WEEKEND OF THE ARTS

Our Inaugural exhibit for the Western Trail Art Association, was presented by the Western Trail Historical Society and held this past weekend at the Museum of the Western Prairie in Altus, Oklahoma.  WTAA recently formed in October 2011 to promote art and tourism in the states that the Great Western Cattle Trail went through in the late 1800's.  Being an officer (Secretary), it was GREAT fun to attend, exhibit and sell my jewelry and meet some wonderful people! 

THE MUSEUM OF THE WESTERN PRAIRIE

On site at the museum, is the original ranch house for the "Cross S" ranch, located just southwest of Altus.  Each stone was marked, cataloged, loaded on pallets, relocated to the museum grounds and rebuilt as an exact replica. Behind the structure is a staircase leading to the top floor.  It's an amazing piece of history and creates a perfect showpiece for the museum. 

In the span of a little more than one hundred years, southwest Oklahoma has changed from a homeland of the Kiowa, Comanche and Plains Apache to an area of prosperous farms and growing communities.

The grounds (courtyard) also feature an historic half-dugout, an operating windmill, farm implements and a carriage barn with additional displays.

 

Saturday night, artists, Laura Gillis, Gloria Lamar and I stopped for a quick pose! 

The art show exhibited great versatility from oils, to watercolors and pastels, to acrylics, jewelry and sculpture!  During the weekend prior to the show, several of us gathered to hang the pieces, using genuine cowhides, Mexican serapes and handwoven rugs as the backdrops for the art. It looked spectacular! 

Friday night was the "by invitation only" exhibit, for Museum board members etc...It was a very classy event with delicious hors d'oeuvres, cold beer and several selections of white wines.  Saturday night, the exhibit was open to the public, with tables outside in the courtyard!

One of my jewelry display cases and another pose!

All of the museum people were incredibly friendly and I felt honored to be a part of their wonderful event!

Live music by a local group softly billowed through the gallery - it was fabulous! On Saturday night, the band was set up outside in the courtyard and was simply glorious!

Several hundred people meandered through the galleries of the museum on both Friday and Saturday nights. Many purchases were made and it was a delightful time for all! My jewelry did VERY well and I was shocked and thrilled at the final outcome!

SLIGHTLY SWITCHING GEARS: FROM CULTURED ART EXHIBITS TO YOUTH SEASON WILD TURKEY HUNTS! 

Zack and Dyke went hunting on Sunday afternoon and Zack bagged 2 good sized Toms with his 20 ga.

It was a GREAT weekend - full of excitement, friends, fabulous weather and overflowing blessings!   Next weekend, I am participating in the first COWBOY TRUE art show in Wichita Falls.  Stay tuned for more postings, photos and fun!