Cowboys, broncos, heroes, solitude, and grandeur of the American Frontier represent the heart and stories told through Western Art. This style of expression flourished in the early 19th century, a time when settlers became romanced by the images and thoughts of a peaceful life of "wide open spaces." Magnificent landscapes of beautiful mountains, rivers, and prairies, stunning canvases of sunsets and sweeping vistas have inspired artists over the years to preserve the majestic scenes of the West. In the late 20th century, Western Art experienced a rebirth as viewers acknowledged and honored the traditional values and allure of life in the American West.
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo shares the sentiment of the era and avidly values the significance of this style of expression. The Stock Show & Rodeo continued to reinforce the promotion and preservation of Western Art by showcasing and offering for sale, an extensive collection of Western Art in the Hall of Fame. The art exhibit was open to the public each day, 10:00am - 8:00pm, throughout the eighteen day event and featured acrylic and oil paintings, pencil sketch illustrations, and sculptures by world renowned and local artists. Art displayed was available for purchase or simply to admire.
One area of the exhibit was devoted to showcasing artwork from students who received first place honors at the past year's Western Art Contest, hosted by the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. High School students in Bexar and the area counties were invited to submit artwork in the contest, all judged by professional artists. Thirty-two schools participated and 358 entries were submitted, an increase in both areas from the previous year. All first place winners in the contest had their artwork displayed; those who scored in the Top 25 are auctioned off at the Western Art Auction in the New Frontier. The final auction price of each piece was given to each student respectively in the form of a scholarship award. The Western Art Auction raised a record breaking amount in scholarship awards in 2009 with over $250,000s for recipients.
The Stock Show & Rodeo continued its support of Western Art education by sponsoring ten high school students to attend a three week art workshop at The Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas. The Museum of Western Art, a museum devoted to the art, history and diverse cultures of the American West, also participated in the Western Art exhibit at this year's Stock Show & Rodeo. The museum displayed and made for sale a collection of paintings and sculptures from professional, well-known artists.
With excitement and anticipation, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo welcomed renowned Western artist, Buck Taylor to the 2008 Show. Taylor, also widely known for his acting career, appeared as Newly O'Brien on the 60's TV hit, "Gunsmoke." Taylor, who studied art in college, first began his career in acting with painting and sketching during breaks from filming. A few years ago, he shifted his focus from acting to his career as a professional artist. Taylor's work, primarily in watercolor and acrylics, has brought him national recognition and respect with his ability to accurately reflect life in the American West.
The Western Art showcase and sale brings the classic stories of the American West to life at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
