Bill Belcher, Jim Nelson, Susan Miller, Sharon Dynak and Mike Plank
The Inaugural Ucross Founders Day to honor Raymond Plank was held on Saturday June 4, with over 175 people attending from around the area. Attendees came from Billings, Rapid City, Lander, Casper, Gillette, and Sheridan.
Caitlin Addlesperger, communications and special events manager had this to say, “What an incredible day. We are so happy with the turnout, especially as we made our big announcement about the 40th Anniversary Campaign.”
The activities included touring some of the artist’s studios, and a tour of the Historic Big Red Ranch house, which is now office space.
Keith Davis
Keith Davis, Photographer, a fellow at Ucross, opened his studio for tours, and had this to say about Ucross.
William Belcher, President, spoke briefly and introduced Jim Nelson, chairman of the board and a founding member of the Ucross Foundation, Nelson had known Raymond Plank for 54 years. “I first met Raymond in 1966, when Raymond first started coming to the Ucross valley. Apache had discovered the Recluse field and it was a major find. Plank purchased the Shady Lane Ranch as a place to bring investors. In 1970 we formed the Ucross Land and Cattle and purchased which is now the Ranch at Ucross.”
Jim Nelson with Susan Miller, beside the artist’s conception of what the new art gallery will look like.
The Big Red Complex is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Two of Plank’s sons, Michael and Roger, were at the tribute. Michael Plank had this to say about the Big Red Ranch when Raymond purchased it in the 1980s.
Big Red Ranch building, now office space
Michael also talked about the renovations on the house and barn.
Governor Mark Gordon, who was once a Ucross Trustee and at one time ran the cattle ranch operations, could not attend, but sent a letter expressing his regrets. Sharon Dynak, former president and executive director, read the letter. Gordon had this to say about Ucross.
The Big Red Art Gallery and pictures of how they plan to renovate
Belcher then talked about the plans that they are making for the expansion of the Big Red Art Gallery, and the addition of a dance studio, and led a tour explaining what they plan to accomplish in the new space.
Lunch was provided by Stoked, a wood fire oven-pizza and catering company from Sheridan, Wyoming by chef/owner Jaron Mentock.
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Last modified: June 6, 2022