Experience The Western Lifestyle At Art Of The Cowgirl 2024

The Wrangler All Women’s Ranch Rodeo presented by COWGIRL Magazine and Kimes Ranch  World’s Greatest Horsewoman presented by Western Horseman competitions are must-see  spectacles at Art of the Cowgirl. However, throughout the five-day event, several family-friendly opportunities allow attendees of all ages to experience elements of the Western lifestyle. 

The Art of the Cowgirl main event kicks off Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, at Horseshoe Park  & Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, Arizona, with arena competition and educational clinics  and workshops (pre-registration to participate in clinics and workshops required). In the evening,  join the Art of the Cowgirl crew, master horsewomen and artists, featured presenters and other  influential guests at the Cowgirl Fiesta. This ticketed event includes a catered dinner, live music,  dancing, camaraderie and fun under the Arizona stars. 

For those in the market for a handy ranch horse or performance prospect, a select group of horses  will be auctioned Saturday afternoon in the highly anticipated Elite Horse Sale. The horses,  trained and consigned by some of the best horsewomen, will be available to preview during the  day. Online bidding available at cci.live. 

“The Elite Horse Sale brings together some of the best cowgirls and horses in the industry. It is a  key element to our event and brings people together to enjoy seeing the horses sell at our event  and meet the girls who poured so much into them.”- Mesa Pate, Horse Sale Director.  

Saturday is also Family Day at Art of the Cowgirl and will feature activities for young cowboys  and cowgirls, including a dummy roping at noon with prizes for winners in each age division. 

“This is a family event and we always try to add more for the youth each year. This year we have  more opportunities for youth to learn hands-on as well as our annual youth dummy roping with 

great prizes and camaraderie for the kids,” shares Jaimie Stoltzfus, COO of Art of the Cowgirl.  “Family is a core value at Art of the Cowgirl and we hope families come to enjoy our event.” 

New this year is the Maker Experience, sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Making Supplies in  Albuquerque, New Mexico. This addition offers participants hands-on opportunities to try different Western art forms. Instructors include fine artist and photographer Lisa Norman of  Buffalo, Wyoming, who will teach an adult paint-and-sip class, an adult graphite drawing class  and a youth painting class. Patricia Dagnon, a past Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship recipient from  northern Washington, will guide adult students in making leather bookmarks and help kids stamp  a halter noseband. Shari Tammietti of St. George, Utah, will lead a class on making permanent  jewelry, and Savanna Simmons of Lusk, Wyoming, will instruct students on stamping a copper  bracelet. Tuition ranges from $30 to $75; advanced registration is suggested. 

“The Makers Experience is meant to be an approachable experience to make art for beginners or  those who have dabbled a little,” says coordinator Savanna Simmons. “We will offer one to  three-hour courses in leather-working, fine art and metalsmithing.” 

Throughout the weekend, attendees can peruse a curated trade show featuring handmade, one-of a-kind gear, accessories, apparel and other items made by female artisans. They can also sit back, soak in the sun and enjoy live music from top Western musicians, including Carin Marie;  mother-daughter duo Joni and Olivia Harms; Andy Hedges and his young daughter, Maggie  Rose; Elana James; Little Jane and the Pistol Whips, Brigid Reedy and Trinity Seely. 

Tickets and class registration are available at ArtoftheCowgirl.com. A five-day pass is $195, and Day passes are available online for $55 each.