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About the Show
Art is a powerful form of communication, capturing the essence of our history, reflecting our present, and envisioning our future. It has the remarkable ability to shape our perceptions and be shaped by them in return. Notably, Western art holds significant influence in shaping people’s perceptions of the American West. Often those stories represent rugged and resourceful cowboys and Native men, while portraying women as beautiful objects. Women’s Work aims to expand that catalog with more meaningful and nuanced stories of women and their contributions. By expanding the catalog to include more stories from and about women, we can depict our history more accurately and duly celebrate the remarkable women of the West.
To increase the recognition of Western women artists and makers, and women’s role in the West, Women’s Work seeks to connect juried artists with women on working ranches. Juried artists will spend time on their chosen and/or assigned ranch, learn from the women’s connection to family, land, plants, and animals, and create work for the show inspired by the people and places with whom they are connected.
Women's Work also seeks to provide a platform for Native women to authentically share their own stories. It strives to honor, amplify, and celebrate the traditions, culture, and narratives of Indigenous women, highlighting their unique experiences and deep connections to the land and its history as the original inhabitants. Recognizing the intrinsic connections Indigenous women have with their own tribes, Women's Work strives to provide a supportive space for indigenous women to tell their own stories.
In addition to showcasing the remarkable achievements of women, the art presented in Women's Work aims to foster a reconnection between the viewer and our shared history, the land, and the communities that cultivate our food supplies. It seeks to bridge the growing gap between urban dwellers and the people and places deeply rooted in agricultural practices, reminding us of the vital connections between our lives and the land that sustains us.
By fostering an environment of respect and collaboration, we aim to celebrate and uplift the rich heritage and contributions of western women, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.
Women’s work is open to fine artists and traditional artists.
To increase the recognition of Western women artists and makers, and women’s role in the West, Women’s Work seeks to connect juried artists with women on working ranches. Juried artists will spend time on their chosen and/or assigned ranch, learn from the women’s connection to family, land, plants, and animals, and create work for the show inspired by the people and places with whom they are connected.
Women's Work also seeks to provide a platform for Native women to authentically share their own stories. It strives to honor, amplify, and celebrate the traditions, culture, and narratives of Indigenous women, highlighting their unique experiences and deep connections to the land and its history as the original inhabitants. Recognizing the intrinsic connections Indigenous women have with their own tribes, Women's Work strives to provide a supportive space for indigenous women to tell their own stories.
In addition to showcasing the remarkable achievements of women, the art presented in Women's Work aims to foster a reconnection between the viewer and our shared history, the land, and the communities that cultivate our food supplies. It seeks to bridge the growing gap between urban dwellers and the people and places deeply rooted in agricultural practices, reminding us of the vital connections between our lives and the land that sustains us.
By fostering an environment of respect and collaboration, we aim to celebrate and uplift the rich heritage and contributions of western women, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.
Women’s work is open to fine artists and traditional artists.
Important Dates
| 2023 | 2024 |
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Call Open: June 1- July 31 Jury Process: August 1-15 Acceptance Notifications: August 18 Signed Contract Due: August 31 |
June 30: Images for catalog submitted Delivery of Work: July 10-20 Opening Reception: August 2 Show Closes: September 30 Pick up Work: October 1-5 Payments Sent by October 31 |
Location:
A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art
150 E. Main St.
Trinidad, CO 81082
150 E. Main St.
Trinidad, CO 81082
Entry Details
Call Open: June 1- July 31, 2023
$50 flat rate entry fee
Artists will submit 5-10 works created within the last three years as work samples. These works do not have to be available and are not for the show. Artists will create work for the show after acceptance. Artists will also submit an artist statement, bio, CV, and fill out pertinent information.
Categories accepted in 2-D and 3-D Media:
Painting and drawing media, sculpture, traditional Western and Indigenous arts. All items must be handmade.
$50 flat rate entry fee
Artists will submit 5-10 works created within the last three years as work samples. These works do not have to be available and are not for the show. Artists will create work for the show after acceptance. Artists will also submit an artist statement, bio, CV, and fill out pertinent information.
Categories accepted in 2-D and 3-D Media:
Painting and drawing media, sculpture, traditional Western and Indigenous arts. All items must be handmade.
Basic Judging Considerations
The curatorial committee will consider artworks based on:
Traditional and contemporary styles accepted. Contemporary work should be representational, i.e. not abstract. This exhibition is to represent works about women, by women, and thereby shares a story.
- Initial impression
- Composition and Design
- Technical Execution
- Attracts and holds attention
- Aesthetic quality
Traditional and contemporary styles accepted. Contemporary work should be representational, i.e. not abstract. This exhibition is to represent works about women, by women, and thereby shares a story.
Awards/Prizes/Benefits
- Best in Show: Painting
- Best in Show: Drawing (pastel included here, unless artist request otherwise)
- Best in Show: 3-Dimensional
- Honorable Mention: Painting
- Honorable Mention: Drawing
- Honorable Mention: 3-Dimensional
- People’s Choice
- Sponsor’s Choice (Based on vote by sponsors)
Curator
The curatorial committee, comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and cultural perspectives, collectively determines the curatorial decisions.
FAQ
Who is eligible?
Female western and Indigenous American artists and artisans, age 18+, and residing in the Americas. Artists working with ranches must be able to travel to their partner ranch in the US.
Do I have to be a member of CGA to enter?
No, you do not have to be a member to enter. Members do get a discount, which can be found in the member space. Discounts can not be applied retroactively so if you are a member make sure you use your discount code at checkout.
What media is accepted?
Fine art media includes painting, drawing, and sculpture.
Traditional western and Indigenous arts including, but not limited to pottery, precious metal, beading, quillwork, leather, weaving, etc...
Is photography and digital drawing/painting accepted?
These media are not accepted in this show. (We do have a photography exhibition in the works and will have more details soon.)
Does the artwork have to have a woman in it?
This is a twofold question.
1st: Artwork submitted on the application is for sample only and not for the exhibition. These works do not have to have a woman featured. However, for fine artists it is highly recommended that artists submit at least some work that shows your handling of the human form.
2nd: Artwork created by juried artists for the exhibition must be about women and their contribution to the history, culture, and story of the American West. For fine artists, this literally means that the work(s) feature a narrative composition of a women. For traditional artists the subject and theme must be around a woman/women and their contributions, though the work does not have contain a woman/female form in it. For example, a bootmaker may create a pair of boots with specific functionality based on the woman she gathers reference materials/ inspiration from. On the other hand the boots may contain design elements that harken to the story or work of this woman. Further, many traditional arts may have an innately female element to them. For example, a basket may have been made to do a task that was traditionally done by women, and contain elements of that story in the object itself.
I want to apply but I don't have any pieces I can apply with.
Because you are submitting work as sample only the artwork submitted on your application does not need to be available. You may submit work that has already sold or is in another show. If accepted, you will create new work specifically for this show.
I'm concerned/confused about the timeline?
Please note that there is a span of a little over a year from the time of the open call to the actual exhibition. Pay close attention to the year on the timeline.
Am I allowed to use photography for my reference material?
Yes! Photography is not accepted as a final media but may be used to gather reference materials.
I already have a connection with a ranch. Can I partner with them?
Yes! They just need to fill out the partnership agreement.
If accepted, I would like to feature a woman in farming, land management, etc. Is that a possibility?
Yes, but keep in mind that the aesthetic and theme of this show is western. When you fill out your application there is a space provided to share if you have another idea. Please do so thoroughly so the curatorial committee can understand your idea, and decide if it is a good fit.
I have another question.
Please email us at info@cowgirlartistsofamerica.org
Female western and Indigenous American artists and artisans, age 18+, and residing in the Americas. Artists working with ranches must be able to travel to their partner ranch in the US.
Do I have to be a member of CGA to enter?
No, you do not have to be a member to enter. Members do get a discount, which can be found in the member space. Discounts can not be applied retroactively so if you are a member make sure you use your discount code at checkout.
What media is accepted?
Fine art media includes painting, drawing, and sculpture.
Traditional western and Indigenous arts including, but not limited to pottery, precious metal, beading, quillwork, leather, weaving, etc...
Is photography and digital drawing/painting accepted?
These media are not accepted in this show. (We do have a photography exhibition in the works and will have more details soon.)
Does the artwork have to have a woman in it?
This is a twofold question.
1st: Artwork submitted on the application is for sample only and not for the exhibition. These works do not have to have a woman featured. However, for fine artists it is highly recommended that artists submit at least some work that shows your handling of the human form.
2nd: Artwork created by juried artists for the exhibition must be about women and their contribution to the history, culture, and story of the American West. For fine artists, this literally means that the work(s) feature a narrative composition of a women. For traditional artists the subject and theme must be around a woman/women and their contributions, though the work does not have contain a woman/female form in it. For example, a bootmaker may create a pair of boots with specific functionality based on the woman she gathers reference materials/ inspiration from. On the other hand the boots may contain design elements that harken to the story or work of this woman. Further, many traditional arts may have an innately female element to them. For example, a basket may have been made to do a task that was traditionally done by women, and contain elements of that story in the object itself.
I want to apply but I don't have any pieces I can apply with.
Because you are submitting work as sample only the artwork submitted on your application does not need to be available. You may submit work that has already sold or is in another show. If accepted, you will create new work specifically for this show.
I'm concerned/confused about the timeline?
Please note that there is a span of a little over a year from the time of the open call to the actual exhibition. Pay close attention to the year on the timeline.
Am I allowed to use photography for my reference material?
Yes! Photography is not accepted as a final media but may be used to gather reference materials.
I already have a connection with a ranch. Can I partner with them?
Yes! They just need to fill out the partnership agreement.
If accepted, I would like to feature a woman in farming, land management, etc. Is that a possibility?
Yes, but keep in mind that the aesthetic and theme of this show is western. When you fill out your application there is a space provided to share if you have another idea. Please do so thoroughly so the curatorial committee can understand your idea, and decide if it is a good fit.
I have another question.
Please email us at info@cowgirlartistsofamerica.org