Every year the Young Guns Art Show provides a roadmap to the Western art world for emerging artists prior to the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale and the National Western Stock Show, both held every January.
This one-night show is geared toward promoting up-and-coming artists and putting them on the radar of more established collectors while also being attainable to newer art lovers. The experience cultivates a fun and supportive environment for artists and collectors at all stages in life by spotlighting new talent, their contribution to the art scene and transforming art dabblers into flourishing collectors.
Cora Sexton Wheeler, Starlight, mixed media with lightweight paste, acrylic and resin on canvas, 30 x 60”
“I hope that they’re willing to consider emerging artists as much as a part of the art world, or, you know, just as important and significant as some of our more established artists, because even though they’re new in their career, they have a lot to offer, and they have so much energy,” says Grace Weihs, the Western art coordinator for the National Western Stock Show.
Nicholas Ward, The Sound of Death in Things, oil on canvas, 27 x 50”
That energy can be felt in the work of artist Cora Sexton Wheeler, who is still in awe of being accepted. “I’ve applied for a few years and finally got in. So, I’m even more excited…I don’t know if I’m more excited or my mom,” says Wheeler, who specializes in paintings that have thick impasto, which creates a three-dimensional effect that immerses viewers into her world of the West. One of her new works is Starlight.
“I sculpted stars in it. And so, there are three-dimensional stars, but [without] a lot of color. But then the bison have the color,” she says of the work.
Debbie Carroll, Burnished, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30”
Many other emerging artists will be featured, including Debbie Carroll and Nicholas Ward. Carroll thinks what the Young Guns show is doing is “genius,” encouraging young collectors to buy art that will improve their quality of life while also expanding artists’ connections and exposure. Ward, who will be in his second year showing at the exhibition, is honored to be alongside such great talent in the field.
Every year Young Guns works with Coors Western Art Exhibit & Saleto give back to their communities beyond the canvas, supporting the National Western Scholarship Trust that aids students across Colorado and Wyoming, making this night more than just a must-see event. It is an outlet that inspires careers and forges long-lasting relationships, celebrating artists you’ll want to keep an eye on, proving that youth is not wasted on the young.
David Carmack Lewis, Atrium, oil on paper, 22½ x 15”
The Young Guns event, titled the Rhinestone Rodeo, takes place on December 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the National Western Complex and is followed by the annual Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale in January. —
Young Guns Art Show
December 7, 2023, 6-9 p.m.
National Western Complex, Expo Hall, Third Floor
4655 Humboldt Street, Denver, CO 80216
(303) 291-2567, www.coorswesternart.com
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