When Tammy Pate founded Art of the Cowgirl, she strove to cultivate a strong community of women focused on honoring the many talents and contributions cowgirl makers bring to the western industry. Since 2019, Art of the Cowgirl has become a staple event in the western world, uniting women from across the country and beyond as they celebrate, educate, and demonstrate the many talents and gifts cowgirls have. Join Cowboy Lifestyle Network as we celebrate the accomplishments of our cowgirls and honor the lasting legacy of Tammy Pate at the 2024 Art of the Cowgirl.
“Cowgirl is an attitude, really; a pioneer spirit, a special American brand of courage.”
– Dale Evans
Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre is a Proud Host of Art of the Cowgirl
Queen Creek, Arizona, proud home to Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, is thrilled to once again host Art of the Cowgirl. Since 2019, this event has brought together the best of the best when it comes to female western artisans, horsewomen, tradeswomen, designers, rodeo athletes, and more; accumulating in a 5-day long celebration of the western lifestyle, its traditions, and the women who have contributed to its success throughout the years. Coming to Queen Creek from January 17th to 21st, Art of the Cowgirl is kicking off the new year with the grit, grace, and glam only a cowgirl can bring!
Photo Courtesy of Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre and Cowboy Lifestyle Network
Boasting a wide variety of vendors, workshops, auctions, demonstrations, activities for the kiddos, and more, this year’s Art of the Cowgirl is guaranteed to raise the bar. Mark that calendar because this is an event you won’t want to miss. Let’s get into it!
Competitions
Wrangler All Women’s Ranch Rodeo presented by COWGIRL Magazine
With preliminaries happening on January 17th-18th and the All Women’s Ranch Rodeo Finals happening on the 20th, attendees will be drawn to the edge of their seats as they watch cowgirls team up and compete in competitions that would put any ranch hand to the test, from sorting to team roping to branding and more, cowgirls will show their true mettle to win the cash prize.
Kimes Ranch World’s Greatest Horsewoman presented by Western Horseman
Saddle up for herd work, reigning, steer stopping, and fence work. This calculated competition will test cowgirls’ horsemanship skills as they are carefully scored in their abilities to complete hard work with a soft hand. The Kimes Ranch World’s Greatest Horsewoman competition will take place on January 19th. Preliminaries will warm the arena and audience up from January 16th-18th.
Merck Animal Health Breakaway Roping presented by Kimes Roping
Keep your eyes peeled or you might miss it! This highspeed sport is taking Art of the Cowgirl by storm on January 19th!
Cowdog Trial
A good horse isn’t the only best friend a cowgirl needs! Make sure to check out the fun and excitement our smaller four-legged friends can bring to the ranching arena. Mimicking the many ways cattle dogs are utilized on working ranches, the Cowdog Trial competition on January 20th will display the camaraderie between cowgirl and cowdog!
Quick Draw Competition
The competition action isn’t limited to the arena! Visual artists will take their skills to the next level at AOTC’s second annual Quick Draw Competition sponsored by Cowgirl Artists of America. Showcasing 6-8 artists, this event will take place January 17th and 18th. Artists will put their skills to the test as they complete a work of art within a limited time frame, all while attendees have the opportunity to observe and interact with the artists as they work. Completed pieces will be available for purchase through the event’s silent auction. Check out the selected artists here!
Workshops and Trade Show
With some primary focuses of Art of the Cowgirl being education, collaboration, and promoting western creators, you too have a chance to get your hands dirty and learn from the best in the industry. Whether you are interested in horsemanship and photography clinics or upholstery and leather working, Art of the Cowgirl presents a myriad of workshops and hands-on opportunities to get your boots in the dirt and your mind enriched through learning a new skill.
One of the greatest draws of AOTC is the event’s show-stopping trade show. With over 80 vendors, the 2024 AOTC trade show has all your shopping needs covered. From art and jewelry to clothing and hats, boutique goods, home goods, cowboy gear, leather work, and more, you’ll need to make extra room in the car for all the goodies you’ll be taking home!
Elite Horse Sale, Select Prospects, and Cowkid Select
Another highlight of AOTC is the highly anticipated Elite Horse Sale on January 20th. Regarded as one of the top working ranch horse sales in the west, AOTC has raised the bar when it comes to providing the best horses that have exceeded in working ranch environments. Products of some of the handiest women in the ranching industry, horses and consignors are selected by invitation only, ensuring a top-quality sale and a trusted buying experience. Presented by Western Horseman, this year’s sale also includes a Select Prospects and Cowkid Select Sale. Made up of three and four-year-old horses with excellent foundations, the Select Prospects sale allows buyers the option to purchase prospects that are rearing to exceed in a variety of disciplines. Don’t forget the little cowgirls and cowboys in the family! What would a ranch be without the staple “kid-proof” horse? Cowkid Select will present sale horses for kids and worked with by kids!
Entertainment
As if the competitions and workshops weren’t enough, AOTC is also celebrating the wonderful talents of cowboy and cowgirl songwriters. From Brigid Reedy and Elana James, to Andy Hedges and his daughter Maggie Rose, the sweet sounds of AOTC will have you dancin’ the day away!
Tammy’s Legacy
With an emphasis on education and promoting the future and greatness of female involvement and contributions to the western industry, AOTC celebrates the past, present, and future of cowgirls. Through various event presenters, clinicians, and educators such as Dr. Temple Grandin, hands-on workshops, and an AOTC fellowship program for emerging female artists and creators, AOTC has truly checked all the boxes when it comes to empowering cowgirls. All of this is thanks to the vision of Art of The Cowgirl founder, Tammy Pate.
Tammy’s vision for AOTC is evident in every detail of every event, vendor, workshop, and clinic. Her vision is exemplified through the camaraderie and excitement shared between those who participate in AOTC. In Tammy’s own words,
“It’s no secret that women have played a significant role in ranching and the western way of life. Most of today’s successful ranchers and western artisans have wonderful stories to tell about a wife, mother, or grandmother who influenced their lives. Art of the Cowgirl is designed to spotlight these wonderful women while sharing the stories of their families, marriages, and partnerships that in turn shaped them.”
– Tammy Pate
On December 21st, Tammy Pate passed after a brave battle with cancer. The 2024 Art of the Cowgirl will honor Tammy’s Legacy and vision for former, present, and future cowgirls. With a love for art, horses, and community fostered by Tammy’s grandmother, Betty Kunesh, AOTC will continue to follow in Tammy’s footsteps, promoting the love of all things cowgirl.
Visit Mesa is a Proud Sponsor of Art of the Cowgirl
Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, Mesa features a vibrant outdoor playground for recreation. Mesa’s collection of resorts and hotels are so close to the desert landscape that guests can easily plan adventures in the Tonto National Forest and the Superstition Wilderness – a region full of Wild West history and heritage that is still celebrated today. From hiking and biking to calm waters and majestic mountains, every outdoor pursuit can be experienced in City Limitless®.
Visitors to Mesa can take a journey on the legendary Apache Trail and see wild horses on the Salt River. The native herd lives along the riverbank and is often seen at sunrise and sunset, putting on a spectacular show for visitors of all ages. Kayaking and paddle boarding are popular activities for visitors as well. Do not miss stops on the award-winning Fresh Foodie Trail®, and make sure you head to Downtown Mesa – home to the city’s cultural scene full of international arts and entertainment. Along Main Street, visitors can enjoy one of Arizona’s largest pub crawls with breweries and local restaurants lining the block. Discover more limitless experiences at VisitMesa.com.
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
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