Modern Masters of the West 2026

Description

Call for Entries 
Modern Masters of the West: A classic collaboration of fine art and runway fashion
Event Dates: October 2-4, 2026Location: Fort Worth Stockyards
Boutique Gallery Showcase & Live Demos during Stockyards Fashion Week in Fort Worth, Texas
Open Call for all Western Artists
Hosted by The Fort Worth Stockyards. In association with the Stockyards Fashion Week. 
Select artists will present three original works of art and offer live demonstrations in partnership with iconic Fort Worth Stockyards brands. Artists will also have the opportunity to offer fine art reproductions and compete for prestigious awards—all in the heart of the legendary Fort Worth Stockyards. This event takes place during one of the most well attended events of the year- Stockyards Fashion Week- which draws in more than 100,000 visitors.
At a glance:
Open to all western artists, age 18+,  working in 2-D, painting and drawing media may apply. If selected, the artist must physically be present and able to showcase demos during the event.Traditional and contemporary work accepted.$4,000 in Awards and Prizes$1,000 Stipend for Each Artist provided by the Fort Worth StockyardsNo Commission — You keep 100% of SalesExposure to over 100,000 visitors during Stockyards Fashion WeekParticipate in a high-visibility, heavily marketed, and prestigious eventOpportunity to network with iconic brands. (See below)Showcase three original works (displayed and available for sale)(Optional) Offer limited edition fine art reproductionsEngage attendees with live demonstrations throughout the eventThis year's MMoW Partners:Pendleton Woolen Mills             Double D Ranch            PH Barn Door   John Wayne Stock & Supply      Lucchese Bootmaker   Will Leather Goods       King Ranch       Kimes Ranch   Old Gringo Boots           Maverick Fine Western Wear   Flea Style          Tucker Brown   
Please note that you submit five images as work samples for jurying. These may or may not be the exact pieces shown in the exhibition; however, the submitted works should reflect the quality, style, and subject matter of what will be displayed if selected. Works submitted on the application and displayed at the event must have been created within the last 2 years. If you need to create a work(s) for this exhibition after the selection process keep deadlines in mind. You must have 3 complete pieces to display during the event. Artwork displayed must match the quality and style of the work submitted on your application or you may be disqualified from participation.

Entry Details
Call Open: March 15 - June 16
Event Dates:  October 2-4$35 flat rate fee. CGA Members get your discount code in the members space. Discount can not be retroactively applied. Please read through and follow the "Submission Instructions and Tips" below. Failure to follow instructions may result in disqualification from the jury process.
Categories and Accepted Work 2-D painting and drawing media only (oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, graphite, colored pencil, etc.). Artists must be able to set up and demonstrate their process in small, tidy space. (Please note, due to event specific restrictions and space specification we are not able to accept other media. If you are an artist/artisan who doesn't qualify for this exhibition please keep an eye out for other opportunities we host or sponsor.)
All styles are welcome, no preference will be given for traditional or contemporary work. Keep in mind this is a western show for western artists, and works should represent the genre, which includes cowgirls and cowboys, landscapes, wildlife, ranch scenes, horses, etc.No AI work in any form (neither in part, nor 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.Works that are pre-printed and painted over are not accepted (i.e. you may not print a photo as a canvas print and then paint over it.)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 in a commercial capacity. Works created in a class or under instruction may not be submitted.Artwork displayed must be neatly finished and presented professionally (i.e. framed or have neatly finished sides). No loose papers, sketchbooks, etc. (Artwork will be displayed on easels, such as this,  provided by the artist)Artwork displayed may not exceed 30” in width or 38” in height (Including framing). (Each brand partner will have different space considerations. If selected you will need to consult with your brand partner to ensure that you plan for that particular space.) 

Jury Process 
Jury Round 1 will be completed by a panel of jurors, who will select 24 finalists*.Incomplete applications will not make it past Round 1.Jury Round 2 (Brand selection process): 12 Partner brands will select their artist partner from the 24 finalists. Brand Partners make final artist selections. Brand Partners are spread throughout the stockyards, with each having unique locations, merchandise, and store setup/space. All Brand Partners are generously sharing their space and are valued partners for this exhibition. Do not apply if you are only willing to work with certain Brand Partners.*The total number of Brand Partners may change slightly from year to year.

Awards/Prizes
Awards will be determined by a juror based on the works viewed live at the event. Juror will consider the three exhibited pieces collectively as a cohesive body of work.
Best in Show: $3,000Honorable Mention: $1,000People’s Choice (Fundraiser)- Winner receives 20% of total vote proceeds up to $1000

Submission Instructions and Tips
* Ensure that you upload a clear, sharp, well lit image*You will submit all images as one submission. Please ensure that you follow the instructions. You will be able to edit any portion of your application and until the call closes.
Step 1: Create or update your account information (includes- name, contact, bio, statement, CV, etc.) (Note: The system automatically times out after 60 minutes. Do not leave your application, unsaved. It is not recommended that you write your bio statement or CV within the application fields; rather copy and paste them from your master copy so you do not risk losing information if the system times out.)Step 2: Begin your application-For "Title" put your name. Media- only one media per submission. If you would like to enter works from different media, you must submit a separate application for each media. If selected you must present work and showcase demos in the media selected.In the "Description" field, list the title and size of each work submitted. You may also include a brief one to three sentence description if you feel that it is needed for the jury to understand your work.Pay your submission fee.Step 3: Upload 5 images of current work samples. These should be good examples of your style and skill. Submit work that is likely to be displayed if you are selected. (You may bring work other than what you submit, but it must be of the same quality, style, and skill as works on your application.) Photos of your work should be only the work (not the work with the frame or behind glass).
Technical Notes:
Files must be 10 MB or less jpg filesNo specific file name requirements
SALE TERMS
If selected, you are solely responsible for sales and you retain 100% of sales. You may only display 3 works of original art on easels.* You may also (optionally) sell limited edition prints. If selected you will need to discuss space availability for your print bin with your Brand partner.*In the past, some brand partners have offered additional space to showcase more art. That option is solely at the discretion of your brand partner. In this instance the awards juror will still base their decision on the 3 pieces that are part of your official display.
 SET UP | Tear Down
Artists may set up their work on October 1 or the morning of October 2. Teardown may occur at the conclusion of the event, or one hour before the brand partner space closes on October 4. Artists may also tear down the morning of October 5.
***Please note that each retail/brand partner will have different store configurations and set up requirements. You will be put in touch with your brand partner after contracts have been received.
Demo space: Demo spaces must be compact and may be set up inside the store or on the sidewalk outside the store. Please be aware of any merchandise, walkways, etc....
If you are unable to be physically at the event participating in demos please do not apply.

Important Dates
Application: March 15 - June 16
All application materials must be submitted by June 16. (Fees will not be refunded. This includes incomplete applications, and last-minute submissions that cannot be completed, or tech support requested after hours on the final day.)
Jury Round 1: June 17 - June 30
Brand Selection: July 1 - July 17
Acceptance Notifications: July 18
Signed Contract Due: August 1
Setup: October 1
Event Dates: October 2–4 (Demo Hours: Friday and Saturday 11 AM -7 PM, and Sunday 1PM - 4PM)
Tear Down: October 4–5
Location of show: In-person, at select boutique locations within the Fort Worth Stockyards during Stockyards Fashion Week. 
Event Hosts: Fort Worth Stockyards. Presenting Sponsor: Cowgirl Artists of America (CGA) 
Artist Agreements
If accepted, artists must sign and return the artist agreement by August 1 to claim their spot. Please direct all questions to info@cowgirlartistsofamerica.org