The enduring spirit of the American West—both real and romanticized—is at the center of Maura Allen’s work. Her creative process begins on location at ranches and rodeos where she is drawn to the power of the silhouette, of how simple forms can tell big stories. In her Abiquiu, New Mexico studio, Maura weaves her contemporary imagery with “Old West” motifs to create a sense the past is present. “The pull for me are the stories and history that endures and continues to evolve—what Wallace Stegner termed the ‘Geography of Hope.” It’s a belief the West is not a place on the map, but the promise of possibility.” Maura’s work is included in numerous museum, corporate and private collections across the country and has been represented by top galleries for over two decades. Recently, Double D Ranch, the #1 western lifestyle brand in the country, partnered with Maura, showcasing her art in its top-selling collection of women’s clothing and jewelry. Maura holds a BA in Classical Studies/Latin from Stanford University. She serves on the board of trustees of the Sigler Western Museum and board of directors of Leica Society International and photolucida. She teaches at Santa Fe Workshops and speaks frequently about the role photography has played in shaping our view the American West. Together with Cowgirl Up! artists Jan DeLipsey and Star York, Maura is a founder of Abiquiu Rising, an art alliance focused on elevating women artists and forging deeper relationships with the region, collectors and museum curators nationwide.