People’s Choice Award announced September 29, 2023
Announcing the Cowgirl Up! People’s Choice award for the 2023 exhibition. From a total of 4070 ballots cast the winner is: Michelle Kondos for her oil on linen painting titled Crossing Over. Michelle says, “In my work, I try to capture the ineffable magic of the place, while still honoring its ‘can’t-take-your-eyes-off-it’ reality.”
Rounding out the top five most popular artists’ pieces are: Judith Durr – Peace and Prosperity; Star Liana York – Distant Thunder; Linda Glover Gooch – Out Wickenburg Way; Naomi Brown – Saguaro Moon.
Congratulations to the top five and thank you for casting your ballots in-person at the Museum. Looking forward to Cowgirl Up! 2024.
Pictured: Michelle Kondos, Crossing Over, oil on linen, 24” x 30”
The Desert Caballeros Western Museum is proud to announce the 2023 Cowgirl Up! Awards as of April 14, 2023
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