Sedona, AZ: The Museum of Northern Arizona and the Dry Creek Arts Fellowship proudly present the 18th Annual Trappings of the American West exhibition. Returning to MNA in October and continuing through January 6, 2008, Trappings is a unique, contemporary showcase of functional and fine art of the American cowboy.
>"Casey Murph" by Sue Bennett.
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, Dawn Kish, Shane Knight, John Running and Raechel Running. Flagstaff luthier Bill Burke's work will also be part of this year's exhibit.
Dry Creek Arts Fellowship (DCAF) Director Linda Stedman said, "Within the genre of Western American art lie incredible stories from this region's past. Trappings of the American West allows us to explore the richness and complexity of cowboy heritage, its traditions, and artistic expressions. We invite you into a world of art that resonates with our Western sensibilities. Through engaging public programs, we are preserving time-honored traditions of American craftsmanship."
"The Museum of Northern Arizona is very pleased to host the 18th Annual Trappings of the American West. This exhibit highlights the work of numerous artists throughout the American West and forges a strong connection to western heritage and cowboy traditions here on the Colorado Plateau," said Director of MNA Dr. Robert Breunig.
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 is posted 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., closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission to the Museum and the Trappings exhibition is free for MNA and DCAF members. General admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors (65+), $5 students, and $4 children. Ample free parking for cars and buses is available and the Museum is handicapped 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.
18th Annual Trappings of the American West Exhibition Programs
Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28, 2 p.m. both days Viva Villa: La Cabalgata
In a special program in conjunction with MNA's 4th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente, Dry Creek Arts Fellowship Artist Raechel Running and Public Program Coordinator Jason Hasenbank present an interpretive slide lecture of the regional culture found in north-central Mexico. La Cabalgata is a present-day equestrian tradition that retraces Poncho Villa's treks across Mexico on horseback.
Saturday, December 1, noon–2 p.m. Riding the Rim
The 7th Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering will feature some of the region's finest poets to stir up the air—as only cowboys can—with poetry, song, and open range entertainment by Mary Abbott, Sally Bates, Jim Dunham, Phil Ellsworth, Audrey Hankins, Carol Jarvis, Suzie Killman, Nika Norbrock, Frank Rodrigues, and Tom Weathers.
December 29, 1–2:30 p.m. Equestrian Culture of the Colorado Plateau
ASU Professor Peter Iverson and MNA Collection's Manager Elaine Hughes present an interpretive forum to discuss the use of Navajo, Hopi, and Apache folk toys, saddles, bridles, leather items, and jewelry from MNA's collections. From a silver and turquoise embellished saddle ridden by former Navajo Chairman Peter Macdonald to hand-braided quirts, these toys and tools of the trade will provide insight into the horse culture of northern Arizona.
January 5, 1–2:30 p.m. History of the Hashknife Colt
Billy Cordasco from Flagstaff's Babbitt Ranches shares what it takes to be a successful horse breeder in the twenty-first century and tells the story of the Hashknife Colt's development. Sought after around the world as an award-winning, sturdy, sure-footed companion, the Hashknife Colt's solid bloodlines are recognized by the American Quarter Horse Association.
Article courtesy of Michele Mountain, Museum of Northern Arizona. 
