The story goes that in 1897, a traveling passenger agent of the Union Pacific Railroad made a suggestion to the editor of the Cheyenne Daily Sun-Leader that the area should host a festival similar to Colorado’s infamous Potato Day event. From that mere suggestion spawned the Cheyenne Frontier Days festival, celebrating in the rich, Western history of the Cheyenne, Wyoming, area and creating quite the robust legacy.
Chris Maynard, The Eagle and the Rabbits #2, naturally shed crowned crane feathers and cotton Stonehenge paper, 19 x 27”
Now in its 126th year, this highly anticipated event boasts a bevy of activities including what has grown to be the festival highlight, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. Other activities include pancake breakfasts, parades of antique carriages and automobiles, top-tier musical entertainment and, of course, the iconic Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show & Sale.
Laurie Lee, Grubs Au Gratin, oil, 20 x 16”
To further celebrate in the “American Western Legacy,” says the museum website, “the CFD felt the need to cultivate a rich educational space, which took shape in what is now the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, founded in 1978. The Art Show & Sale, in its 42nd edition this year, coincides with the festival, but easily stands alone as a premier attraction.
Beginning July 21 is the ticketed opening reception from 3:30 to 9 p.m., that provides a “first look” at significant works by 54 prominent Western artists. “Similar to previous years,” says Amanda Byzewski, art show and events coordinator, “people will enter through the east gallery, which we started last year, to really let people get directly into the artwork.” Attendees will have the option to wander through the exhibit or they can head over for the Governor’s Residence Reception. Following will be the Jump the Gun event at 6 p.m., where “patrons can immediately purchase artwork at a premium price,” Byzewski notes, “and [to close out the evening] will be the regular sales drawing and dinner at 7 p.m.”
Chris Navarro, War Horse, bronze, 21 x 17 x 5”
Artists have the opportunity to display up to four pieces, making for a superb showcase that will include a balance of traditional and contemporary pieces in a variety of mediums, styles and subject matter. “We’ve been trying to invite more contemporary artists to show in our most recent years,” says Byzewski. “We’ve found that a lot of our buyers are repeat buyers, but we want to expand to [accommodate] new buyers and bring in different artists than what people have seen before.”
This includes artists like Chris Maynard, who is new to the show this year, and will feature his unique carved-feather works as seen in The Eagle and the Rabbits #2. Each of the elements of the piece depicting an eagle hunting down a scurrying group of rabbits, are cut out of actual feathers and displayed on paper. Another talented, new addition to the show is Cheryl Harley-Volz, who is a balance between traditional and contemporary. “We thought she’d be a good fit for this show because her work is traditional but she adds in her own elements—like sheet music,” says Byzewski. For her show piece Sweet Nothings, Harley says, “I love longhorns and was able to capture the image used as the basis for this graphite drawing at the Fort Worth Stockyards. This cow is grooming her friend as often happens among herd members. When carefully chosen and incorporated, sheet music adds depth of story and visual interest to a composition.”
Cheryl Harley-Volz, Sweet Nothings, graphite on Duralar, 16 x 22”
The exhibition, that will remain on display through August 14, will also incorporate returning, traditional artists such as Chris Navarro, who will display bronze beauties like War Horse, and a rarely seen wildlife painting by portrait artist Laurie Lee, titled Grubs Au Gratin.
A large turnout is expected, so make sure to purchase tickets now and visit the website for additional information. —
Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show & Sale
July 21-August 14
Opening Reception, July 21, 3:30-9 p.m.
Public Viewing, July 22-August 14
CFD Old West Museum, 4610 Carey Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 778-7290, cfdartshow.com
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