Albin Veselka’s “Three’s Company” takes Best in Show; new Joe Beeler Alliance member organization secures $230,000 over five years for emerging Western artists
The 60th Annual Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition & Sale, held October 2-3 at The Legacy Building at National Western, celebrated the organization’s 60th anniversary with a sold-out dinner and more than $1 million generated through art sales, ticket revenue and contributions. The event, presented in partnership with National Western, was the first in a five-year agreement bringing the CAA exhibition to Denver.
An enthusiastic crowd of 400 collectors, artists and Western art lovers filled the black-tie dinner and sale, which featured new work from 26 artists: 18 active members, six emeritus members and two guest artists.
“Celebrating our 60th anniversary in a new home like The Legacy was a special moment for all of us, and the room showed it. Collectors came ready to celebrate, and a remarkable amount of art found new homes over the weekend,” said Bruce Greene, incoming president of the Cowboy Artists of America. “We are grateful to National Western for welcoming us to Denver, to our sponsors, and to every collector who made this milestone possible. We can’t wait to do it again next year.”
Albin Veselka’s oil painting Three’s Company won the Red Steagall Best in Show Award, sponsored by Broadmoor Galleries, and the Gold Medal in oil painting. It sold for $22,000. Mikel Donahue’s Range Doctors earned the True West Award, sponsored by the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock, Texas, and sold for $34,500. Jack Sorenson’s The Fording won the Patrons’ Choice Award, sponsored by Mike and Sheila Ingram, and sold for $24,000. Dustin Payne received the National Western Purchase Award, sponsored by National Western, for his bronze The Icon. CAA members voted Dave Santillanes the winner of the Artists’ Choice Award.
Gold Medals also went to Phil Epp for Open Sky in water solubles, Donahue for Bill in mixed media, Greene for Ropes & Reins in drawing, and Con Williams for Living Legacy in sculpture. Silver Medals went to Santillanes for Winter Warm-up in oil painting, Tyler Crow for Klapper 27 in water solubles, Donahue for Where the Tracks End in drawing, and Payne for Trail Dust in sculpture.
Other sale highlights included Brandon Bailey’s Sitting Bull’s Vision at $34,000; Donahue’s Amber Morning at $33,500; Santillanes’ North Park Bachelors at $32,000; and Grant Redden’s A Change of Seasons and Donahue’s A Day in the Life, each at $25,000. Several award-winning works remain available, including Greene’s Ropes & Reins, Donahue’s Where the Tracks End and Payne’s Trail Dust. Collectors may inquire at info@CowboyArtistsofAmerica.com.
During the event, Bruce Greene was named incoming president of CAA, succeeding Mikel Donahue. Dusin Payne was named incoming president of the Joe Beeler Foundation and the Joe Beeler Alliance, succeeding Brandon Bailey.
The Cowboy Artists also launched the Joe Beeler Alliance, a new membership organization for patrons, enthusiasts and the next generation of artists.
“The Alliance is about making sure the next generation of Western artists has the same support and mentorship that built this organization,” said Dustin Payne, incoming president of the Joe Beeler Foundation and the Joe Beeler Alliance.
Founding members have committed to providing the Joe Beeler Foundation with an additional $230,000 over the next five years to support up-and-coming Western artists. The Alliance is designed as a community of like-minded people who share the values and passions of the Cowboy Artists, with the goal of better supporting young artists and the legacy of Western heritage. Members receive invitations to member-only events and regular updates on the Foundation and its artists, and top-tier members receive a CA-designed commemorative membership pin and first looks at upcoming works.
“Our founding members stepped up in a big way, and their commitment means the Foundation can do more for young artists for years to come. We invite everyone who loves the West and its traditions to join us,” said Payne.
Next year’s show is scheduled for Oct. 15-16, 2027 at The Legacy Building at National Western in Denver, CO. To learn more about joining the Joe Beeler Alliance, contact info@CowboyArtistsofAmerica.com.
The Cowboy Artists of America was formed in 1965 in Sedona, Arizona, by artists Joe Beeler, Charlie Dye, John Hampton and George Phippen to promote the West and cowboy life in art. Through the years its membership has changed, but the mission has remained the same. The CAA’s nonprofit Joe Beeler Foundation promotes the development of young artists in traditional Western art through workshops, mentoring and scholarships. Proceeds from the sale and exhibition help fund the Foundation.
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