Experience The Diverse Talents Of Western Women At The Fifth Annual Art Of The Cowgirl Gathering

Cowgirls are as diverse as the boots and hats they wear and the horses they ride. Some make their living horseback, while others go from the boardroom to the barn. Cowgirl artists express their takes on the West through a variety of mediums, including paint, clay, silver, leather, rawhide, poetry and music. Art of the Cowgirl, founded by Montana horsewoman Tammy Pate, celebrates and perpetuates the timeless talents of Western women through educational fellowships, competitions and special events.  

The fifth annual Art of the Cowgirl main gathering returns to Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, Arizona, January 18-22, 2023, with a full schedule of exciting opportunities that will immerse male and female attendees in the Western lifestyle. The heart of Art of the Cowgirl is its fellowship program, which unites emerging female artisans in traditional trades such as silversmithing, leathercraft, bootmaking, horse training and fine art with masters in those fields. The gathering is a fundraiser to facilitate these partnerships, which empower and educate women while honoring Western heritage. 

The upcoming event will include hands-on workshops, horsemanship demonstrations, artist and maker presentations, panel discussions and a silent art auction. In the arenas, skilled horsewomen will compete in ranch rodeo, breakaway roping and the third annual World’s Greatest Horsewoman competition. New to the event, world champion reined cow horse trainer Erin Taormino will offer a youth cow horse clinic, followed by a youth cow horse competition. 

Throughout the weekend, a curated trade show will showcase original art, apparel, gear, gifts and accessories made by cowgirl artisans. Cowgirl musicians will perform on the stage and chuckwagon cooks will have their fires burning and serving samples of their camp-style cuisine. The gathering culminates with the Elite Ranch Horse Sale, featuring select horses trained by top horsewomen. 

For those wanting the ultimate Art of the Cowgirl experience, VIP tickets will be available. VIPs receive priority seating and parking, a swag bag and invitations to special events and receptions where they can mingle with the masters and other influential people in the Western industry. 

They also get to attend a new addition to Art of the Cowgirl: a compelling quick-draw competition co-hosted by the Cowgirl Artists of America. The artists will also be making their marks on range teepees, which will be sold to raise money for the fellowship program.

“We’re really focusing on the fellowships and artists and creating a hands-on art experience. We encourage everyone to come take it all in and support our artists,” says Pate. “The vibe of Art of the Cowgirl is so welcoming, whether you’ve been to a past event, or this will be your first. It’s a place to experience the true cowgirl spirit and connect with Western culture and the people who create it.” 

Tickets go on sale October 1. Watch for updates on ticket sales, host hotels and a schedule of events at www.ArtoftheCowgirl.com, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.