Cowgirl Gathering: Artist Shootout

Description

Call for Entries 
The Cowgirl Gathering: Artist Shootout 2026

Invitational and Open Call to the Artist Shootout: a winner-takes-all online competitionCall Open: May 1st - July 31st.
Online competition with Optional Live Painting Demos in Fort Worth, Texas
Hosted by Cowgirl Artists of AmericaIn association with the Cowgirl Gathering.
The 5th annual Cowgirl Gathering Art Show is transitioning into the Cowgirl Gathering Artist Shootout. This is a winner-take-all competition!  

Event/Competition Details
Artists may submit up to 3 works for consideration. The top 15 scoring artists will be selected through the jury process, with each artist’s highest-scoring piece advancing into the official Shootout Competition. Gallery of top 15 artists opens September 1. The top 5 works will be announced on November 12, and the Grand Champion will be announced on November 16.
This is a winner-take-all competition, with final placement determined by the highest-scoring work.
The Grand Champion will be awarded:
A full-page advertisement in Chrome magazine (valued at $1,000)Featured social spotlight across The Cowgirl Gathering and Cowgirl Artists of AmericaFeature story on APHA.com and Cowgirl Artists of America platformsPress release published on The Cowgirl Gathering websiteCustom leather portfolio with The Cowgirl Gathering logo (valued at $250)Leather tote (valued at $350)Grand Champion buckle (valued at $250)
The 15 finalists will also have opportunities for live painting demonstrations in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Entry Details
Call Open May 1st - July 31st. (Call closes July 31st 11:59 Central)$25 for each entry, up to 3 entries. CGA Members get your discount code from the Member Space (retroactive discounts not available)
Artists ages 18+, working in painting and drawing media are invited to submit work for consideration for The Cowgirl Gathering Art Show and Sale.
Categories accepted in 2-d painting and drawing media.
(**Please note that the Cowgirl Gathering has some exciting changes and will once again have opportunities for Traditional Artists and expanded art media in 2027.)

Foundational Judging Criteria
Artists are to present up to 3 pieces for consideration in the show. Works submitted do not have to be available for sale, and there is no limit on creation date. The idea is for you to submit your very best work for a chance to be the Cowgirl Gathering Grand Champion piece. Attention will be paid to:Initial impression Composition and Design Technical Execution Attracts and holds attention Aesthetic qualityIncomplete applications will not be considered.

All styles are welcome, no preference will be given for traditional or contemporary work. Keep in mind this is a western show, and works should represent the genre, which includes landscapes, wildlife, farm and ranch scenes, horses and cattle, etc.Work is accepted based on the juror’s scores. Final curatorial decisions are reserved for The Cowgirl Gathering and Cowgirl Artists of America.

Curatorial Process
A pre-jury process is conducted internally by Cowgirl Artists of America. During the pre-jury process, incomplete applications or those that do not meet submission standards will not advance. After the pre-jury, the finalist jurors will review the submitted works along with each artist’s bio, statement, and CV. Each piece will be evaluated based on the criteria listed above.The Cowgirl Gathering Artist Shootout highlights exceptional Western artwork.

Application Requirements
WORKS PER ENTRY
Up to 3 works/applications may be submitted per artist.
MEDIUM and Size 
Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor and Gouache, graphite, colored pencil, oil pastel, soft pastel, and other 2-d painting and drawing media accepted.
No size restrictions. This is not an art sale, but if the work is available for purchase you may include purchase information in your description. No commission is taken, but we always welcome donations to support our work. 
Limitations
Original work only. Works created referencing another artist's photographs are allowed as long as you have the express written permission of the photographer to use their photo for your work. 
*No AI work in any form (neither in part, nor or in whole) is accepted. By applying to this show you are agreeing not to submit AI generated work. If you submit work that is in part or in whole AI generated, you agree to pay a $5000 breach of contract fee. By submitting your application you agree to this term.

ACCEPTED FINISHES
Because this is an online contest, we are not concerned about finished sides or framing. However, should a potential buyer contact you from the contest, please ensure that you clearly communicate this information to them. 
PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
For 2-D works submit the following for each work: Ensure that you upload a clear, sharp, well lit image of ALL requested angles. 
One tightly-cropped image of the work (full image, no frame, glass, or background) If the frame is a part of the actual artwork, include the frame in your image.
Technical Notes:
Files must be 10 MB or less jpg filesNo specific file name requirements
Sales and shipping
Since this year's competition is online there are no shipping requirements for the show. As a competition and not a sale the artist is solely responsible for any sales that occur. 
***If your work is for sale please include the following in your description: "Available for purchase through the artist. Contact artist name/phone number/ email. Price: $____." 
Artists are solely responsible for all aspects of sales, sales terms, shipping, and artwork.
*We recommend using Ship and Insure for your art shipping insurance. CGA members get a discount!

Important Dates
Application: May 1-July31
All application materials must be submitted by July 31st 11:59 PM Central. (Fees will not be refunded for incomplete applications, this includes submitting an application at the last minute and not being able to complete it, or needing tech or other support after hours/on the weekend.)
Jury Process: August 1-14
Acceptance Notifications: August 15
Acceptance status will be sent to all applicants.
Signed Contract Due: August 31
Online Gallery Opens/ Top 15 Announced: September 1
Top 5 Announced: November 12
Grand Champion Announced: November 16
Painting Demos: Details for demos will be released in the contract to the top 15 artist.
Gallery Closes: November 30. (CGA and The Cowgirl Gathering may choose to keep the gallery live beyond this date.)
Location of Competition: Online
Location of Live Painting Demos: Fort Worth Stock Yards, Tx.
The Cowgirl Gathering Art show is part of a bigger event called the Cowgirl Gathering. The Cowgirl Gathering Art Shootout is sponsored and organized by Cowgirl Artists of America (CGA).

Artist Demos
Artists participating in the show may also take part in Artist Demos. Information will be provided in the artist contract, if accepted.

Please direct all questions to info@cowgirlartistsofamerica.org