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.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