This year marks a major milestone for the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas. April 23 marks exactly four decades since the museum, then called the Cowboy Artists of America Museum, opened its doors. To celebrate, an anniversary exhibition and event, 40 Years of Western Art,will showcase paintings and sculptures by approximately 75 artists who have made an impact on the field of Western art since the museum opening.
Bill Owen (1942-2013), No Place for a Gunsel, ca. 1983, oil, 28 x 38”Executive director Darrell Beauchamp explains that the exhibition will include “a fifty-fifty split between deceased and currently producing Western artists. Some of them are the old timers of Western art, like the older, deceased members of the Cowboy Artists of America, mixed in with current CA members and emerging artists.”
Some of the most significant Western artists of our time will present a mix of fresh, new works or pieces that are older, but have had the “strongest ties with the museum and who we felt were the most impactful in their contribution to the world of Western art,” says Beauchamp. Other works are pulled from the museum collection or on loan from generous collectors.
For example, we see CA member Roy Andersen’s In the Rainbow Teepee, from the museum’s collection. The painting shows a Native American figure riding on horseback among a wintery landscape. “The title refers to the entire sky and the nature he’s experiencing,” Beauchamp says, also calling attention to Andersen’s use of a color and glowing ambience. “[The subject] is enjoying this magical time of day—he’s in his own world. Nothing represents [the artist] better than this piece.”
Phil Epp, Passing By, oil, 30 x 40”
Also from the museum collection is the stunning painting No Place for a Gunsel, by CA member Bill Owen. “This is one of our most popular paintings in our permanent collection,” Beauchamp notes, “and it represents Owen so very well. It’s also one of those paintings cowboys can chuckle at.”
Beauchamp refers to the scene depicting the actions of a “gunsel” or an inexperienced cowboy. In the painting, the cowboy has roped a steer but he’s not seeing the nearby cliff that will likely contribute to a disaster. “An experienced cowboy would say, ‘this is no place for a rookie,’” Beauchamp adds.
John Moyers, Paper Flowers, ca. 1996, oil, 20 x 24”
Also contributing to the show is bronze sculptor Jason Scull, who will show Out Where the Wild Ones Run, a light-patinaed bronze of a spirited cowboy on horseback. “This sculpture conjures up images in my mind of wild cow hunters in the rough country of the greater Southwest, but, more specifically the brush country of South Texas,” the artist shares. “The spiraling force of descent, the brush wise horse, the crouching figure intent on his quarry are all elements that contribute to what I hope is the excitement off this sculpture.”
Jason Scull, Out Where the Wild Ones Run, bronze, ed. of 18, 25 x 27 x 19”
CA member Phil Epp, known for his paintings emphasizing the expansive Western landscape, will display Passing By.The work depicts a lone bull atop a rocky cliff, accompanied by a dramatic sky—for which Epp is also known. “Western visual icons and [these] dramatic skies are constant themes in my work,” he explains, also pulling inspiration from his home in Central Kansas.
Roy Andersen (1930-2019), In the Rainbow Teepee, ca.1997, oil, 30 x 40”
Beyond the excitement surrounding the exhibition, the museum also hosts a variety of special events kicking off the opening day on Saturday, April 22. The free festivities include Native American performances, trick ropers, music, chuckwagon cooking demos and museum tours. Following that, on April 23, to “commemorate the exact opening day,” says Beauchamp, “there will be afternoon roping and a cake and mimosas reception to toast the museum and honor our volunteers.”
Buck McCain, Invocation, oil, 53 x 48”
The many exhibition works will not be for purchase, but will remain on view for museum visitors through July 8. —40 Years of Western Art
April 22-July 8, 2023
Free Event Day, April 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Museum Grounds
Cake & Mimosa Reception, April 23, 1:30 p.m., Museum Grounds
Museum of Western Art
1550 Bandera Highway Kerrville, TX 78028
(830) 896-2553 www.museumofwesternart.com
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