From Charles M. Russell to Barbara Meikle and beyond, summer 2023 is looking pretty good for art lovers. Get out of the heat with these summer art events and galleries.
Want to beat the heat this summer? Step into a gallery or art show to experience the best of Western and Indigenous culture.
Through September 2
Billy Schenck: Mystic Visions of the West
This exhibition features 65 works by Billy Schenck, one of the pioneers of the contemporary art movement of the 1960s. Schenck, along with Fritz Scholder and Luis Jimenez, presented a conceptual and aesthetic counterpoint to the traditionalism provided by groups such as the Cowboy Artists of America. Museum of Western Art, Kerrville, Texas, 830.896.2553, museumofwesternart.com.
Billy Schenck, The Legend of Gregorio Cortez, 2019, oil, 28" x 22"
Through September 4
With the Grain
Focusing on the story of wood carving in Northern New Mexico and the deep-rooted relationship wood carvers have with the materials they use for their art, this exhibition explores the work of modern and contemporary Hispanic carvers in Northern New Mexico. New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe, 505.476.5072, nmartmuseum.org.
Patrocinio Barela, Carreta de la Muerte, 1953, carved wood and leather, 16.25” x 31.25” x 16.25”, National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum Permanent Collection, 2006.1.56 a-f. Anonymous gift in honor of Virginia and Edward Lujan. Photo credit: Addison Doty
Through September 10
Nexo Entre Raíces / Nexus Between Roots
Featuring prints from artists with Mexican roots working in both Mexico and the U.S., this printmaking exhibition comprises a total of 64 prints, 33 artworks exchanged for a print portfolio between the participating artists, as well as additional pieces contextualizing the artists’ work. The artworks traverse themes—including culture, tradition, identity, and place—that connect those with Mexican roots across borders. National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, nhccnm.org.
Juan de Dios Mora, Canícula, 2022, linograbado/linecut, 15” x 22”. Photo courtesy of Marco Sánchez
Through September 17
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the Pearlman Collection
Some 30 works by Cézanne, Manet, Degas, Gauguin, van Gogh, Pissarro, Toulouse-Lautrec, Modigliani, and others are explored within the context of the artists’ experience of transience. The exhibition also examines the friendships they developed in Paris, as well as the varied locations and sites that shaped their work. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 713.639.7300, mfah.org.
Vincent van Gogh, Tarascon Stagecoach, 1888, oil on canvas, the Henry and Rose Pearlman Foundation, on loan to the Princeton University Art Museum. Photo credit: Bruce M. White
Through September 24
Desert Rider: Dreaming in Motion
Artworks exploring lowrider and skateboard culture in Denver and across the American Southwest comprise this exhibition that delves into the diverse ways artists who self-identify as Indigenous and Latinx express identity, pride, and sense of community by transforming vehicles associated with the American West. Denver Art Museum, Denver, 720.865.5000, denverartmuseum.org.
Cara Romero (Chemehuevi), Liquid Sunshine (Sol Liquid), 2021, digital chromogenic print, 24” x 32”. Courtesy of Cara Romero © Cara Romero
Through September 24
Hold Your Horses! Exhibit and Sale
Celebrating the horse’s interaction with cowboys through ranch life and showmanship, this annual event features artists known specifically for their exceptional equine art. Participating artists this year include Shawn Cameron, Barbara Meikle, Scott Ewen, and Gary Byrd. Phippen Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.778.1385, phippenartmuseum.org.
Barbara Meikle, I’ve Got Your Back, oil on canvas, 24” x 36”. Courtesy of the artist.
August 10 – 13
Objects of Art & American Indian/Tribal Santa Fe
These shows offer an extensive collection of historic and contemporary material that includes unique objects, fashion and jewelry, furniture, works on paper and canvas, as well as classics in tribal, folk, and American Indian art. El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, objectsofartshows.com.
August 11–13
Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival
This juried outdoor fine arts and crafts show features a wide range of original artwork as well as live music, food trucks, a picnic area, and kids’ activity area. Atkinson Park, Ketchum, Idaho, 208.720.5095, sunvalleyartsandcraftsfestival.com.
August 12 – 14
Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show
The “one show with endless treasures” kicks off August 11 with an opening night preview of Native American and ethnographic arts and jewelry. Items include devotional pieces, furniture, rugs, baskets, pottery, textiles, paintings, and more. Santa Fe Community Convention Center, Santa Fe, 805.340.0384, objectsofartshows.com.
August 11 – 13
Sculpture in the Park
The country’s largest outdoor juried sculpture show gets underway with a ticketed Friday night preview of the 2,000 artworks by 162 sculptors (including 27 new to the show). Proceeds go toward the purchase of sculpture for the garden. Currently 178 permanent pieces grace the grounds. Benson Sculpture Park, Loveland, Colorado, 970.663.2940, sculptureinthepark.org.
August 12 – October 14
America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale
The 2023 show and sale comprises artworks depicting the American Quarter Horse lifestyle. Art goes on sale (in person or by phone or proxy bid) directly following an opening reception with the artists August 12 and is available for purchase through October 14. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, Amarillo, Texas, 806.376.5181, aqha.com/artshow.
August 16 – 19
The Russell
Inspired by the artist and storyteller Charlie Russell, the C.M. Russell Museum’s fundraising events include a summer sale, art preview party, the First Strike Thursday Night auction, as well as an Art in Action/The Russell Live Auction combined event on Friday and more. Various venues, Great Falls, Montana, 406.727.1939, cmrussell.org.
August 17–19
Wheelwright Indian Market Events
The museum’s annual benefit event (August 17–18)—featuring donated and consigned Native art including jewelry, pottery, textiles, kachinas, folk art, and more—kicks off with a ticketed affair August 16. A Native artist market August 18–19 includes artists Cippy Crazyhorse, Waddie Crazyhorse, Benjamin Harjo Jr., Yazzie Johnson and Gail Bird, Raynard Lalo, Shanna Peterson, Christopher Yazzie, and others. Wheelwright Museum, Santa Fe, 505.982.4636, wheelwright.org.
September 6 – 17
Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival
Over 50 art events make up the cultural extravaganza Celebrating Arts in the Tetons, Jackson Hole’s fall arts festival. Attractions include the Western Design Conference exhibit and sale, a quick-draw auction, food and wine tastings, gallery open houses, artist receptions, sales, and live art auctions. Various venues, Jackson, Wyoming, 307.733.3316, jacksonholechamber.com/events.
September 8 – 10
Quest for the West Art Show & Sale
This premier art event known for its festive atmosphere features newly created paintings and sculptures by 50 of today’s leading Western artists. Among the opening weekend events are a miniature art sale and fixed-price, luck-of-the-draw main sale (absentee bids accepted). The show opens to the public September 10, and all art will remain on view through October 8. Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, 317.636.9378, quest.eiteljorg.org.
Brad Teare (American, b. 1956), Majesty of Morning Light, 2023, oil on canvas, 42” x 42”. Image courtesy of the artist and the Eiteljorg Museum
September 9 – 16
Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
Artists capture the beauty of the canyon “en plein air” along the South Rim, September 9–16; these artworks will hang in the historic Kolb Studio for an exhibition and sale, September 17, 2023–January 16, 2024. A quick draw with on-site purchases takes place September 15. Various locations, Grand Canyon NP, Arizona, 480.277.0458, grandcanyon.org.
September 9 – 23
Bosque Art Classic
Drawings, paintings, and sculptures are among the 175–200 juried artworks featured in this year’s exhibition and sale opening to the public September 10. An awards ceremony is scheduled for September 9; the online sale opens September 11. All art remains on view through the end of the show. Bosque Arts Center, Clifton, Texas, 254.675.3724, bosqueartscenter.org.
Matt Atkinson; Sunka Wakan; 2022; graphite on Bristol Board; 20” x 24”; Silver Medal Drawing Winner, 2022 Bosque Art Classic. Photo courtesy of the artist
September 14 – 16
Trappings of Texas
This annual exhibition and sale of contemporary Western art and custom cowboy gear celebrates this year with 40-plus artists. Ticketed opening weekend activities include artist demonstrations, a preview party, opening reception, exhibit, sale, breakfast at the museum, and Ranch Roundup party. The exhibition remains up through November 4. Museum of the Big Bend, Alpine, Texas, 432.837.8143, museumofthebigbend.com.
September 14–17
Reno Tahoe International Art Show
Just two years old, this event has already made a name for itself with art from more than 200 independent artists and 60 galleries, a First Nation exhibition with 30-plus artists, the country’s largest indoor/outdoor sculpture exhibition, live music performances, short film screenings, and more. Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, rtiashow.com.
September 14 – October 1
Western Visions Art Show + Sale
Artworks by more than 170 contemporary wildlife artists come up for live auction and an intent-to-purchase sale at this year’s annual fundraiser. The exhibit opens September 9. Attend the signature event September 14 in person, online, or by proxy. Unsold works remain available September 15 – October 1; all art stays on display through October 1. National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, Wyoming, 307.733.5771, wildlifeartevents.org.
September 15–24
Escalante Canyons Art Festival
In the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, this festival celebrates Utah’s canyon country with plein air competitions, art exhibits and sales, workshops, an arts and crafts fair, live music, guided walks, and more. Various locations, Escalante, Utah, 435.616.1075, escalantecanyonsartfestival.org.
September 16
Jackson Hole Art Auction
The signature event of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, the auction offers quality art by renowned past masters as well as contemporary artists. This year’s artists include Bob Kuhn, Howard Terpning, Carl Rungius, Conrad Schwiering, and Carl Brenders. Center for the Arts, Jackson, Wyoming, 866.549.9278, jacksonholeartauction.com.
September 16 – 17
Prescott Indian Art Market
This juried Indian art market features traditional and contemporary artwork from artists representing many tribes and pueblos. You’ll find wood and stone carvings, pottery, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, baskets, blankets, clothing, and jewelry as well as Native musicians, dancers, and storytellers. Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.445.3122, sharlothallmuseum.org/piam.
This article appears in our August/September 2023 issue, available on newsstands now or through our C&I Shop.
Lead Image: Charles M. Russell; Assiniboine War Party; 1902; watercolor and ink; 9” x 13”.