The Lessons of Our Fathers

How Western Art Stays Relevant

Saturday, Aug. 27, Presentation 10 – 11:30 a.m., Panel 2 – 4 p.m.

The Sons of Charlie Russell: Cowboy Artists of America casts a spotlight on the history and significance of the Cowboy Artists of America and its efforts to maintain and evolve the style and subject matter of traditional Western art. The Briscoe is hosting a panel discussion on the importance of maintaining the traditions of Western art, as well as the necessity for those traditions to evolve in order to remain relevant in a changing world. The discussion will also examine the CAA’s level of success at executing its mission: to authentically preserve and perpetuate the culture of Western life in fine art.

Panelists include:

• Michael Grauer, the McCasland Chair of Cowboy Culture and the Curator of Cowboy Collections and Western Art at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

• Seth Hopkins, the Executive Director of the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia.

• Byron Price, Western art scholar and author of the book “The Sons of Charlie Russell”, commemorates 50 years of the Cowboy Artists of America and inspired the title of the Briscoe’s summer exhibition. Now retired after more than 25 years in the museum profession, Price was the Charles Marion Russell Memorial Chair and Director of Charles M. Russell Center for the Study of Art of the American West at the University of Oklahoma and served as director of the university’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

The panel will be moderated by Emily Wilson, Curator of Art for the Briscoe Western Art Museum and the curator of The Sons of Charlie Russell. The event will feature light bites and refreshments. Seating is limited and pre-registration is recommended. Registration for the panel discussion is included in museum general admission on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2 – 4 p.m.

Prior to the panel, don’t miss Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) artist and the 2022 President of the CAA Bruce Greene as he gives everyone a glimpse into his life as a cowboy artist, sharing his journaling techniques and how he uses his journal to help with the accuracy of his art. Hear about his extensive research process and the time he spends on ranches to inspire his work. The presentation precedes the panel on Saturday, Aug. 27, 10 – 11:30 a.m., and is included with museum general admission

The Briscoe offers a summer full of events and programming from artists’ demonstrations and gallery talks, family activities and STEAM programming, and our popular Summer Film Series, there’s something for every age to enjoy!