Bidding starts December 1 for the Young Guns event and December 18 for the main auction.
It’s the first virtual Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale in the history of the National Western Stock Show, and CEO and president Paul Andrews is thankful.
“The whole exhibit committee is thankful for the many supporters of great Western art and the scholarship fund that benefits from the sale,” Andrews says. “We’re grateful for your continued support of this important event as we all battle the global pandemic.”
The pandemic is, of course, the reason the beloved long-running show, which began in 1993, made the move online for 2021. The works of art remain stellar. Perusing them is tonic for the spirit.
“This has been a painful year for many people,” says Rebecca Schmeits, vice-chair of the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale Advisory Committee.
“Sacrifices have been made across the country to navigate the health and safety of our loved ones. With the postponement of the National Western Stock Show this year we have an even greater void. We need the Wild West, the bull riders, the cowboys, the rodeo queens, the brave horses and the cotton candy. The silver lining is that we still have our art. Through our exhibit and sale we can touch so many emotions and memories of our love of the West.”
The Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale is a contemporary Western show — all the artists are living and responding to current landscape, issues, themes and using both traditional and experimental mediums. “Our show and artists are unique for many reasons, but one of my favorites is their connection to the West and to their subject matter,” says curator Rose Fredrick. “I’m particularly excited about the women in the show; their work is strong, diverse in subject, and they are fearless when tackling new mediums and expressing their vision.”
Fredrick and administrator Krista Hanely went above and beyond to make the event an inspiring virtual experience, including orchestrating artist Zoom calls running throughout December and putting the entire show online in silent auction format, culminating in a virtual opening night set for January 5, the night that would have been their much-loved Red Carpet Reception.
“This year’s show is truly amazing,” Fredrick says. “These artists are responding to the times with a very Western spirit of resilience and hope.”
Browse the Coors Show Artwork
Fredrick selected all the artists for the curated show and worked with them to determine what pieces to include. This year’s show comprises approximately 350 artworks, all created within the last year specifically for the exhibit and sale. Prices range from $250 to $135,000. Find out about the artists and browse by artist.
Register to Bid for the Coors Show
Register here for the auction via Handbid.
Use the link to register to participate in the online auction on Handbid. Make sure you download the app to your phone to make it easier to check on your favorite pieces.
- December 18: Online auction opens via the Handbid platform.
- January 5, 2021, 8 p.m. MST: Bidding closes.
Registering will give you access to the closing event on January 5.
The sale continues — first come, first served — January 9 through January 24, 2021 on the website.
Young Guns Virtual Art Show
The Young Guns Art Show engages the next generation of art collectors aged 40 and under by recognizing emerging Western artists and, through the National Western Scholarship Trust, raising money for 100 youth pursuing degrees in agriculture, rural medicine, and veterinary medicine at institutions throughout Colorado and Wyoming.
Register here for the auction via Handbid.
- December 1: Young Guns online auction opens via the Handbid platform.
- December 10: Live, virtual reception at 6 p.m. MST for about 30 minutes. Event will stream on the Handbid app.
- December 10, 9 p.m. MST: Bidding closes.
Registering will give you access to the closing event on December 10.
More About the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale
The Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale is an annual event and gallery exhibition associated with the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Taking place each January, the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale has become one of the finest exhibitions of contemporary Western art in the United States, featuring an eclectic mix of styles and mediums, with established artists to unknown talent.
The Young Guns of the National Western Stock Show is a social group that promotes art, philanthropy, Western culture, and networking for young professionals. With an annual event in December, social events throughout the year, and a strong connection to the West, the Young Guns are proud to represent Colorado’s next generation of leaders.
Both the Coors Western Art Exhibit and the Young Guns support the National Western Scholarship Trust, providing 100 scholarships a year to Colorado and Wyoming college students studying agriculture, rural medicine, and veterinary sciences.
Header image: Flight by Diana Woods
