residents to purchase them in memory of any person who had a significant role in Wyoming. The full details have not been laid out of this new dedication. However, more information will be released on their website (link at the bottom of the story) soon.
So far, Riverton is the only city in Fremont County with silhouettes. They can be seen on the west side of Riverton right from US-26 and on the north side of the city by the Hampton Inn. Efforts are underway to get additional ones here locally.
Wyoming Financial Insurance has been co-sponsoring the pieces by paying for half of their cost. Leaving approximately $1,200 to $1,500 for another sponsor to cover.
The biggest set is the “Oregon Trail” on the Old Glenrock Highway, Kandice noted. The “Pony Express Riders” that sits along US-20/26 on the Fremont/Natrona county line also has several pieces.
Kandice noted they are always looking for business sponsors and volunteers passionate about Wyoming to help with their statewide campaign.
If you are interested in learning more about the initiative, sponsoring, or volunteering, contact them through their website 307first.com. You can also stay up-to-date on their Facebook page here.