Trappings of Texas
Alpine, TX
One of the biggest and best shows in the country capturing the cowboy way of life is the annual Trappings of Texas held at the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine, Texas. The exhibit and sale, currently in its 34th year, highlights contemporary Western artwork and custom gear like hats, saddles, rawhide, jewelry, knives and more. Invited artists include new and emerging artists, as well as members of the Cowboy Artists of America and Traditional Cowboy Arts Association.
The weekend of events, running April 16 to 18, begins with a preview party on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., during which attendees can meet the artists and register for ballot books to purchase works in the show. On Friday, the Grand Opening Exhibit, Sale & Reception takes place from 6 to 9 p.m., with food, drinks and
Trappings artists in attendance. In addition to a variety of other events, everyone is invited on Saturday, April 18, during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to watch artist demonstrations and presentations in the Trappings exhibit area.
“Trappings of Texas is known for authentic cowboy art. Even better, Trappings of Texas is held in West Texas cattle country. A winning combination!” says Museum of the Big Bend director Mary Bones.
Phil Epp brings to the show an oil titled
Tumbleweed in Flight, in which an oversized tumbleweed is floating front and center against a simple, dusty backdrop, creating a slightly eerie vibe. “I have several tumbleweeds in my studio and often marvel at the structure and how perfectly they are shaped for their designed purpose. They are such mysterious icons of the Western landscape,” says Epp, who is among the dozens of artists invited into the 2020 show and sale.
Among the works in the show by Lindy Cook Severns, is a vibrant pastel titled Sundance, featuring desert hills in Big Bend National Park under shocking pink clouds. “Sunset drenches the desert…in glowing amber and ruby reds. Step into this canvas, move across the rugged desert floor. Spin slowly in the sparkling silence that comes before darkness cloaks away these colors,” says Severns. “In painting this near
nocturnal landscape, I had to constantly remind myself that it is the transient light that tells this story. Blink, and it’s gone. That is what makes this moment special.”
Gear is another prime element of Trappings of Texas. “I am a custom hat maker,” says Brooks Atwood. “I endeavor to make the finest cowboy hats that are available using the old tried-and-true methods, but at the end of the day it is still just a cowboy hat that fits really well.” Joining Atwood is Vern Ballantyne, who works with rawhide, will be bringing 12-strand rawhide hobbles.
This year’s premier artist is Brian Asher, whose drawings of cowboys, horses and cattle capture the ranching life. The Trappings of Texas exhibition remains on view through May 22.