The National Western will debut Working the West, a compelling new Western art exhibition opening to the public on May 14, 2026, in the Katherine and J. Robert Wilson Art Gallery at The Legacy. A public opening reception will be held that evening from 5–7 p.m., welcoming guests to experience the collection and meet fellow art enthusiasts and supporters of Western art and heritage.
On view through August 14, 2026, Working the West brings together an acclaimed group of artists whose work captures the authenticity, resilience, and beauty of life in the American West. Featured artists include photographers Anouk Masson Krantz, Jay Dusard, Jim Krantz, and Rob Hammer, alongside ceramicist Luke Beatty and master saddlemaker Doug Cox.
“This exhibition is a powerful tribute to the people, places, and traditions that define the West,” said Wes Allison, President & CEO of National Western. “As we continue to evolve into a year-round organization, Working the West reflects our commitment to celebrating Western art and heritage through new platforms like The Legacy and the Wilson Art Gallery.”
Through striking photography and masterful craftsmanship, the exhibition explores the rhythms of ranch life—from moments of quiet solitude to the intensity of daily labor and the camaraderie forged on the range. The photographers featured have earned the trust of their subjects, offering rare and intimate glimpses into a culture deeply rooted in land stewardship and hard work.
Anouk Masson Krantz brings a unique perspective shaped by her background in fashion photography, creating reverential and timeless imagery. Rob Hammer’s work captures both the physical demands and emotional rewards of ranch life, emphasizing the bond between cowboy, horse, and land. Jim Krantz, a student of Ansel Adams, blends technical mastery with a romanticized vision of Western identity shaped by his work with iconic brands. Jay Dusard’s portraits, often titled with the name and location of his subjects, create a powerful sense of intimacy between viewer and subject.
Complementing these visual narratives, Luke Beatty’s life-size ceramic cowboy hats distill Western identity into symbolic form, while Doug Cox’s handcrafted “Mother Hubbard” saddle showcases extraordinary artistry rooted in historic technique. Patterned after a Mochilla-style skirt, the saddle is constructed from a single piece of leather—an approach rarely practiced today due to its complexity and skill requirements.
“Working the West is an exploration of both tradition and interpretation,” said Grace Weihs, Curator of Working the West. “While each artist brings a distinct perspective, together they create a reverent and multifaceted portrait of a culture defined by hard work, deep relationships, and respect for the land.”
All artwork in the exhibition will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the National Western’s mission of supporting Western heritage, Western art and the next generation of leaders in agriculture through youth education.
The Katherine and J. Robert Wilson Art Gallery, located within The Legacy on the National Western Center campus, serves as a cultural hub for year-round programming that celebrates the Western lifestyle through art, education, and community engagement.
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