Long a favorite for California art fans, SLOPOKE Art of the West Exhibition & Salereturns October 31 in San Luis Obispo, California. This year’s show will take place in a unique setting in the Historic Octagon Barn, one of only 60 surviving barns in that shape and style. This year’s show will also celebrate 15 years of bringing Western art to collectors.
Frank Eber, After the Ride, oil on canvas, 16 x 20 in.
Although the show is rooted in the historic West, organizers encouraged the roughly 30 juried artists to explore the modern-day West in this year’s exhibition. “We have urged artists to begin thinking about and painting the American West of today—some of it may look much like that of yesterday—but much of it is quite different yet still reflecting what makes the American West the West,” says Tom Burgher. “It is a challenging mission because many artists seek to create a pretty Western picture. Painting the traditional Western subjects in the traditional styles doesn’t really inform future generations what the American West was like in the 20th and 21st centuries.”
Steven Crawley, Trail Blazers, acrylic on canvas, 18 x 24 in.
More than 300 artworks will be offered at the exhibition, including works by featured artist and awards jurist Derek Harrison.
Events kick off on October 31 with an early public opening at 2 p.m. (early in the day to accommodate Halloween events unrelated to SLOPOKE). For those who are using the show opening as their Halloween party, the reception and awards ceremony will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The show will remain on view on November 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on November 2 from noon until 6 p.m. Works will be for sale during all three days. —
SLOPOKE 2025
October 31-November 2, 2025
Historic Octagon Barn
4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 570-8088, www.the-slopoke.com
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