Press Release: Museum of the Big Bend - The Annual Celebration of Contemporary Western art and Custom Cowboy Gear

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
J.T. Maroney
Alpine Avalanche
jt.maroney@alpineavalanche.com

Museum of the Big Bend - The Annual Celebration of Contemporary Western art and Custom Cowboy Gear

The annual celebration of contemporary Western art and custom cowboy gear returns this year from Thursday, Sept. 16 through Saturday, Sept. 18.

Festivities begin Thursday from 5-8 p.m. with a party where visitors can preview the show and get a ballot book for pieces they might want to purchase. Registration and ticket purchase is required.

On Friday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., 22 Trappings artists will demonstrate their skills on the front porch. Admission is waived for those who purchase tickets for either Thursday or Friday night.

Director Mary Bones urged visitors to attend the big opening reception at the Museum on Friday from 6-9 p.m. Refreshments will be offered. The Swifts will provide live entertainment. Visitors can register until 9 p.m.

On Saturday morning, visitors can enjoy a chuck wagon breakfast at Big Bend Saddlery courtesy of owner Gary Dunshee. Registration is required.

The Museum will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, and Museum officials will call the winners who submitted ballots in the hope of being an owner of one of the Trappings of Texas works.  

Then from 11 a.m.-3 p.m visitors can see more live demonstrations by Trappings artists and special guests.

“It’s a welcome back, and we’re going to have everything here at the Museum,” said Bones. “I think we have all been needing celebration and fellowship again.”

Bones said instead of a featured artists this year, they selected a mural painting by Julius Woeltz. “We chose that because when the Museum opened in 1937, that painting was here in the Museum,” she said. “Part of the reason there’s even a museum is the West Texas Historical and Scientific Society.” 

She noted many members who created that society were ranching families, and the Museum wanted to recognize and honor those families.

“I appreciate and am so grateful for the folks who support Museum of the Big Bend and who have helped us continue to tell the story of this wonderful country, both folks from our community and visitors alike,” said Bones.

To register for the various events, visit museumofthebigbend.com/trappings-of-texas, and click on the appropriate links.

Museum of the Big Bend is located at entrance 4 on the campus of Sul Ross State University, a member of the Texas State University System.

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