Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions and intellect ... art is made with the intention of stimulating thoughts and emotions." -- Wikipedia.

No doubt about it; there's lots of art that's stimulating thoughts and emotions at RENEW/Sheridan. Consider this:

• there's a watercolor by RENEW artist Scott Halladay in the Governor's Office in Cheyenne.
• RENEW instructor Mara Shasteen is an award-winning artist who's work has been featured all over the country.
• RENEW artist Mark Morel's paintings are now fetching prices in three figures.
• RENEW clients have displayed (and sold) their artwork at numerous exhibits in the community.
• Indeed, RENEW instructor Mara Shasteen and RENEW client Mark Morel currently have their paintings on display and for sale at the Davis Gallery (32 North Main) in Sheridan.

We invite you to visit Mara's website to learn more about this gifted artist & instructor.

And here's more about Mark ... in his own words:
My name is Mark Morel and in 2007 I was involved in a one vehicle car accident and suffered an acquired brain injury. After being treated at Denver General Hospital, Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital, Craig Hospital and Campbell County Memorial Hospital, my family learned of the A.B.I. Waiver and I began my journey of finding services for individuals with brain injuries.

In 2009 I was able to obtain funding through this waiver and have since been receiving services through Rehabilitation Enterprises of North Eastern Wyoming (RENEW). In my time at RENEW I've been able to progress and relearn many of the things that I had lost due to my injury. I continue to heal and progress and am looking forward to regaining the independence I lost.

I began taking art lessons this past year from Mara Schasteen who was able to bring out my artistic abilities. Art has become something I am very passionate about.

And we invite you to watch a short video highlighting our RENEW artists.

Haley King graduated from Sheridan High School in June. She enters the University of Wyoming this fall.

Ms. King excels in many things - certainly academics is one endeavor. Another is basketball. Her Sheridan High Lady Broncs placed second in the state this year.

And Ms. King has another, more recently-discovered love in life - working at RENEW. She was part of RENEW/Sheridan's intern program this spring and here's her story - in her own words and in a video she produced.