The Elks Rodeo may have left town, but that doesn’t mean the horses, hats, and boots are all gone. Mosey on down to Pismo Beach for the second annual SLO-Poke Western Art Rodeo and have a gander at art capturing a variety of Western-themed scenes.
More than 20 artists and 70 works of art will be represented. Works include original paintings, sculpture, gicleés, and photography depicting the Western genre. Works by several local and renowned national artists will be on display. Santa Maria residents Frank Gray and Dee Adams Prater will have pieces representative of their respective painting and sculpture. Other artists include Iris Wise, Howard Terpning, Martin Grelle, George D. Smith, and Andy Thomas.
Seaside Gallery president Tom Burgher said Western art is beloved because it uniquely portrays an American story about the exploration and settlement of the West, the lives of its people, the variety of its wildlife, and the beauty of its landscapes.
“Based upon its popularity last summer, we believe that there are many western art collectors in the tri-county area, and we would like to see the SLO-Poke Western Art Rodeo grow to be a major attraction for visitors to Pismo Beach and the adjacent communities in the future,” Burgher said.
He explained that the gallery will celebrate the SLO-Poke Western Art Rodeo with an opening reception with some of the artists. Gallery staffers will be dressed in Western attire to welcome visitors. The SLO-Poke Western Art Rodeo will be on display through the end of July.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone wishes you happy trails. Contact her at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jun 21-28, 2012.
