The Cowgirl Artists of America (CGA) is an organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting women artists and makers working in Western subject matter through various exhibitions, educational programs and partnerships. The CGA aims to cultivate a supportive community that encourages and elevates cowgirl artists and Indigenous artists across the country.
Kim Trickey, She's a Hand, graphite, 14 x 14 in.
And this year is a big year for the CGA. The landmark exhibition, Cowgirl Artists of America: Women’s Work, is being held at the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art in Trinidad, Colorado, beginning August 2. A brand new show, the exhibition shines a spotlight on the diverse and influential roles played by women in the world of Western art. Among the artists whose work will be featured in the show are Kari McCluey, Morgan Buckert, Chessney Sevier, Renee Gould, Beverly (Bear King) Moran, Leslie Lambert, Traci Rabbit and Peggy Judy, to name a few.
Kim Trickey’s graphite drawing She’s a Hand, part of the forthcoming show, depicts a woman on horseback surrounded by cattle. “This is my daughter, Trinity, roping the calves for us at a branding. She is the best help on the ranch in most things, especially horseback. I think she epitomizes the message behind ‘Women’s Work,’” says Trickey. The artist grew up on a ranch and knows the lifestyle intimately. “My vision in my art is to illustrate the beauty and strength of the Western woman—these pioneers in spirit and vision. I hope to celebrate the toughness, the tenderness and the passion with which they do their jobs. I hope to illustrate the everyday chores and challenges of women working on ranches today—the beautiful connection between woman and horse, [and] the compassion and devotion they share for their work with animals, husbands, friends and family.”
Mary Leslie, X’s and O’s, oil on canvas, 40 x 30 in
In Mary Leslie’s oil painting X’s and O’s, a cowgirl holds a lasso in her hand with a look of stark determination set on her face. “I was following the wranglers around at Music Meadows Ranch in Westcliffe, Colorado, as they were moving horses and cattle just after sun up,” the artist says of the piece. “The intensity in this rider’s face was just so captivating, it was not hard to choose my reference for this painting. The title has a bit of a double meaning as it’s the design on her hat, but also across the top of her pocket was embroidered ‘Jeremy and Ashtyn Forever,’ which gave me an ‘aww’ moment. So kisses and hugs came to mind.”
An opening reception for the Cowgirl Artists of America: Women’s Work exhibition will be held on Friday, August 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. Artwork in the show hangs through September 28. In conjunction with the Women’s Work show, a special artist lecture with Megan Wimberly and Morgan Buckert takes place Thursday, August 1, both virtually and at Trinidad State College’s Boyd Building. —
Cowgirl Artists of America: Women’s Work
A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art
150 E. Main Street Trinidad, CO 81082
(719) 846-4224
www.armitchellmuseum.com
www.cowgirlartistsofamerica.org
Powered by Froala Editor
