The Summer Stampede Western Art and Gear Show is a lively celebration highlighting the diversity of Western artistry from paintings, photographs and sculptures to hand-crafted cowboy gear.
Among the 30-plus featured artists are Bruce Greene, Emily McCartney, Herman Walker, Garland Weeks, Teal Blake, Billy Klapper.
Emily McCartney, Utah, photograph on canvas, 9 x 16 in.
“The artwork and gear displayed in the show capture the essence and tradition of ranching life,” explains National Ranching Heritage Center communications manager Adrian Hawkins. “Each art piece reflects the ranching way of life through depictions of cowboy culture, work on a ranch or ranch landscapes. In addition, the featured gear pieces including bits, spurs, quirts and custom knives are those that are traditionally used in ranching activities.
“To Texans and many others, the spirit and heritage of ranching represent a deep connection to the land, a sense of rugged individualism, and a tradition of hard work and perseverance,” Hawkins continues. “Ranching has been an integral part of Texas history and culture for centuries, shaping the state’s identity and contributing to its economy. It evokes images of wide-open spaces, horsemanship, cattle grazing on the plains, and the iconic cowboy way of life.”
Herman Walker, Lunch Break, oil on canvas, 12 x 16 in.
Several of the participating artists have a ranching background or family ties to ranching, including photographer Emily McCartney, who grew up on a multigenerational ranch and now honors the ranching way of life through her photographs. Her piece Utah, featured here, captures a lone horse and rider in action in a dim, dusty setting with cinematic appeal.
A wide variety of subject matter will be represented at Summer Stampede, as seen in Lunch Break, an oil by Herman Walker depicting two ranchers sitting in the grass refueling for the rest of the day’s work; Bev Pettit’s black-and-white photograph American Cowboy that zooms in on saddle and chaps, capturing the rich texture of leather, rope and mane; and Sarah Harless’ Morning Break Handshake,showing cowboy comaraderie under dawning skies.
Sarah Harless, Morning Break Handshake, oil on canvas, 36 x 24 in.
In true “Go Big or Go Home” Texas style, not only will attendees have the opportunity to purchase authentic Western pieces at a range of price points while rubbing elbows with many of the artists, the event features a steak dinner and dancing under the stars to a Western swing band.
The Summer Stampede Western Art and Gear Show takes place on Saturday, June 1, from 6 to 11 p.m. in Lubbock, Texas. After the show, the remaining art pieces will be available in the gallery and online at www.summerstampede.com, from 10 a.m. on June 2 through the end of the month.
The annual fundraiser benefits the National Ranching Heritage Center, so proceeds from ticket and art sales support the historical preservation and education initiatives of NRHC.
Bev Pettit, American Cowboy, metal photographic print, 16 x 20 in.
“Upholding the mission of the National Ranching Heritage Center is essential for preserving, promoting and celebrating the rich history and cultural significance of ranching in North America,” says Hawkins. “By doing so, the NRHC helps ensure that the legacy of ranching continues to be valued and understood for generations to come.” —
Summer Stampede Western Art and Gear Show
June 1, 2024
National Ranching Heritage Center
3121 Fourth Street, Lubbock, TX 79409
(806) 742-0498, www.summerstampede.com
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