From Cowboy Artists of America demonstrations to gallery talks, STEAM programming for families, and our popular Summer Film Series, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
The Sons of Charlie Russell: Cowboy Artists of America
Exhibition Preview Party
Thursday, May 26, 6 – 8 p.m.
Help the Briscoe kick off the summer showcasing the foundation and future of Western art alongside members of the Cowboy Artists of America and Michael Duchemin, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Briscoe. The event includes complimentary beer, wine, specialty cocktails and light bites. Free for Briscoe members and $45 for non-members. In addition to enjoying the exhibition, guests may tour the museum 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Purchase Tickets Here | Briscoe members RSVP at: rsvp@briscoemuseum.org or 210.299.4499
“The Sons of Charlie Russell: Celebrating Fifty Years of the Cowboy Artists of America”
Book Signing with Byron Price
Thursday, May 26, 5:15 — 5:45 p.m.
Friday, May 27, 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Byron Price will be signing copies of his book, “The Sons of Charlie Russell”, the inspiration behind the Briscoe’s exhibition. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Cowboy Artists of America, Price details the organization’s founding to perpetuate the history, romance, and significance of the American West. The stories of these cowboy artists come alive with essays, photographs and beautiful images of their work. Available for purchase in the Museum Store and online.
An Enduring Desire: Tradition and the Cowboy Artists of America
Lunch and Curator’s Tour
Friday, May 27, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join Emily Wilson, the Briscoe’s Curator of Art and the curator of The Sons of Charlie Russell for an in-depth look at the exhibition, detailing how traditional Western art represents an enduring desire for continuity, stability, and a fixed identity of what it means to be an American. Wilson will focus on the ties between CAA artists and historical artists of the American West, examining the artistic choices made by members navigating between cohesion and individuality and tradition and innovation in pursuing the work of creating traditional Western art. The lunch begins at 11 a.m., followed by the tour at 1 p.m. Tickets are $50 for Briscoe members and $60 for non-members.
Purchase Tickets Here
Boots, Chaps, and Cowboy Crafts: Family Art Activities
Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Explore America’s cowboy culture and heritage with hands-on activities available for visitors to celebrate the opening of The Sons of Charlie Russell. Crafts include Make Your Own Spurs, Make Your Own Paper Bag Cowhand and Hands-on-chaps, cowboy hat, and lasso. Included in general museum admission.
Cowboy Creations: Demonstration and Talk with C. Michael Dudash
Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Live Painting Demonstration: Narrative Western Painting
Dudash will demonstrate and discuss the various approaches and painting techniques he uses to create his narrative western paintings. He will teach how to create a successful painting through dynamic design by prioritizing the position of the subjects and elements, effectively posing figures and animals, how to use color and value, making proper landscape choices, and adding “atmosphere and dust” to give a work of art an emotional lift.
2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Talk by C. Michael Dudash, “Illustrations’ Influence on Western Art”
A member of Cowboy Artists of America since 2016, C. Michael Dudash trained in the fine arts before working in classic illustration and gaining a prestigious and national reputation. In 2002, he left his illustration work behind and became a full-time painter in the fine art world. Hundreds of collectors and corporations have his paintings in their permanent collections, as well as The Booth Museum, the James Western Art Museum and the Briscoe. Included in museum general admission.
Dudash will share illustration examples from the late 1800s to the year 2000 that have influenced Western Art’s biggest names and trends throughout the last 150 years. Understanding this subject will enhance one’s appreciation and enjoyment of the contemporary Western art being created today
Saturday, July 23
Tip Your Hat to Charlie & Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy, a family friendly festival with educational programming, arts, crafts, performances and artist demonstrations.
Saturday, August 27
The Lessons of Our Fathers – One-Day Symposium & Artists Presentations featuring today’s top Western art scholars and Cowboy Artists of America art presentations.
In addition to the key dates listed above, the Briscoe will present a wide array of artists’ talks, presentations, and demonstrations by many of the Cowboy Artists of America throughout the summer with programming to
The Sons of Charlie Russell exhibition.
Become a Briscoe member and experience the Sons of Charlie Russell: Cowboy Artists of America and more. See the once-in-a-lifetime exhibition before the public and enjoy a reception in the company of fellow museum supporters!
Help us bring the spirit of the West alive by becoming a Briscoe Partner!
Click here to become a member!
Governor Dolph Briscoe and his wife Janey envisioned a Museum that would preserve the stories and traditions of the American West.