Art Of The Cowgirl - An Epic Event Showcasing Master Artisans and Horsewomen of the West

You guys… I want to share with you about a trip I took in June. I had the most amazing experience attending Art of the Cowgirl in Bozeman, Montana. A five-day event situated in pristine horse country. 

A gathering to celebrate cowgirls and the impact they make on western lifestyle and culture. 

Honoring who they are. Their history. And the generations who led them on their artistic path. 

It was truly insane to see so many talented and gifted women in one place.

We’re talking about world-class champion horsewomen. Custom boot, saddle, and hat makers. Professional photographers, silversmiths, rawhide braiders, colt starters, sculptors, and more.

Montana horsewoman Tammy Pate created the event to celebrate women and their unique talents. Along with their passion for horses, and contribution to the western lifestyle. 

Like so many of the horsewomen in America, Tammy has the cowgirl spirit in her blood. A spirit guiding her steps and directing her path in life. Her devotion to the industry and her generational roots drive the project forward. 

Fellowship Program

The goal of Art of the Cowgirl is to raise awareness and funding to further develop western trades among women. They offer an exclusive mentorship opportunity for women who want to be trained by master artists in their particular trade. 

The Fellowship Program is our original dream and basis for the Art of the Cowgirl Event. The fellowship provides an opportunity for western artists to work with masters– a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn or refine their passion with some of the most talented makers in the business. Whether it be fine art, functional trade, or horsemanship, these fellowships will enrich, empower and educate while honoring our western heritage. The fellowship seeks to remove obstacles such as funding and access for up-and-coming artists, without the restriction of age or location. (Artofthecowgirl.com) 

How amazing, right?

Part of the Event

My Business Animal Podcast pal Kimberly Beer, Horses on the Beach Workshop partner Phyllis Burchette and I were honored to be part of the trade show.

We thoroughly enjoyed meeting amazing cowgirls from all over the country. 

We followed the live and silent art auction. Watched artist and horsemanship demonstrations. Listened to live music. And oohed and ahhed at exquisite craftsmanship on display. The talent was unreal.

The three of us were mesmerized by artisan expertise by day and laughed until our sides ached by night. 

We connected with The Business Animal Podcast followers and interviewed artisans to share their stories on Instagram. It was fabulous.

To get a feel for the caliber of women we are referring to, check out the 2021 master artisans here and the master clinicians here. Incredible talent. 

Of course, I brought along my camera to capture my experience and share it with you. Take a look. And keep your eyes peeled for the photos that make it to my stock library. Allowing you to experience a taste of Art of the Cowgirl for yourself. 

Back at it Next Year

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 and a change of venues, we didn’t get to see Art of the Cowgirl’s World’s Greatest Horsewoman Competition. It happened earlier in the year in Arizona along with the All Women’s Ranch Rodeo, and the Elite Ranch Horse Sale. All to recognize western women and working cowgirls in the industry. 

The 2022 event is just around the corner. January 19-23 in Queen Creek, Arizona.

You can sign up at www.artofthecowgirl.com.

Wanna join me? I’d love to see you there.