Now in its 16th year, Cowgirl Up! Art from the Other Half of the West exhibition and sale, continues to celebrate some of the most talented female artists in the Western genre. Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg, Arizona, hosts this time-honored event, with this year featuring more than 60 selected artists that depict the traditional and contemporary styles of the West in painting, drawing and sculpture.
The exhibition, on view starting March 26 and closing on September 5, will feature top artists such as Maura Allen, Heather Burton, Sonja Caywood, Sherry Cobb and Lisa Danielle. Desert Caballeros has been uplifting these female artists since 2006, when they first exhibited Cowgirl Up!, introducing a new perspective to the depictions of the Western lifestyle.
Desert Caballeros Western Museum’s Cultural Crossroads Learning Center.
Artists mingle during Cowgirl UP! in 2019.
In past years, Cowgirl Up! offered a number of festivities along Wickenburg’s Frontier Street during opening weekend. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, Desert Caballeros will no longer have the popular quick-draw event and any other entertainment is subject to change.
Sherry Cobb, The Pony Trainer, oil on linen panel, 163/8 x 16”
Julie Nighswonger, Love Triangle, oil, 12 x 48”
Despite a smaller celebration this year, Cowgirl Up! still embraces tradition in connecting many talented artists with collectors and art lovers, creating lasting relationships.
Artist Julie Nighswonger, who will be showing her horse subject matter in her oil piece Love Triangle says, “Cowgirl Up! is such a great show. The museum staff does a fabulous job taking care of the artists and collectors. The artwork is outstanding and the friendships made are a huge bonus!”
Mejo Okon, Button, oil, 12 x 12”
Rebecca Tobey, Oberon Miniature Bear, bronze, 8½ x 6 x 4”
Mejo Okon will also be displaying animal subject matter in her piece Button, depicting an up-close view of a baby calf. “My goal is to capture the unique personality of each little calf,” Okon furthers. “They always remind me of kids in the neighborhood.”
For Rebecca Tobey, this year’s isolation caused by the pandemic has been one of an unfolding of ideas that have long simmered in the back of her mind. “I have found it quite liberating to be forced to step away from the daily pull of ‘ought to’ and ‘should have,’ and instead, be allowed to focus on ‘why not’ and ‘what if.’ The solitude has enabled me to create quite a few new bronzes this year, several of which will be included in Cowgirl Up!”
Rebecca Tobey, Eros and Philia Miniature Horses, bronze editions of 150, 4½ x 5½ x 3” and 3¾ x 6 x 2½”
Rebecca Tobey, Marco Polo Miniature Ram, bronze, ed. of 150, 3½ x 4 x 2”
Participating artist Amanda Cowan, talks about the inspiration surrounding her show piece, Soaking up the Summer Sun. “The relationship between a horse and rider can be a beautiful thing. Ranch work is hard, and takes your blood, sweat and tears. The beauty of the world around us can be breathtaking. All of these things together create the most amazing life. Life is such a great blessing, and I try to share that feeling in my work.”
Amanda Cowan, Soaking up the Summer Sun, oil, 18 x 24”
In her explanation of her show piece Maria’s Mastery, Lisa Danielle says, “Though I can really dig into history with my complex story-teller paintings, some of my most successful paintings are just simple, serene images that speak to the mystery of the creators who came before. We don’t need all the information to feel the connection, and if there ever was a time we needed to share our humanness, it’s now.”
Lisa Danielle, Maria’s Mastery, acrylic, 30 x 24”
The museum will have all works on display through the run of the show, during normal museum business hours. Visitors are encouraged to call or check the museum website for updates, as hours are subject to change.
Cowgirl Up! Art from the Other Half of the West
March 27-29, 2020
Desert Caballeros Western Museum
21 N. Frontier Street
Wickenburg, AZ 85390
www.westernmuseum.org
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