Western Art takes the stage as spectator sport

Added by on December 3, 2011

The second Western Art Rodeo Association (W.A.R.A.) event was held during the 17th Annual Heber City Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Buckaroo Fair, drawing a good crowd to watch the judging of paintings, drawings, sculpture, carving and photography.

The artists work was displayed for the weekend in an impressive gallery format where western art enthusiasts of all ages had the opportunity to meet the artists and purchase artwork. There were also several art demonstrations to help educate the public on how some of the artwork was created. In addition to teaching the fundamental principles of art, another goal of the W.A.R.A. is to educate and grow a younger generation of artists, art collectors and art enthusiasts.

Spectators said the competition was exciting.

“Although it was hard to imagine the judging of art as a spectator sport, I’ve become a believer”, commented Janet Thimmis. “It was fast paced and plenty Informative.”

“At the time of the competition, the competing pieces were taken to the competition room where each piece was shown to the judges and audience for only one minute, and with great art, an excited rodeo announcer, and rapidly changing leader board, the result was a cheering enthusiastic audience. It all added up to good entertainment.”

Champions crowned in each event were:

  • Wet Medium – Don Weller
  • Photography – Erika Haight
  • Dry Medium – Steve Johnson
  • Carving – Jose Valencia
  • Sculpture – Bob Burkhart

Several video clips of the event are available on the W.A.R.A. Facebook page at http://facebook.com/westernart.

“This was only our second event but we were very pleased with the quality of work, the venue and the crowd. Plans are underway for more Art Rodeos in the near future,” said Jeff Wolf, founder of the Western Art Rodeo Association.

The Western Art Rodeo Association adds entertainment, education and excitement to the art industry and is the premier organization for promoting Western Artists.

For more information about the W.A.R.A. visit http://westernartrodeoassociation.com.