Thirty-seven years ago, a group of creative individuals from Alpine, Texas, were inspired by a cowboy poetry gathering held in Elko, Nevada, accompanied by a small show of cowboy gear and Western art. This experience helped establish a similar event known today as the Trappings of Texas, now celebrated every year in Alpine, and hosted at the Museum of the Big Bend.
Alice Leese, Outrunning the Storm, oil on panel, 12 x 24”
“Trappings of Texas showcases works by the men and women who know the cowboy lifestyle,” explains Mary Bones, director of the Museum of the big Bend. “Their work encompasses the ‘trappings’ or ‘gear’ that cowboys need on a day-to-day basis to do their work, as well as [artworks] that reflect the land and animals—both domesticated and wild that they encounter throughout the year.”
Bones notes that the gear includes items like bits, spurs, whips, mecates, knives and variety of leatherwork. Artworks on display include contemporary paintings in oil, acrylic, along with etchings and bronze sculpture. “Trappings of Texasis unique in that it’s one of the oldest shows in country that celebrates the entire cowboy way of life,” Bones remarks.
Sarah Harless, At Rest, bronze, 12 x 14 x 6”
The 2023 event, opening September 14 through 16, will feature around 45 pieces of art by 120 emerging and established artists. This year’s featured artist is the talented Alice Leese, who Bones feels “truly embodies what Trappings wishes to convey—a true cowboy artist.” Leese’s work will be seen alongside that of Mike Capron, Sarah Harless, J.T. Hudson, Tyler Krause, Wayne Baize, Teal Blake, Troy Menix, Sarah Tomsick and Gayle Bone, to name just a few.
“My work is about place—specific locations—[and is] regional to the Southwest United States, particularly the YT Ranch where I live and work,” Leese shares. “Coming from a background of ranching makes conservation and stewardship of place a priority. Impressions on the landscape made by natural phenomenon and man are recorded in paint, creating a record of the current environment as seen through the eyes of an artist. The land, occupants and uses for land change over regions and my landscape paintings are a record of the effects of weather conditions, droughts, rain and events like grass fires.”
The Emmett and Miriam McCoy Museum of the Big Bend building. Image by Rebekah Antrosio.
Besides the many sensational works of art for patrons to browse, there will be additional festivities, including the ticketed preview party held on Thursday, September 14, to kick off the weekend event. Attendees will be able to meet with artists and enjoy light appetizers and a cash bar. On Friday, September 15, there will be special presentations and demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by the ticketed opening reception, exhibit and sale from 6 to 9 p.m.
Closing out the weekend, on Saturday, September 16, are additional artist demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. held on the patio of the museum. Starting at 5 p.m., is the ticketed, annual Ranch Roundup Party held at Gage Gardens in Marathon, Texas. “[You’ll] enjoy a delicious meal, open bar, live music and auction all under the vast Big Bend [sky],” says Bones.
Attendees browse artworks at the 2022 Trappings of Texas.
She continues, “I hope that attendees who come to Trappings of Texas come away with a better appreciation of the cowboy lifestyle and those who live that life create beautiful works from their deep understanding of the place they call home.”
The exhibition will remain on display through November 4. Please head to the museum website for additional details and to purchase tickets. —
37th Trappings of Texas
September 14-16, 2023
Exhibition through November 4
Museum of the Big Bend —
Sul Ross State University
400 N. Harrison Street, C-101, Alpine, TX 79832
(432) 837-8730,
www.museumofthebigbend.com
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