Big Success in Texas for the Cowboy Artists of America Hosting Their Annual Show in a New Location
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Strong sales and big crowds were the payoff for the maverick move made by the Cowboy Artists of America (CA), who independently hosted their 54th Annual Sale & Exhibition in an ideal new locale known as “Where the West begins.”
A standard exhibit hall in the heart of Fort Worth’s cultural district transformed into an elite art hot spot over the first weekend in November. Many newcomers and longtime supporters of the CA were wowed by the impressive display of 107 works of western fine art created by 23 artists committed to their mission statement to “authentically preserve and perpetuate the culture of Western life in fine art.”
The weekend kicked off at the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall (Will Rogers Memorial Center) with a Friday night “Preview Party” where patrons got a sneak peak of the show. As a local mariachi band serenaded, attendees and artists mingled while enjoying food, drink and the spectacular art.
“It was exciting!” said current group president Jason Rich. “There was an energy and enthusiasm about the art, the location and the new show model.” The Cowboy Artists of America pioneered the model of western art exhibition over fifty years ago and spanned decades with successful shows. But times and circumstances change and the group felt it was time to evolve and break the very mold they originated.
The itinerary continued Saturday with a morning autograph session that was open to the public. People lined up for over an hour to meet the artists and have posters signed. The gallery was open all day for general admission viewing; a steady stream of almost 200 people took advantage of the opportunity. Morning and afternoon art demonstrations were given by several CA artists at the exhibit hall and nearby museums. At midday, accolades were given at the “Celebratory Awards Luncheon” for excellence in catagories including oil painting, sculpture, drawing, water soluble and mixed media.
The culminating event of the weekend was the Saturday night “Show & Sale” where hundreds of anxious collectors stuffed the bid boxes for coveted art and reveled in the festive atmosphere of live music and refreshment. When the evening wrapped, 74% of the art had sold for a total of over $934,000–a substantial rise above similar events in recent years.
“We’re blown away by the reception we’ve received in Fort Worth and the success of the show,” Jason Rich remarked, “This is just what we hoped for–and more–when we decided to shake things up. Great things are ahead for the CA!”
Exciting plans for the 55th Annual Sale & Exhibition are already underway. To become a show sponsor click HERE. Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive updates about upcoming events EVENTS.