OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Every one of the artists who fashioned the saddles, bits and spurs, buckles and baubles in this museum exhibition was once a working cowboy who used items like quirts and hobbles a lot less fancy than what's behind the viewing glass.
"I doubt many of these saddles will find there way to the back of a horse," smiles Michael Grauer, Collections Coordinator at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
He's more used to dealing with antiques than new pieces of art, but he appreciates both for their connection to western tradition.
"Form follow function," he explains, "but they take it, and elevate it, to a whole new level."
The Traditional Cowboy Arts Association and the Cowboy Museum have teamed up over the past quarter-century to bring the best of what these artists produce.
This being a Silver Anniversary raised the bar even higher.
Grauer insists, "Every, single one of these artists elevated their work. They brought their A+ game to every item in the show."
20 cowboy artists. 50 works of art.
From the rawhide braiding of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, maker Joe Adcock, to the silver buckles of Beau Compton, to the California saddles of John Willemsma, each piece is an everyday item brought to the level of fine art.
"A master saddle builder as you can see," Grauer points out. "He also made a desk set here."
Everything works, but these treasures might just stay on display.
"Everything is of such high quality you just don't really want to go there," Grauer chuckles.
"Yes," we agree. "Considering the amount of money buyers will spend."
"Oh yeah," he agrees.
In the saddle and silver shops of old, you might have found a retired cowboy or two who carved a place to set and to bring a lifetime of experience to his retirement.
That's still true, and for the best of them, the cowboys whose true talents revealed themselves from off horseback, it's gathered in one, very special tack room.
The 25th Annual TCAA Exhibition and Sale began September 27, 2024.
The artwork will remain on display until November 17, 2024.
For more information go to nationalcowboymuseum.org.
