The Museum of Northern Arizona and the Dry Creek Arts Fellowship have formed an exciting new collaboration to present the 17th Annual Trappings of the American West exhibition. Opening October 1 through December 3, 2006, Trappings is a unique, contemporary showcase of functional and fine art of the American cowboy.
This juried sales exhibition features the work of 75 artists from 14 western states, Hawaii, and Canada who have been chosen for their outstanding artistic skills. This is the only exhibition in the U.S. to combine finely tooled saddles, braided rawhide, hitched horsehair, boots, hats, knives, bits, and spurs with paintings, photography, and bronze sculptures. Emerging and established artists include members of the Cowboy Artists of America, the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association, and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Flagstaff photographers included in this year’s exhibition are Sue Bennett, Dave Edwards, Shane Knight, John Running, Raechel Running, and Gene Balzer. Flagstaff luthier Bill Burke will also submit work.
MNA Director Robert Breunig stated, “The Museum of Northern Arizona is very pleased to join with the Dry Creek Arts Fellowship for the Trappings of the American West exhibition. The Museum represents the heritage of all of the people of the Colorado Plateau and Trappings allows us to explore the richness and complexity of cowboy life. Through cowboy gear, artistry, and various expressions of western folk culture, the Museum is connecting the public to a significant component of our region’s unique heritage.”
Dry Creek Fellowship Director Linda Stedman said, “For 5,000 years, the unified bond of man and horse has allowed civilization to flourish and prosper. Trappings acknowledges the cultural diversity of artistic traditions within the horse culture. We are thrilled to bring this significant part of the region’s history to the Museum.”
MNA and DCAF share a focus on the exploration and interpretation of the land and peoples of the Colorado Plateau. Through Trappings, they seek to encourage a broader understanding of cowboy culture. A full schedule of Trappings events will be posted August 1 online at www.musnaz.org and www.drycreekarts.com.
With a long and illustrious history, the Museum of Northern Arizona evokes the very spirit of the Colorado Plateau, including the Grand Canyon and Four Corners regions, inspiring a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty and diversity of the area. The Museum sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, Arizona’s highest mountains, and is surrounded by tremendous geological, biological, and cultural resources in one of Earth’s most spectacular landscapes.
Located three miles north of historic downtown Flagstaff on Highway 180, MNA is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the Museum and the Trappings exhibition is free for MNA and Fellowship members. General admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors (65+), $3 students, and $2 children (7–17). Ample free parking for cars and buses is available and the Museum is handicap accessible.
For more information, contact the Museum at 928/774-5213 and online at www.musnaz.org, or the Dry Creek Arts Fellowship at 928/774-8861 and online at www.drycreekarts.com.