I know I’m supposed to write about the relationship between equines and their humans… but I think Western Art fits into that category because artists have to be moved, emotionally, to create art.  And, if the subject matter is horse related, well then that is a relationship between the artist and a horse-like environment.  Or something like that.

Anyway, I cannot hide that I am an art fanatic.  I even owned a gallery for 10 years.  Problem was that I wanted to KEEP IT ALL!   So now, instead, I flip through magazines and drool, which is what I did today.  You see, my new COWBOYS AND INDIANS magazine arrived…  I did my usual.  I ripped out what I liked.  Sometimes I use the pages scattered around my feet as blog fodder.

Today, I saw a small article for an art event called, COWGIRL UP!  It is an exhibition of Women Western Artists  at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Arizona on March 25 – 27th.

WEBSITE

I clicked onto the website and saw this:

I kinda chuckled when they said it was:

THE
MOST IMPORTANT
EXHIBITION & SALE
FOR WESTERN
WOMEN ARTISTS
IN THE COUNTRY.

But then again, maybe it is the most important show and sale for Western Women artists, what do I know?…  So I decided to call the museum to hear more.  Luckily, I ended up speaking to the Director of the museum (very learned and professional).  In a nutshell, this is what he said:

The museum is an authentic Western museum.  They have between 20,000 and 30,000 square feet of exhibit space.  It is also a non-profit.  And, this show and sale is the only fundraiser they will have all year.  The percentage they retain from the sale (actually, quite modest — he told me the amount) goes towards operating expenses.

So, the year round exhibits of Western gear and memorabilia will be totally removed for this event.   The entire space is filled with the art of these 57 ladies.  On top of that, where would you ever be able to see 57 women artists at once?  The show/sale runs for 5 weeks.

–So I agree that 57 woman artists showing in one space IS the most important exhibition and sale for Western Women Artists.  So there.  Shut me up, for sure.

PACKAGE DEAL

OK, what I liked about this art show and sale over other art shows and sales was not just the number of wonderful artists, but… the ENTERTAINMENT aspect of this particular event.

You see, the website had a “package” link which listed all the faboo events they have created for this show – and then the hosts offer participants a ‘package deal ticket’ to attend all of it.  Love it!  This allows attendees to relax and know that everything is under control and they can attend whatever they wish to attend.  It is all mapped out and the caretakers have it under control.

Not only was I impressed that the Museum took the work out of the planning,  but I was impressed that they thought this far ahead and organized more than just the show and sale.  What I mean is that often you trek to a city for a show and once the show is over, you really don’t know what to do with yourself.

In this case, they anticipated out-of-towners or weekend partiers and they created lots to do!  From Friday night until Sunday afternoon, you have choices of events which all sound pretty yummy –  Artists and Patrons’ Party, silent auctions, receptions, lectures, awards, chuck wagon breakfasts… One event is at the Monte Vista Ranch.  I thought… hmmmm, what is the Monte Vista Ranch?  So, I looked it up.

Here is the Monte Vista Ranch.  It seems tasty to me…  I could just see myself warming my little fingers next to the outdoor fireplace as I contemplated the scrumptious eye candy I’d just savored.  Wouldn’t it be fun to get a group together?!

THE ARTISTS

Well, I know of two of them.   I’ve written (my post here) about Teresa Elliott.

I’ve also written (my previous post) about Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey.

But, there are 55 others!  I’ve added a few here but if you go to the page linked here, you can click on any artists name and a sample of their work will pop up.  Very nifty.

THE WORK – and miniatures

I was told by James, the director, that this year they are trying a new concept.  MINIATURES.  I think it is a great new concept so I’m writing about it here.

This show isn’t all in miniature, what it means is that upstairs are the larger pieces and on another level are the smaller or “miniature” original works of these artists.  The pieces aren’t miniatures of the larger works, they are their own, individual, original pieces.

If you have ever been to a show and wanted to purchase but couldn’t… or if you have no more wall space, the Miniatures would work wonderfully for you.   I like it!

A TIDBIT ABOUT THE MUSEUM

I cut and pasted this from the website because I thought it explained the museum well.

Yet, as impressive as the museum’s art collection is, the story of the West isn’t just confined to its galleries. Visitors are also treated to the Hays’ Spirit of the Cowboy Collection with its mind-boggling array of authentic cowboy gear and memorabilia dating back to the Mexican vaquero tradition. There is a Hall of History where thousands of years of desert frontier history are captured in time. An early Wickenburg Street Scene complete with a general store, hotel, saloon and the fully outfitted rooms of a turn-of-the ccentury home is another favorite. A dazzling Mineral Room and Native American Room, and an exciting exhibit especially for children called Out on the Ranch, add to the experience.

Here is the Museum information:

Desert Caballeros Western Museum
21 North Frontier Street
Wickenburg, Arizona 85390
Tel: 928.684.2272

Visit the Museum at www.westernmuseum.org

MORE WORK

So, without further ado, here are some works I picked for this page.  But, you should go to the Artists page yourself so you can find your favorites.

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!

JANUARY DROP IN THE BUCKET FUND:  THE PIUTE ORPHAN FOALS

To learn all about the Bucket Fund and to donate the the ‘Saved from Slaughter Orphan Foals’, please click on the photo (photo credit, Trish Lowe)