September was an enjoyably busy month where I delved head long into the thriving world of Western art and design. Early in the month I traveled to Jackson Hole, WY to act as a judge at the Western Design Conference. The show included an array of items all of which captured the spirit of the West (for images please see my New West blog).

Mid-September included the Buffalo Bill Historic Center Art Show in Cody, WY. The show spanned a “broad range of stylistic interpretations of the West, in oil painting, watercolor, pastel, sculpture, ceramic and mixed media.”  This is always a fun event to attend and is housed in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West where, if you have extra time, you can explore many other interesting Western exhibits.

     

1384 - Red Earth Bison by Michael Swearngin and Seven Sisters by Doug Hyde. 

On the heels of these Wyoming shows, two art openings immediately piqued my interest. The first, right here in Basalt, CO was "Out of the West - Landscapes". I attended the exhibit opening at the wonderful Ann Korologos Gallery which specializes in contemporary Western Art. The landscapes were beautiful and varied, and included the artistry of my talented friend Peter Campbell (West Fork shown below).



The second show that caught my eye is happening at another of my favorite galleries to visit, Ventana Fine Art in Santa Fe. The "Native Beauty" Landscape Show opened October 3rd and features Silverwood, McCuan, Windsor & Dawson (Sandia Songs No 8 by Mary Silverwood below).



There is a lot of action around Western art and design here in the states.  I have a strong appreciation for its distinctive beauty that encompasses not only traditional but contemporary styles. 

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