September kicks off a cool fall full of excellent opportunities to enjoy fine art.
Through October 17
¡Viva Mexico! | Find Your North
Using images, artifacts, maps, and stories to share the influence that people “south of the border” had on cowboy and Western culture, these two exhibits celebrate the diversity of the West, spotlighting Mexican and northward migration, appropriately during the bicentennial year of Mexican Independence from Spain in 1821. ¡Viva Mexico! shows how hombres a caballo (horsemen) affected key historical events like Mexican Independence, the Texas Revolution, Mexican War, and the Mexican Revolution. Focusing on Hispanic experiences and influence on the borderlands, Find Your North showcases how Mexican culture, faith, food, and trade contributed to and continue to shape the America we know today. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, 405.478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org
Through December 31
Shonto Begay: Eyes of the World
Furthering the viewer’s understanding of art as an activity that creates objects of healing, beauty, and peace in a troubled world, this exhibition features the work of Navajo neo-impressionist artist Shonto Begay, poetically complementing individual artworks with in-depth storytelling and reflections on life. Autobiographical in nature, Begay’s paintings narrate his connection to the Navajo landscape, personal histories, and cosmology. On view are about 40 paintings, a painted chair, two painted denim jackets, plus a video about Begay’s home community of Shonto. Wheelwright Museum, Santa Fe, 505.982.4636, wheelwright.org
Shonto Begay (Navajo), Rhythms from the Edge of the Rez, 2000, acrylic on canvas, 40” x 44", Photo credit: courtesy of Medicine Man Gallery
Through June 4, 2022
Bring the Bosins Home: The Journey Continues
An exhibition honoring the life and artwork of nationally recognized Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin, who would have turned 100 this year, hangs in the museum he helped found not far from his 44-foot steel Keeper of the Plains sculpture that sits on confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers. It features 66 original paintings and drawings by the artist, including two that have been acquired since the show opened June 5. Among the works on view are Bosin’s 1957 painting Torches of the Soul Seekers along with its accompanying poem and Reflections of Rainy Mountain, the artist’s last painting, which was donated to the museum on June 16. Mid-America All-Indian Museum, Wichita, Kansas, 316.350.3340, theindiancenter.org
Through October 16
We Are the Seeds: A Group Exhibition of Indigenous Arts
Now in its fifth year, We Are the Seeds is an arts festival that unites a community of Indigenous creatives in Santa Fe each August. While the festival has been postponed until 2022 due to the pandemic, this year it takes the form of an exhibition and a “dimensional biography,” created by its co-directors, of the project’s inception and growth using stories of artists who’ve contributed along the way. The group exhibition features more than two dozen Native artists whose work includes traditional beading, steel and textile practices, contemporary painting, and wearable art. Among the participating artists are Loren Aragon (ACONAV), Robert Martinez, Peggy Fontenot, Tchin, Rykelle Kemp, and Jeff Suina. An opening reception takes place August 13 with musical performances by Zachariah Julian and Jennifer Perez. Form & Concept, Railyard Arts District, Santa Fe, 505.780.8310, formandconcept.center
Peggy Fontenot, Self-Assimilation Sampler, 2020, beaded loom work, 16" x 20"
Through October 16
America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale
This year more than 40 artists working in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, charcoal, bronze, and other mediums present 100-plus artworks depicting the American Quarter Horse lifestyle. Meet 2021 Signature Artist Kathryn Leitner and other artists at an opening reception August 14. Bid online August 10 – 14; art goes on sale for posted price directly following the online auction on the 14th and continues through October 16. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, Amarillo, Texas, 806.376.5181, aqha.org/artshow
September 4 – 6
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Consistently ranked among the top arts festivals nationwide, the Cherry Creek festivities begin this year with a ticketed 30th Anniversary Kickoff event on September 2, featuring a pop-up preview of select artists from the juried festival, live entertainment, and hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The 2021 event features artworks by 220 national and international artists, 16 performing artists, Creation Station with children’s activities, food, and interactive art experiences. Festival Nights on September 4 and 5 feature musical guests. Creekside at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Denver, 303.355.2787, cherrycreekartsfestival.org
September 4 – January 2022
Selena Forever/Siempre Selena
Fresh off its run at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, this photographic tribute to Selena Quintanilla comprises images by John Dyer, who photographed the iconic ’90s singer on assignments for the cover of Más Magazine in 1992 and for Texas Monthly in 1995, only months before she was tragically murdered at age 23. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 479.418.5700, crystalbridges.org
September 8 – 19
Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival
Dozens of events make up this action-packed cultural extravaganza now celebrating its 37th year. Attractions include the Western Design Conference exhibit and sale, food, wine tasting, and art in every conceivable form: gallery open houses, quick draw, paint-outs, sales, and live art auctions. Various venues, Jackson, Wyoming, 307.733.3316, jacksonholechamber.com/events
September 10 – October 3
Western Visions Art Show + Sale
Artworks by more than 140 contemporary wildlife artists go on display in the museum’s largest and longest-running annual fundraiser beginning September 10. An evening sale is scheduled for September 16. New in 2021, patrons may attend the evening sale either in person or online. Unsold works remain available September 17 – October 3, and all art stays on view through October 3. National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, Wyoming, 307.733.5771, wildlifeartevents.org
September 10 – October 10
Quest for the West
One of the top Western art shows in the country, Quest for the West exhibition and sale returns with its familiar in-person format and a special guest — Academy Award-winning actor Wes Studi (Cherokee). The show features newly created paintings and sculptures by 51 of today’s top Western artists. Opening-weekend events include a miniature art sale on September 10; the main sale, in which artworks are offered in an on-site, fixed-price, luck-of-the-draw sale (absentee bids accepted) on September 11; and presentations both days by Wes Studi for preregistered guests. (All opening-weekend events require tickets.) The show opens to the public on September 12; art will remain on view through October 10. Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, 317.636.9378, quest.eiteljorg.org
Mark Kelso, Snow Angels, 2021, oil on panel, 30" x 48"
September 11 – November 28
Birds in Art
The 46th annual exhibition features more than 100 original avian-themed paintings, sculptures, and graphics completed in the last three years by 113 artists from around the world. Since 1976, the museum has organized the event annually, seeking to present the best contemporary artistic interpretations of avian themes. Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, Wisconsin, 715.845.7010, lywam.org
September 11 – January 17, 2022
Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
For one week 25 artists paint “en plein air,” capturing the beauty and majesty of the Grand Canyon outside on location. Beginning September 19, the artworks produced during the week, plus studio-produced pieces by these artists, will hang in the historic Kolb Studio for a four-month exhibition and sale through January 17, 2022. An artist paint-out will occur September 17 at the South Rim with paintings available for sale immediately. Paintings not sold will be included in the exhibition and sale in the Kolb Studio. Various locations, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, 480.277.0458, grandcanyon.org/coa
September 12 – 25
Bosque Art Classic
Representational drawings, paintings, and sculptures — many with a Western flair — are among the 150 – 230 juried artworks from roughly 120 artists featured in this year’s exhibition and sale that opens to the public September 12. An opening ceremony is scheduled for September 11; the online sale opens September 13. All art remains on view through end of show. Bosque Arts Center, Clifton, Texas, 254.675.3724, bosqueartscenter.org
Matt Atkinson; Give No Ground; graphite, sepia, watercolor; 12” x 24”; 2020 Art Patrons Purchase Award winner
September 14 – 18
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale
After last year’s challenges, the event is “back in the saddle” with a more vigorous in-person presence while maintaining virtual capabilities for those who prefer. Auction items are on view August 19 – September 17 at the Buffalo Bill Center and online. The fine-art sale takes place in a party tent on the grounds and presents a wide range of original stylistic impressions of the West by 108 artists in a spirited Friday evening auction to registered patrons in-person or virtually. Absentee and phone bids are accepted. The following morning, 30 painters and sculptors participate in a quick draw in the party tent and Robbie Powwow Garden. Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, Wyoming, 307.587.5002, buffalobillartshow.com
September 17 – 18
Jackson Hole Art Auction
The signature event of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, this auction offers quality wildlife, sporting, figurative, landscape, and Western art by renowned masters, past and present. This year’s artists include John Clymer, Howard Terpning, G. Harvey, Carl Rungius, Bob Kuhn, Melvin Warren, William R. Leigh, and Charlie Dye. Center for the Arts, Jackson, Wyoming, 866.549.9278, jacksonholeartauction.com
John Clymer, Buffalo Hunt, oil on canvas, 20" x 30"
September 17 – 18
The Paseo Outdoor Art Festival
Projection art, large-scale installations, and performance art by upwards of 30 artists take over the entire historic district of Taos for this two-day affair. Visitors are invited to participate in the fun with interactive artworks such as Face Forward, a 12-foot-tall robotic sculpture of a human face by featured artist Christian Ristow. Made primarily of aluminum strips, the sculpture’s moving parts are controlled by 12 separate joysticks, which onlookers must work together in order to create recognizable facial expressions. Various venues, Taos, New Mexico, 575.425.0321, paseoproject.org
September 17 – 18
Trappings of Texas
This annual exhibition and sale of contemporary Western art and custom cowboy gear — spurs, riatas, quirts, hobbles, custom-made knives, headstalls, mecates, and reins — celebrates this year with 40 artists. Ticketed opening-weekend activities include a preview party September 16, followed on September 17 by artist demonstrations, an opening reception, exhibit, sale, and dance in partnership with Family Crisis Center. Events wind down on Saturday with a hearty breakfast at Big Bend Saddlery, artist demonstrations, and announcement of lucky sale buyers. The exhibition remains on view through November 7. Museum of the Big Bend, Alpine, Texas, 432.837.8143, museumofthebigbend.com
September 17 – 25
Escalante Canyons Art Festival
After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival returns with plein air competitions, art exhibits and sales, workshops, demonstrations, an arts and crafts fair, live music, guided walks, and more. To ensure the safety of artists and guests, all events will take place outdoors. Various locations, Escalante, Utah, 435.616.1075, escalantecanyonsartfestival.org
September 18 – 19
Prescott Indian Art Market
Directed by a council of seven Native artists, this juried Indian art market features traditional and contemporary artwork from about 110 artists representing more than 30 tribes and pueblos. You’ll find original pieces ranging from carvings and pottery to paintings, clothing, jewelry, and more, as well as Native musicians, dancers, and storytellers. This year’s featured artist is wood carver Alex Maldonado (Pascua Yaqui), who makes flutes, Native drums, and Yaqui masks. Preview art on museum’s website. Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.445.3122, sharlothallmuseum.org/piam
September 24 – 26
Plaza Art Fair
Now in its 90th year, this three-day celebration of juried art, food, music, and culture is back with paintings, drawings, pastels, printmaking, photography, digital, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass, mixed media, fiber, metalwork, and wood. More than 200 participating artists include this year’s Featured Artist Deana Goldsmith, whose framed avian and nature pastels have garnered her numerous awards. Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri, 816.960.6216, plazaartfair.com
Deana Goldsmith, Plaza Bluebird, pastel drawing, 16” x 20”, 2020–2021 Featured Artist promotional poster
September 24, 2021 – January 24, 2022
Werner Segarra: Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo: Photography of the Contemporary Northern Mexican Cowboy
Take an intimate look into the world of the northern Mexican vaquero, the birthplace of the modern cowboy through nearly 60 images taken over a period of 20 years by celebrated photographer Werner Segarra. Vaqueros were photographed in an architectural portrait style, purposefully situated in their own authentic context. The images capture realistic moments with the subjects surrounded by the tools of their trade and the realities of their existence — family, religion, tradition, culture, work, and animals — reflecting a legacy that reaches back over generations. Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio, 210.299.4499, briscoemuseum.org
October 1 – 2
Traditional Cowboy Arts (TCAA) Exhibition & Sale
See the best in saddle making, bit and spur making, silversmithing, and rawhide braiding when these master craftsmen strut their artistry in their annual show and sale. The 22nd annual exhibition showcases 60 to 65 one-of-a-kind, handcrafted collaborative and individual works by 12 active and possibly two emeritus TCAA members exemplifying the finest skills found in the traditional cowboy arts. All items remain on view through January 2, 2022. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, 405.478.2250, tccowboyarts.org, nationalcowboysmuseum.org
October 2 – February 6, 2022
The River Flows: Watercolors of the American West
This exhibition and sale features artwork by contemporary watercolor artists including Marlin Rotach and Don Weller, who have a new publication of the same title accompanying the exhibit. Other artists represented are Morten Solberg, Tom Perkinson, Ian Ramsay, William Matthews, Roland Lee, Jim House, Nelson Boren, John Fawcett, Dean Mitchell, Kathy Sigle, Teal Blake CA, and Joseph Alleman. Meet the artists at an opening-night reception on October 1. Phippen Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.778.1385, phippenartmuseum.org
Don Weller, Deep Canyons, watercolor, 20" x 27"
Photography: (Cover image) Matt Atkinson; Give No Ground; graphite, sepia, watercolor; 12” x 24”; 2020 Art Patrons Purchase Award winner