November 6-28, 2021 | National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum | Oklahoma City, OK

Starting Point

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Small Works, Great Wonders show includes more than 200 works of art.

On November 12 the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum will host one of its most anticipated art sales of the year: Small Works, Great Wonders. Included will be more than 200 works of art by 122 of the foremost contemporary Western artists. The small-scale gems available will measure no larger than 16 by 20 inches for two-dimensional works and 20 by 20 by 20 inches for sculpture, which allows for an accessible size and price point for collectors of all levels.Dennis Ziemienski, Twilight Buckaroo, oil on mounted linen, 20 x 16”

“The show really gives seasoned collectors the opportunity to pick out a little gem at a much less expensive price point than say at the Prix de West,” says Susan Patterson, the museum’s curator of special exhibits. “It also gives a person who has been thinking about collecting—or someone who may be intimidated about the larger show because of the size and affordability—a great place to start and get their feet wet.”Edward Aldrich, Ready for Mischief, oil on linen, 12 x 20”

Among the 122 artists exhibiting art, there will be 24 who also participate in the Prix, as well as 14 who are showing their work for the first time. Newcomers include Starr Hardridge, Gladys Roldan-de-Moras and Greg Beecham, while some of the returning favorites include Mary Ross Buchholz, Ann Hanson, Peggy Immel, John Moyers, Terri Kelly Moyers, Dennis Ziemienski, William Acheff, Brad Price and Tyler Crow. Many of the artists will be in attendance, allowing collectors the chance to not just view the work but also meet the artists who created the pieces they love.David Mensing, Certain as Dawn, oil on canvas, 12 x 16”

Small Works, Great Wonders will be an in-person event this year. The sale takes place November 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. with the draw starting at 7 p.m. As in previous years, all collectors are given a sneak peek of the show through the online catalog that is usually available mid-October. Anyone who is unable to attend can sign up via the traditional proxy service offered every year.Brad Price, Church at Placita, oil on canvas, 16 x 20”

The show will hang November 6 through 28, but any works sold on the night of the sale can be taken home immediately by the collector. “Being able to have a hybrid show [in 2020] was a way to continue to promote organizations and the artists, but there is nothing like standing in front of a piece of art,” says Patterson. “And if the artist is standing next to it, collectors are able to build that relationship, which is equally as special.I think when you have a gallery filled with people, whether they’re the artist or collector, and art is the focus, it’s just a great experience. For people who have never attended a show,I always say small works is a great place to start. You really experience the excitement of art at its best.”—

Small Works, Great Wonders
November 6-28, 2021
Art sale, November 12, 6-9 p.m.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405) 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org