“Floral Cross” leatherwork by Shane Parker
Las Vegas, N.M. – New Mexico Highlands presents a National Day of the Cowboy Art Exhibition in the university’s Ray Drew Gallery from July 9 – Aug. 22.
The exhibit features New Mexico artists who have lived the cowboy way. The artists reception will be July 22 from 1 – 3 p.m. in the gallery, which is in Donnelly Library at 802 National Ave.
“The art displayed will consist of sculptures, photography, paintings, and drawings depicting the cowboy way of life,” said Karlene Martínez, the Ray Drew gallery curator. “There will also be traditional decorative art pieces such as bits, spurs cinches and leatherwork made by cowboys and cowgirls used in everyday life to perform their work.”
The National Day of the Cowboy was established in 2005 to honor the contributions of cowboys and cowgirls to America’s culture and heritage. In 2018, the day is July 28.
Martínez, who is a fourth-generation Corazon, New Mexico, cattle rancher in San Miguel County, said the exhibition puts the public in touch with contemporary cowboy life locally and throughout New Mexico.
“New Mexico’s history lends itself to the culture and heritage of cowboys past and present. We’re fortunate to have in our Las Vegas community nationally known cowboy artists like bronze sculptor Duke Sundt and painter Gary Morton, who are both featured in the exhibition. Other local artists included are photographer Elaine Querry and pencil artist Linda McThoy Cobb,” said Martínez, who serves on the board for the Western Art Rodeo Association.
Other New Mexico artists included in the exhibition include photographer and writer Julie Carter, pencil artist Gayle Bone, cinch maker Misty Lewis, bronze sculptor Joel Goss, bit and spur maker Stewart Williamson, and saddle maker and leather artist Shane Parker.
Martínez said the musical entertainment for the July 22 artists reception is Mp2, a team consisting of Santa Rosa cowgirl Leigh Ann Mares and musician Gary Pearsons.
“This musical collaboration began over 16 years ago when the two teamed up to record some of Leigh Ann’s music in Gary’s studio in Santa Rosa. All of the music is original and bears the signature of cowboy authenticity,” Martínez said.
The hours for the Ray Drew Gallery are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday and 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday.