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.
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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.