July 22-August 15 | CFD Old West Museum | Cheyenne, WY

The West Diversifies

The Cheyenne Western Art Show & Sale is back with a diverse collection of artists and works of the West.

This year will be the 41st annual Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show & Sale, to happen alongside the 125th Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration, and will showcase Western artworks in a variety of themes, mediums and styles from 56 artists. “We invite artists who depict scenes of the working cowboy, rodeo, wildlife art, Western landscapes and some Western impressionist work,” says art show coordinator Cameron Green.Joel Johnson, The Clearing, transparent watercolor, 27 x 30”

While last year kicked off with a virtual reception, this year will bring back the in-person event. On July 22, ticket holders will be the first to see and purchase superb artworks during the Jump the Gun and Quick Draw events. Participants are privy to a reception at the governor’s residence, dinner and live music, with access to the after-party.

Diversity is the name of the game for this long-running show, which will be including new artists and new selections. “We feel our roster of artists gives us great diversity,” Green explains. “We have artists of color included, female artists, Native and Indigenous artists, along with the traditional male artists.” Jennifer Johnson, Trail Ridge Sunrise, oil, 24 x 16”

Green continues: “One of the biggest things for us right now is to push the balance between traditional and contemporary art,” says Green. “When we look at the contemporary work, we don’t want it to be too edgy but we’re also looking for something that a new generation of collectors might like—We’re bridging that generational gap.”

Two newly accepted artists that will round out the collection include wildlife sculptor Jeremy Bradshaw and Andy Mast, whose medium is graphite pencil drawings.

In addition, more contemporary works, like those by Jennifer Johnson, will be on display. “Johnson is also new to the show,” says Green, “and what appeals to us are her national park poster pieces. Wyoming is very proud of its history with national parks like Yellowstone, and Johnson’s work goes a long way into the imagining of what the American West was. She’s bringing a sense of nostalgia to the show that
I think people really attach to.”Laurie Lee, Long Day in the Saddle, oil, 11 x 14”

Green notes that “one of the great things about the show is this representation of ‘home.’” This is depicted in works such as Joel Johnson’s piece The Clearing, a gorgeous, dreamy landscape of Lake Marie in the snowy range of Wyoming, and in Laurie Lee’s Long Day in the Saddle, showing a horse and rider walking in a deserted landscape. “Pieces such as these really look at the lifestyles throughout the state. Johnson does a wonderful job working with transparent watercolors, using the grain of the paper to amplify what he’s trying to depict.”Barbara Summers Edwards, Adjustments, oil, 22 x 28”

With lasts year’s virtual reception, the committee for the show learned a lot, and will still incorporate virtual happenings for those who wish to remain home. “One thing we learned is that the public really does love hearing directly from the artists,” Green states, adding that the show will most likely have artist interviews in which they discuss what went into the making of their pieces.

The opening reception is a ticketed event, with tickets currently available for purchase on the website. The remaining days will be open to the public. —

Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show & Sale
July 22-August 15
Opening Reception, July 22, 3:30-10:30 p.m.
Public Viewing, July 23-August 15, see museum website for times.
CFD Old West Museum,
610 Carey Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001, (307) 778-7200, www.cfdartshow.com