What began one autumn day with five artists, flourished into an elite organization that has lasted over five decades to become one of the most influential artists’ groups in American history.
The Cowboy Artists of America have influenced the landscape of American art in ways its founders could never have imagined. The art produced by members over the years set the standard for contemporary Western realism and is represented in prestigious public and private collections around the world.
A legacy spanning over fifty years has defined art markets and careers, created masterpieces and legends, enjoyed prosperity and fame, and endured criticism and controversy. As one of the longest surviving organizations of fine art artists, the Cowboy Artists of America has secured a place in American history and look forward to a thriving future.
Joe Beeler, Charlie Dye, and John Hampton attend a roundup together in Magdalena, Mexico and generate the idea to form an artist collective to promote cowboy art.
Just prior to filling pool and opening to public.
Beeler, Dye, Hampton, and George Phippen (absent Fred Harman) meet at a tavern in Sedona, Arizona to draft the bylaws of their new arts organization dubbed the Cowboy Artists of America.
Joe Beeler, Charlie Dye, and John Hampton attend a roundup together in Magdalena, Mexico and generate the idea to form an artist collective to promote cowboy art.
Gordon Snidow, Darol Dickinson, Wayne Hunt, Harvey Johnson, George Marks, Grant Speed, Byron Wolfe, Irvin “Shorty” Shope, John H. Kittleson
James Boren, Tom Ryan, Nicolas Firfiries, Gerald Delano, Ned Jacob, Harry Jackson, Frank Polk, Bob Scriver, Allen F. Brewer Jr. (died prior to exhibition)
First Annual Showing of the Cowboy Artists of America is held at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, generating $49,000 in sales.
Melvin Warren, James Boren, Robert Lougheed, Bill Moyers, James Reynolds, John Clymer
Fred Fellows
Nick Eggenhofer, Robert Meyers (died prior to exhibition)
The CAA trademarks its logo.
Arizona Highways magazine runs a story on “The Big Boom in Western Art.”
Fritz White, John D. Free, Bud Helbig
Bill Owen
CAA members move their annual exhibition to the Phoenix Art Museum with great success.
Frank McCarthy, Tom Lovell
Gary Niblett
Bill Nebeker
Howard Terpning
CAA celebrates its 15th anniversary. Its annual show surpassed $1 million dollars in sales for the first time.
American Western Art exhibit opens in Peking, China, including works by CAA artists.
Mehl Lawson, Kenneth Riley, Gary Carter, Robert Duncan, Tom Ryan (second time)
Cowboy Artists of America Museum opens in Kerrville, TX and serves as the headquarters of the organization until 2003.
Herb Mignery, Bob Pummill
David Halbach
Pat Haptonstall, Ray Swanson
Roy Grinnell
Jim Norton, Roy Anderson
CAA celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Loren Entz
Oreland Joe, Bruce Greene
Don Crowley, John Moyers
Martin Grelle, Wayne Baize
R. S. (Ron) Riddick
John Coleman
T.D. Kelsey, Clark Kelly Price, Dave Powell
Harley Brown
CAA celebrates its 40th anniversary at the Oak Creek Tavern in Sedona, Arizona where the founders first came together to organize the group.
Tim Cox
Tom Browning, Paul Moore
Jason Rich, John Jarvis, Jason Scull
Grant Redden, Harold Holden
Teal Blake
The organization celebrates its 50th anniversary with a retrospective exhibition at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia.
Tyler Crow, Mikel Donahue, C. Michael Dudash, Phil Epp
Dustin Payne
Chad Poppleton
Members of the CAA at the 55th Annual Exhibition and Sale in Fort Worth, November 2021.
Brandon Bailey, Jack Sorensen
Todd Conner, Alvin Marshall, Dave Santillanes, Albin Veselka
Ron Rencher
The CAA announces its partnership with National Western in Denver, Colorado, marking the organization's 60th anniversary year.
