Peggy Simson Curry - was selected as the winner in the Fine & Performing Arts Category. As a writer, Curry produced a large body of work, which includes four novels, poetry, and short stories. Curry’s work received critical acclaim, with some comparing her to Willa Cather. Her writing is unique in that it draws on the West for virtually every aspect, from background and setting to characters and imagery. In addition to her personal success as an author, Curry also enjoyed a distinguished career as a teacher of creative writing.

Curry received many honors in recognition of her work as an author and teacher. Two of her short stories, "The Brushoff" (1957) and "In the Silence" (1970), were selected as the most distinguished western stories of the year by the Western Writers of America. In 1980 she received the prestigious Mygatt Award from Wyoming Writers, Inc. Curry was appointed the first state Poet Laureate in 1980 and in 1997 she was inducted into the Western Writers Hall of fame.

James Bama - a resident of Wyoming since 1968, as an artist he is known for his signature brand of western portraiture.

James Boyle - head of the Art Department at the University of Wyoming for nearly thirty years. His work in promoting and teaching art throughout the region earned him the title of "Mr. Art."

Charles Belden - a renowned photojournalist, his work during the 1920s and 30s provided a record of dude ranch life in Wyoming.

William Dubois - one of the most prominent and prolific architects in the state of Wyoming for the first forty years of this century.

Bill Gollings - his paintings of cowboys and ranch life captured the last of the "old west" in Wyoming.

Samuel Knight - was also selected as a finalist in the Fine & Performing Arts Category.

Mary O’Hara - life on the Remount Ranch near Cheyenne provided the background for her classic novel, My Friend Flicka.

Jerry Palen - creator of the successful cartoon series, Stampede, which has a readership of more than 13 million.

Robert Russin - artist, known for his public sculptures which can be found across Wyoming, including the Lincoln Monument at the summit of U.S. Interstate 80, between Cheyenne and Laramie.

Conrad Schwiering - acknowledged dean of the Jackson Hole Art Colony, he was best known for his impressionistic western landscapes.

Joseph Stimson - his photographs of scenic Wyoming during the first half of the century are credited with helping to popularize the state as tourist destination.