18th Annual Cowgirl Up!

March 31, 2023 - September 3, 2023

18th Annual Cowgirl Up! Art from the Other Half of the West, Invitational Exhibition & Sale

On view through Sunday, September 3, 2023.

See the 65 artists and their work


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.

Interested in becoming a Cowgirl Up! artist?

Stay tuned for the 2025 call for submissions. 


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


Congratulations to the juried winners:

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

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

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

1st 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


Many thanks to our 18th Annual Cowgirl Up! sponsors:

Platinum Spur $25,000

Carey and Jack Sigler

Diamond Spur $20,000

DeVore Foundation, Alta and Bill DeVore, Trustees

Lori and Rich Jaros

Jackye and Leon Powell

Gold Spur $10,000

John and Lynne Boyer

Christine and Paul Branstad

Sally and Sandy Cutler

Dita and John Daub

Art and Wendy Ditto

Sharon and Lanny Martin

Silver Spur $5,000

Anonymous

Jim and Rea Ludke

National Bank of Arizona

Nancy and Terry Theken

Betty and Tom Watt

Copper Spur $2,500

Arizona Taste (in-kind)

AZ Comp Technologies

Allen and Margie Brown

Sharon and John Griner

Gust Rosenfeld PLC

Mary Jo and George Hellick

Peter and Marne Kellogg The Kellogg Organization, Inc. Fundraising Counsel

Craig and Peggy Means

Sarah R. Goulard and Hiram F. Moody, Jr.

Ellie Nolan

Becky and Jason Rovey

Martin Schlumberger and Linda Waag

Serape Bleu

Mary and Patrick Simpson

Douglas S. Spencer and Kathleen Parrish

Elaine and Peter Schweitzer

Linda and Joe Stevens

Wickenburg Ranch

 

Nickel Spur $1,000

APS

Jeff Deming Family

Charilyn and Ed Kientz

Turquoise Spur $500

Benner-Nawman Inc.

Amanda Boggs

Double “H” Custom Hat Company

Jenifer and Dan Finley

Happy Trails Adventure Company of Arizona

Jerry and Vicki Riggins


Community Sponsors

$400

Sage Gallery | Sam and Brenda Crissman

Jones Ford Mercury | Brian Jones

Eileen M. McGuire, PLLC

Western Rathole & Caisson | Matt Heimer

$200

Bashas’ Family of Stores

Ben’s Saddlery

Desert Cypress Mobile Home RV Park

The Hone Team Platinum Living Realty

Deborah and James Lakin

Nana’s Sandwich Shoppe, LLC (in-kind)

Rusty Rooster


Media Sponsors

Art of the West magazine

Western Art Collector magazine

Western Art & Architecture


Grant Supporters

Arizona Commission on the Arts

National Endowment for the Arts

Town of Wickenburg