A Western Art Legacy 35 Years in the Making
Tickets for special events go on sale Nov. 9; acclaimed artist Donna Howell-Sickles takes center stage
DENVER – For 35 years, the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale has celebrated the spirit, stories and evolving traditions of the American West, growing into one of the nation’s premier Western art exhibitions. In 2027, the exhibit marks this milestone anniversary with 94 participating artists, special events honoring its legacy and a featured work by acclaimed Western artist Donna Howell-Sickles.Â
The 2027 Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale will be on public display during the National Western Stock Show, presented by CommonSpirit Health, Jan. 9–24, 2027. Tickets for the special events go on sale Monday, Nov. 9.Â
“Thirty-five years represents far more than an anniversary. It’s a remarkable collection of artists, perspectives and stories that together capture the rich history and evolving identity of the American West,” said Kate Hlavin, Coors Western Art Curator. “Every piece in our permanent collection contributes to the broader narrative of Western art history, preserving the traditions that shaped the West while reflecting the creativity and perspectives that continue to define it today.”Â
This year’s featured artist, Donna Howell-Sickles, is widely recognized for her vibrant portrayals of women in the American West. Her painting, The Roper (right), will join the Coors Western Art permanent collection, adding another distinctive voice to its 35-year artistic legacy.Â
In the Western art genre, she has been exploring the layers beneath the Cowgirl’s engaging exterior for more than 40 years. She revolutionized the genre by shifting the narrative from traditional, male-dominated cowboy imagery to celebrating the strength, joy, and complexity of the American cowgirl and depicts women that are strong, independent, funny, and unapologetically feminine.Â
Celebrate 35 Years of Western ArtÂ
The 2027 anniversary celebration features three special events that bring together artists, collectors and Western art enthusiasts.Â
- Blue Jean Preview and Award Ceremony | Wednesday, Jan. 6, 5–7 p.m. This invitation-only opening reception recognizes participating artists and their work, presents awards and celebrates the sponsors who help make the exhibit possible.Â
- Winter West Symposium | Thursday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. This special anniversary symposium brings together renowned Western artists to explore the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale’s beginnings, its evolution and its future in its new home, The Legacy building. Speakers will also share perspectives on the changing landscape of contemporary Western art. Featured speakers include Donna Howell-Sickles, Kevin Chupik, Danny Galieote, James Randle, Sean Michael Chavez, Whitney Gardner, Barbara Van Cleve, Edward Aldrich, and Russell Case. Open to the public; tickets are $75.Â
- Red Carpet Reception | Thursday, Jan. 7, 5:30–9 p.m. The exhibit’s signature evening celebration features dinner, luck-of-the-draw art sales and a silent auction, offering collectors and art enthusiasts an opportunity to celebrate and support Western art. Open to the public; tickets start at $400.Â
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Art with a Lasting ImpactÂ
Beyond celebrating Western art, the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale makes a lasting investment in the next generation. Proceeds from art sales and special events support the National Western Scholarship Trust, which awards 120 scholarships annually to students pursuing careers that will shape the future of agriculture, rural medicine and veterinary science.Â
As the exhibit celebrates 35 years of artistic excellence, its impact continues through the artists it champions, the Western stories it preserves and the students it helps support.Â
For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://coorswesternart.com/. Â
About the National WesternÂ
The National Western is a Denver-based charitable organization dedicated to strengthening American agriculture through youth education, scholarships, and livestock, equestrian, farming, ranching, and animal stewardship enrichment programs. Best known for producing the annual National Western Stock Show (the 121st anniversary is Jan. 9-24, 2027), the organization also operates The Legacy, a premier year-round destination for events, exhibitions and Western experiences that celebrate the culture and future of the American West.Â
WE ARE THE WESTÂ
