In celebration of Western traditions living on through new artistic interpretations, comes another compelling edition of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show and Salehosted at the CFD Old West Museum in Cheyenne, Wyoming. “Whether our artists are from the West or fell in love with it later in life, each piece is a new interpretation of that original Western dream,” says Amanda Marshall, the art show and events coordinator.
Jack Olson, It’s Ok, It’s Only Water, oil on canvas, 16 x 20 in.
The 2024 show boasts a total of 180 pieces by 51 artists that showcase varying styles, Western subject matter and mediums ranging from oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, to bronze sculpture and colored pencil. Marshall adds that five new artists have joined this year’s repertoire of exceptional artists— “an unusually high number for us,” she says. This list includes Daniel Hachard, Scott Hayes, John Keeling, Jack Olson and Linda Renaud, to name just a few.
Olson features his sentimental piece, It’s Ok, It’s Only Water,inspired by a friend’s roping mare that had given birth a few days earlier, and the foal was leery of the water. “Momma introduced him to water, so he wouldn’t be afraid,” says Olson. The artist was only 15 years old when his family moved from Chicago to Colorado, where he discovered the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and its surroundings. His love for the mountains, aspen trees, wildlife and the Western lifestyle is quite evident in his paintings.
Marlin Rotach, Tried & Tooled, watercolor and ink, 24 x 24 in.
Returning artist Marlin Rotach, with 2024 marking his 14th consecutive year, presents a watercolor and ink painting titled Tried and Tooled. The subject matter of the piece shows off the artist’s talents and passion in depicting horse tack in a highly realistic manner.
“The subject has fascinated me for 60-plus years,” Rotach elaborates. “I remember accompanying my father to the only Western store in my hometown and upon entry, being overwhelmed both by the smell of new leather and the twang of early ’60s country radio. While my father avidly talked horse training with the store’s owner, I was mesmerized by the beauty surrounding me. I would run my eyes and hands across the lovely artistic curves of the saddle’s structure…The creativity displayed seemed infinite and yet specific to each artisan. In addition to the saddles were wonderful bridles, bits, breastplates, saddle pads and blankets. An amazing world of colors, materials and textures. I found it inspirational then, but perhaps even more so today.”
Tom Lockhart, Grazing Peacefully at Sunset, oil, 18 x 24 in.
Another important component to the event is the museum purchase award, chosen by museum donors who select one piece from the show to be purchased for the museum’s permanent collection. “I have been honored to win this award twice,” says Rotach.
Part of the opening reception on Thursday, July 18, at 3 p.m., is the ticket holder preview. “There will be a cocktail hour at the governor’s mansion before sales begin at the museum,” says Marshall. “All event ticketholders are invited to this special cocktail hour and transportation is provided from the museum. [At 6 p.m. is] the exhibit and Jump-the-Gun sales, [where] patrons can immediately purchase artwork at a premium price.” Regular sales begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Western-style dinner. Please visit the event website for ticket information.
Cindy Long, Come Rain or Come Shine, graphite, 17½ x 11½ in.
The show is open to the public beginning Friday, July 19, through August 11 at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. —
Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show and Sale
July 19-August 11, 2024
Opening Reception: July 18, 3-9 p.m.
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
4610 Carey Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 778-7290, www.cfdartshow.com
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