Competitions & Contests

Modern Masters of the West

Entry Dates 2025-08-22T23:59:00+00:00 - 2025-07-25T13:00:00+00:00 24 Days Left

Description

Call for Entries 
Modern Masters of the West: A classic collaboration of fine art and runway fashion
Date: October 3-5Location: 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 eventNetwork with iconic brands such as Double D Ranch, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Kimes Ranch, and moreShowcase three original works (displayed and available for sale)(Optional) Offer limited edition fine art reproductionsEngage attendees with live demonstrations throughout the event
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 you need to create work(s) for this exhibition keep in mind fast approaching deadlines. Select artists must show 3 pieces. Artwork displayed must match the quality and style of the work submitted on your application.

Entry Details
Call Open: July 25 – August 22
Event Dates:  October 3-5$35 flat rate fee. 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
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 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.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.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
Artists are to present 5 work samples. Please use samples of work that are likely to appear if you are selected. Jury Round 1 will be completed by a panel of jurors, who will select 32 finalists.Incomplete applications will not make it past Round 1.
Jury Round 2 (Brand selection process): 16 Partner brands will select their artist partner from the 32 finalists. Selections will be made one at a time in a randomized order (raffle-based) to ensure fairness.

Awards/Prizes
Awards will be determined by a jury based on the works viewed live at the event. Judging 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 these instructions:
Submit 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).Information for artwork. Because you are submitting all your work samples under one submission please do the following. In the "Title" section of your submission put your name. In the "Description" section please list the size, media, and price of each work sample included. You may also include a brief 1-3 sentence note if you feel there is something you’d like the jury to know.Ensure that all other information, such as Bio, Statement, and CV (resume), etc are submitted.You can edit your application until the call closes. Simply log back in and make necessary changes.Please note that the system times out after 60 min. We recommend doing any writing/editing outside of the program so you don't lose information.
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. No commission is given. 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.
 SET UP | Tear Down
Artists may set up their work on October 2 or the morning of October 3. Teardown may occur at the conclusion of the event, or one hour before the brand partner space closes on October 5. Artists may also tear down the morning of October 6.
***Please note that each retail/brand partner will have different store configurations and set up requirements. You will be connected with your brand partner upon selection 
Demo space: Demo spaces must be compact and may be set up inside the store (as space allows) or on the sidewalk outside the store. Please be aware of any merchandise, walkways, etc....

Important Dates
Application: July 25 – August 22
All application materials must be submitted by August 22. (Fees will not be refunded for incomplete applications, including last-minute submissions that cannot be completed, or tech support requested after hours on the final day.)
Jury Round 1: August 23–24
Brand Selection: August 25–29
Acceptance Notifications: September 1
Signed Contract Due: September 5
Setup: October 2
Event Dates: October 3–5
Tear Down: October 5–6
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 September 5. Please direct all questions to info@cowgirlartistsofamerica.org