18th Annual Cowgirl Up!

About Cowgirl Up!

In 2006, Desert Caballeros Western Museum embraced a revolutionary idea: an annual exhibition showcasing the brightest contemporary female artists working in the Western genre. In the male-dominated world of Western Art, Cowgirl Up! turned the spotlight squarely on women’s voices and perspectives, serving up a new, deeper understanding of the American West. Over a decade later, CU! remains one of the major national events for Western women artists.

More than a show – Cowgirl Up! is a crossroads where artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts come together to explore what it means to be a Western artist. CU! artists ride the range of techniques, styles, and mediums, traditional and contemporary.

Continuing the tradition – Your purchase of original artworks supports the endeavors of women artists working today and of the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. CU! art can be bought throughout the run of the exhibition at the Museum or online.

An exhibition first and a sale second – The Cowgirl Up! exhibition is divided into two parts: a gallery of “miniatures” and a gallery of full-sized art. Artwork in the Main gallery should remain on display throughout the exhibition, and will be available for pick-up or delivery after September 9, 2021. Most miniatures are available at time of purchase.

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Interested in becoming a Cowgirl Up! artist?

Stay tuned for the 2025 call for submissions. 

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Become a sponsor of the 2023 Cowgirl Up! exhibition and sale!

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Congratulations to the juried winners:

Best of Show: Rachel Brownlee, “Mere Breath”, charcoal on cotton paper, 24” x 34”

1^st Place 2-dimensional on canvas:  Julie Nighswonger, “It’s a Dog’s Life”, oil on canvas, 29” x 53”

1^st place 2-dimensional on paper:  Stephanie Campos, “Jicarilla Apache”, charcoal on Stonehenge archival paper, 38.5” x 32.5”

1^st Place 3-dimensional: Rosetta, “High Country Totem”, bronze, 7/12, 22” x 12” x 9”

Director’s Choice/New Artist: Yun Wei

DCWM Museum Purchase Award: Stephanie Campos, “Jicarilla Apache”, charcoal on Stonehenge archival paper, 38.5” x 32.5”

Artists’ Choice for body of work, sponsored by Art of the West magazine: Mejo Okon

Patrons’ Choice for body of work, sponsored by Western Art & Architecture magazine:  Lisa Danielle

Western Art Collector magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award: Michelle Kondos

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