The man, who had a dream of a "roundup of artists"; the foundation idea, which would lead to the formation of the Cowboy Artists of America organization, was George Phippen.
The name "Cowboy Artists of America" was chosen on June 23, 1965 by Hampton, Dye, Beeler, Phippen, and Robert MacLeod, during their meeting to organize the group, at the Bird's Oak Creek Tavern in Sedona, Arizona.
John Hampton talked to Dean Krakel, Director of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame about a CAA exhibition; and that is where the first annual show was held in 1966. At the time CAA had fourteen Active Members, twenty-two Associate Members (one was a woman - Sandra Steele) and seven Honorary Members.
In 1967, the second CAA exhibition runs from May through September; and the first artist "gathering" which would become the annual CAA Trail Ride, took place in Jackson, Wyoming.
In 1968 the Associate Member status is dropped and the member dues went from $25 to $35.
In 1969 the Trail Ride Belt Buckle was introduced, to be worn by CAA members who have been on a CAA Trail Ride.
CAA filed for trademark registration of their logo in 1970.
Ed McGwire became the first CAA Business Manager in 1971; the same year the organization took over the publication of the post-exhibition catalog. That same year the CAA wives get together for the first time for their own activities during the CAA Trail Ride; and a doctor joins the CAA Trail Ride. Both would set precedents for the future.
In 1972 it was decided that a three-fourths majority of Active Members would be required for approval of each new member, including Honorary Members; and sales at the last CAA show held at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame total about $150,000.
Thelma Kieckhefer arranges for the annual show to be held at the Phoenix Art Museum in 1973; sponsored by Western Art Associates (WAA) and the Men's Arts Council (MAC). Members exhibited 134 works of art and sales went over $276,000. Emeritus Membership is approved and dues were raised to $200.
In 1975, then CAA President Fred Fellows puts together the first pre-show catalog. CAA bylaws are changed so a non-artist can serve as Secretary-Treasurer.
The "Intent to Purchase Slip" with check attached is used to show interest in a work of art at the annual CAA exhibition in 1978. Over 2,000 people went through the autograph line. That same year the CAA publishes its own show catalog.
In 1979 the first CAA show poster, which featured a Snidow painting, was introduced. Colt Industries and CAA join to create a special edition, boxed Colt 45 revolver. Although the pieces are marked 1/250, only 70 guns were actually produced (numbers 1-69 and number 250).
1980 CAA celebrated its 15th anniversary, and total sales at the annual exhibition reached $1,488,000. From that point on, sales regularly exceeded $1 per show.
For the first time, 100 percent of payment was required at the time of purchase of each work of art at the annual CAA show in 1981, where total sales reached $1,750,000.
In 1982 CAA applied for trademark registration of "Cowboy Artists of America."
In 1984, due to the age of some of the CAA members, it is voted that active are no longer required to attend every trail ride. MAC Show Chairman, LeRoy Gainter, is invited on the CAA Trail Ride, setting a precedent for the future.
CAA published a cookbook containing members' artwork and recipes in 1986.
In 1987 Pat Haptonstall designs a new medal to be presented to all winning artists. The show catalog for that year was the first to be laser etched; and Desert Hawk Publishing produces the book Cowboy Artists of America.
Eric Bron became the first MAC President to attend the CAA Trail Ride in 1989. CAA medals are die-struck from Haptonstall's original design; and Frank McCarthy becomes the first member to be voted from Emeritus status back to Active Membership.
CAA celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1990. |
