Museum of the Big Bend | September 16-November 6, 2021 | Alpine, TX

Marking a Milestone

Museum of the Big Bend kicks off the 35th annual Trappings of Texas fundraiser with its signature opening weekend September 16 to 18.

The Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine, Texas, has long celebrated the Old West. Its annual Trappings of Texas fundraiser, supporting the museum’s endeavors, is just one event where the cowboy tradition is brought to life. This year’s 35th edition is being called a homecoming, because it will take place mostly on museum grounds and two nearby venues after having to take a year off. The show also now opens in September, which is a change from previous editions.

Valerie Coe, Ready to Run, oil, 12 x 12”

“This might be one of the good things that came out of last year. It gave me the chance to reevaluate when it is a good time to have the show,” says Mary Bones, executive director of the museum. “Much of it is happening outside, and April can get windy, so we moved it to the long weekend of September 16 to 18, and really wanted to restart to make it a true homecoming.”

Lindy Cook Severns, After the Darkest Hour, soft pastel, 27 x 23” (framed)

The art in the show continues to be the highlight with not only paintings and sculpture available but also traditional arts such as bits and spurs, saddles and jewelry. This year 40 artists will participate in the show including artists Teal Blake, Buckeye Blake, Valerie Coe, June Dudley, Phil Epp, Sarah Harless, Alice Leese, Dennis Ziemienski and more. There will be gear and jewelry from Baru Forell, knives by Loyd McConnell, gear and jewelry by Michael Pardue, bits and spurs from Doug Cook, and hobbles by Vern Ballantyne, among many other artists.

Kerri Menchaca, Dust & Heat, graphite and watercolor, 12 x 9”

The festivities begin on September 16 with a preview party at the museum from 5 to 8 p.m., then on Friday, September 17, is the main event, the opening reception and sale. Collectors can register to buy works, as well as mix and mingle with friends. The sale is a fixed-price, by-draw event, where bidders will enter to be selected to purchase their favorite pieces. Anyone unable to attend the live show can view the work online and submit their name for anything they are interested in possibly buying with a proxy bidder.

Phil Epp, The Navajo Saddle Blanket, hand-operated whirligig made from plywood and mixed media, ed. of 10 each with a different blanket design, 17 x 24 x 4”

Other events include art demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both September 17 and 18, as well as a Cowboy Dance at the Alpine Civic Center from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on September 17, and a chuckwagon breakfast happens at Big Bend Saddlery on September 18 at 8 a.m. For ticket information, visit the show website.

Rex Crawford, Australian opal necklace set

“We’re really happy we’re all getting back together,” says Bones. “It’s like a family, because a lot of the artists have been showing with us for years. They bring other artists, buyers, family and friends. It’s a good get together with wonderful fellowship.”

Trappings of Texas
September 16-November 6, 2021