Bosque Art Classic
Clifton, TX
The annual Bosque Art Classic at Bosque Arts Center is a tradition for the Clifton, Texas, community and art patrons around the country. For the past three decades, it has featured noteworthy fine art in an array of styles and genres by some of Western arts biggest names as well as newcomers and midcareer artists. This year’s 35th edition is no different, but breaks from tradition as it turns to an online-only format that enables collectors to view and acquire artwork from a distance.
“We will show the art and [label] the award winners online. It’s a whole new ballgame for us,” says Joyce Jones, founding member of the center’s Art Council, which sponsors the show. “It’s the best show that we’ve ever had…and we will do our best to show the artwork the best way that we can. When you see it online, you’ll be able to get a good look at everything.”
Bruce Greene, a Cowboy Artists of America member since 1993 and a Texas resident, served as the juror for the show, which will include approximately 220 works of art by more than 120 artists. The exhibition includes pieces by returning artists such as Matt Atkinson, Kim Hill, June Dudley, Joseph Barbieri, Pokey Park, Robin Cook, Lloyd Voges, Patrick Saunders and Steve Dunn. New artists participating this year are Hugh Greer, Linda Becker and Paul Oman.
“One thing that has given the show its credibility is the quality of the judges, and they judge the artwork with no names attached,” Jones
says. This impartial process allows the show to not only be fresh year after year, but also allows the center to find rising talent. Jones adds, “One of the things I love about the show, is these artists that I’ve never heard of appear and they’re just wonderful. It makes you go, ‘Where have they been?’ and ‘Where have I been?’”
Artwork will be available to view online beginning in late August so collectors can start making decisions on what they would like to purchase. The awards presentation will follow on September 12 at 7 p.m. live on the Bosque Art Classic and Bosque Arts Center Facebook pages. At that time, collectors will learn who received coveted prizes such as the John Steven Jones Purchase Award and the Art Council Purchase Award, which are works that will become a part of the center’s permanent collection.
September 12 and 13, Art Patrons members can participate in the presale of works in the Bosque Art Classic and buy art before the show goes public at 10 a.m. on September 14. The sale continues through September 26 at 2 p.m.