Kicking off the summer season is the annual Summer Stampede Western Art and Gear Show, “offering guests an enchanting evening filled with exceptional artwork, lively Western swing music and the chance to mingle with talented artists,” says Jim Bret Campbell, executive director at the National Ranching Heritage Center, where the event is hosted.
T.D. Kelsey, Houlihan Houdini, bronze, 23 x 14 x 14 in.
Opening on June 6, attendees will find a mix of 100 fine art pieces and functional gear by approximately 35 artists. “We’ll have paintings, photography, sculpture, along with working cowboy gear and jewelry,” adds events manager Katy Rush. “There’s also a strong presence of traditional craftsmanship like leather working and silversmithing, which really adds depth to the show.”
Rush continues, “To me, Summer Stampede is really about storytelling—told through art rather than words. Every piece you see reflects the lifestyle, values and history of ranching in a way that feels authentic and personal. It’s not just an art show, it’s a way of keeping that heritage alive and relevant, while also inviting people to be a part of it and supporting the work we’re doing at the Ranch.”
Julie Oriet, Me and My Shadow, oil, 12 x 16 in.
Bronze sculpture artist T.D. Kelsey is very much an advocate for preserving the traditions and skills of the Old West. The artist has exhibited at Summer Stampede many times and shares that he truly enjoys being part of such a great event, especially connecting with others who appreciate Western art and support the community that keeps it thriving.
Kelsey will presents Houlihan Houdini,inspired by a specific and historic roping technique called the Houlihan loop. “I was interested in capturing not just the action itself, but the heritage behind it—the kind of moment that speaks to the roots of cowboy culture,” Kelsey says. “The piece focuses on precision, timing and tradition, while still conveying movement and life in the subject. For three full days, John Welch and I were on horseback studying the Houlihan loop, how it forms and how it behaves when executed correctly. The best cowboys understand exactly what a Houlihan loop is, but very few can perform it consistently without disturbing the herd or risking injury.”
JaNeil Anderson, Maverick No More, oil, 18 x 26 in.
Highlighting the diversity of Western artistry, the exhibition will feature works by other recognized artists and craftsmen including Bruce Greene, Emily McCartney Eiguren, Herman Walker, Garland Weeks, JaNeil Anderson, Brian Asher, Julie Oriet, Peter Robbins, June Dudley, Sarah Harless, Teal Blake, Wes Mastic, Mary Ross Buchholz, Wayne Baize, Troy Menix and many more.
Wes Mastic, Fall Flower Carved Purse, leather.
Festivities for the June 6 event, will run from 5:30 until 11 p.m. Attendees will be privy to a silent auction, a steak dinner from Las Brisas Southwestern Steakhouse and Western swing music by Jake Hooker & The Outsiders. Tickets are offered on the website, which will also offer unsold work starting on June 9. —
Summer Stampede Western Art and Gear Show
June 6, 2026
National Ranching Heritage Center at Texas Tech
3121 Fourth Street, Lubbock, TX 79409
(806) 742-0498
www.summerstampede.com
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