Western art meets hometown hospitality at the 37th Bosque Art Classic in Clifton, Texas, this September. Juried by Cowboy Artists of America member and previous Bosque exhibitor Mikel Donahue, the annual roundup includes works from artists at the height of their field as well as a few fresh faces.
“We want to showcase artists, particularly new artists or artists that would not receive that recognition otherwise,” says Bosque Art Council president Virginia Richards. This year’s show includes more than 180 original pieces with subject matter spanning from working cattle ranches to wildlife and landscape painting. “It’s always fun to watch the judges when they go through and pick the pieces for each year’s show because we get a different judge every year,” says Richards.“I always tell people, if you don’t make it in this year, try, try again because we have a different judge every year, and a different judge has a different perspective.”
Ezra Tucker, Great Grey Owl, acrylic on board, 14 x 11”
Known for his historical storytelling and detailed wildlife renderings, 2021 Briscoe Western Art Museum Night of Artists purchase award winner Ezra Tucker will have four bird paintings at this year’s Bosque Art Classic. “Natural history has always been fascinating to me,” says Tucker, citing his admiration for forerunners like Audubon and Lansdowne. An accomplished illustrator himself, Tucker created work for Hallmark, Disney and Coca-Cola before turning his talents toward fine art. 
Mejo Okon, Branding Day, oil, 12 x 24”
Steven Lang, Portrait of a Lakota, oil on canvas, 24 x 18”
Former American Women Artists board member Paula Holtzclaw will be showing at the Bosque this year as well. Whether you live in the South, as the artist does, or simply hold a love for the agrarian way of life, Holtzclaw’s tonalist inspired landscapes feel like home. “I’m trying to create something that’s restful, peaceful,” she says, “not only to the eye, but to the soul.” Luminous, atmospheric works like Summer Graze convey a faded memory or an intrinsic sense of place as much as any specific location.
Around 100 miles from Dallas, Bosque County is known for its promotion of the arts and brings together artists from across the country, Richards tells us. “So even though this is a small town—Clifton is only 3,200 people—the Bosque Art Center has quite a reputation,” she says, noting that artists like Lloyd Voges relocated to the area to be part of its supportive community. “We’re proud that Lloyd, one of our locals, made it into the Bosque Art Classic this year,” says Richards. The 2022 lineup also includes Mejo Okon, Matt Atkinson, Patricia Rohrbacher and Marlin Rotach, among others. 
Paula Holtzclaw, Evening Graze, oil on linen panel, 16 x 20”Collectors who attend the show’s ticketed dinner and opening reception September 10 will have first access to purchase works. Thereafter, the exhibition will be free to the public, and remaining artwork will be available to purchase online September 12 through September 24. —
Bosque Art Classic
September 10-24, 2022
Bosque Arts Center, 215 S. College Hill Drive, Clifton, TX 76634
(254) 675-3724, www.bosqueartscenter.org
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