Honoring the traditional forms of ranch and cowboy life—with examples that include saddles, bit and spur making, as well silversmithing and rawhide braiding—is the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Exhibition & Sale. Hosted by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, this annual showcase celebrates its 25th anniversary this year by featuring 51 pieces by 21 artisans.
“This exhibition…provides the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association the opportunity to place before the world the most current and avant garde interpretations of traditional ranching and cowboy gear and tools, as well as applying traditional cowboy making methods to non-cowboy forms by the finest artists and craftspeople working in this realm,” says TCAA exhibition curator Michael R. Grauer.
Collector’s place bids at the 2023 event.
He continues to explain that traditional forms of ranch and cowboy life—saddles, spurs, bits, quirts, reins, headstalls, hackamores, ropes and more—are created using centuries-old methods like stamping, carving, braiding, plaiting and casting. “The highest aesthetic levels are [presented], with artists combining older styles with newer ways, as well as retro forms made new with TCAA artists’ unique approaches. There are also non-traditional forms created using traditional methods, such as briefcases, flasks, candle holders and even a rocking chair, in this year’s exhibition.”
Scott Hardy, Palm Flask, 14k yellow gold, sterling silver, with red, yellow and green 14k gold centers, 3½ x 1½ in.
Show attendees will find incredible examples like Beau Compton’s buckle titled The Stray. “This unique buckle has no hardline borders; instead, the filigree scrollwork helps contain the contents of this heavy-gauge silver buckle,” the artist shares. “The steer head and flowers are hand sculpted from yellow and rose gold, while the flopper on the back of the buckle bears the TCAA 25th anniversary logo in gold.”
Grauer explains that Beau Compton was born and raised in a rodeo and ranching family. “Though he was initially interested in bit and spur making, he started silverwork in 1997 after his father-in-law introduced him to Vic Vasquez, a saddlemaker, silversmith and bit-and-spur maker. In 2006, Compton started to pursue silverwork as a full-time business, and in 2015, he was awarded a TCAA fellowship, which, along with the TCAA Emerging Artists Competition, he credits for propelling his work to the level of TCAA membership.”
Compton says, “It is a blessing to raise my children, who are the sixth generation on the ranch, in this environment, and to perpetuate Western lifestyle and values.”
Beau Compton, The Stray, silver buckle with filigree scrollwork, and yellow and rose gold.
Another highlight to watch for is the impressive palm flask by Scott Hardy, featuring yellow-gold broncs (different on each side), along with a heavy sterling silver body, and scrolls and flowers framing red, yellow and green gold centers.
A fifth-generation stockman and Western silversmith for 43 years, Hardy is a founding member of the TCAA, “who adamantly believes in the organization’s mission to preserve, promote and perpetuate the North American cowboy culture,” says Grauer. “This [one-of-a-kind] flask is best accompanied with celebration and friendship, passing from generation to generation.”
Don’t miss out on additional beauties like the bit, titled Sonora, by Larry Lorang, made with fine silver inlay and a bold engraving; Mehl Lawson’s California-style hobbles, featuring natural-colored rawhide and an engraved silver center ring; and a set of four candle holders, each with steel, wood and rawhide components.
Larry Lorang, Sonora, silver inlay, engraving with soft, French grey finish.
The art sale weekend kicks off September 27 with a preview cocktail reception, followed by the live sale on Saturday, September 28, with an after-sale celebration dinner. All artworks will remain on exhibit and on sale through November 17. Please visit the museum website for additional details. —
Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Exhibition & Sale
September 27-November 17, 2024
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405) 478-2250, tcaa.nationalcowboymuseum.org
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