Art Of The Cowboy Makers Winners

[Casey Jordan]

Bobby, Darcy & Ben,

Your all right! I think there are alot of fine toolers & carvers who need a big stage to showcase what they can do.

That's exactly why we are putting this category in.

I was discussing this with my wife and we both agree this will probably be the first category to fill up completly.

We have a limit of 25 first come/ first serve. I already have people just waiting for the application to enter this category.

I'll be willing to bet right now that this category wil be the "Bell of the Ball" at this years contest. I can only imagine what fine leatherwork will be there.

And since the vendors, makers and public get to vote, it will be looked over real good. The public really gets into it because they are involved in deciding the winner.

I will let you know more details when we have confirmed dates, hopefully next week.

Casey

[Casey Jordan]

Johanna,

I must have been typing when you posted, I'm not just ignoring you.

Your right about the crossover of many makers doing other crafts and having other talents. Some are so talented at many things that it makes me jealous.

We are trying to include the whole scope of as many cowboy related crafts as we can. We add what we can if we feel it will be a good turn out by the makers.

And your right, everyone has to step it up a notch. That is what brings out some amazing works of art.

The Art of the Cowboy Makers is designed to be major exposure for all the contemporary makers. We feel this will bring up the prices and demand for their work too.

I do a lot of western collectable and antique shows and most of the collectors only see "antiques" as collectable. Well, since we started this contest they are starting to change their minds a little. They are starting to see that there are some very talented makers making some very impressive items right now.

The first year I had an antique dealer who does these show all the time come up to me and say "I see these contemporary makers all the time, but I never really looked at their work - until today! Since I had to vote for my favorite I really had to pay attention to what I was looking at and I'm very impressed!"

Also, I truly appreciate what you said about supporting events like this. It is a lot of work and very time consuming, but I already see it helping out many makers already. It is rewarding when the makers are truly appreciative of what you have done.

Let's see, how long will it take me to catch up to you Johanna? Do I have enough time left?

[hidepounder]

Darcy, Ben, Johanna, Casey.....

Oops...sorry everybody! I trully didn't mean to steer the subject off track with my comment. Casey and I have had a lot of discussions regarding my point of view...I feel I should explain.

There are a lot of shows where braiders, silversmiths, saddlemakers and bit/spur makers are invited/allowed to enter and demonstrate their skills in a friendly compettitve public forum. Entering is an important part of obtaining name recognition which is so important in marketing. Quite often, toolers are not allowed to enter these shows because they are not saddlemakers. The same holds true for a number of clubs/organizations who recognize braiders, bit/spur makers, silversmiths and saddlemakers as cowboy artists...but not toolers. Consequently, toolers are often forced to enter "craft" shows which IMO are organized for enthusiasts and non-proffessionals. This was recently just brought home to me where upon mentioning my intent to enter the IFOLG show in St. Louis, I was criticized for having an "unfair advantage". There are some exceptions to all of this of course (thank goodness!) and NBSSCA has now joined that group. It gives guys like myself, who don't qualify to play, an opportunity to strut our stuff,... for which I am very grateful!

Casey brings up another point that I think is very significant. Whether anyone realizes it or not, the greatest work ever produced is happening right now! The very best saddlemakers and toolers of all time are making gear right now...today. In recent years we have lost some greats, of course, but their influence has created new masters, who are doing even better work. These shows, like the Art of the Cowboy presented by NBSSCA afford a terrific opportunity for collectors, enthusiasts, craftsmen and professionals to see some of the best work ever gathered in one location for eveyones enjoyment. Thanks, Casey, to you and NBSSCA for recognizing this and making it possible for all of us to see! And thanks to you, Johanna, for making LW the wonderful place it is, bringing us all together and advancing our craft!

Bobby

PS.....thanks, all of you, for your kind words!

[Hilly]

It's great that The Art of the Cowboy is recognizing the whole scope, and adding a carving category will make old Bob ramp it up a notch.

Is that even possible?

[Casey Jordan]

Thanks to Bobby for explaining it so throughly. You know I agree with you.

Also you brought up a point that a lot of makers don't think of or just don't get it yet.

" Entering is an important part of obtaining name recognition which is so important in marketing."

Finally someone else gets it! How true that statement is. Exposure is very critical if you want to sell or take orders.

That's the whole idea behind the contest anyway. Win, lose or draw- your going to benefit just by entering.

I had some makers say they would not enter because they could not win or beat so and so. These guys don't get it yet.

If you enter you are going to be a winner in some way.

I entered the engraving category with my Barry King maul knowing I could not win. My engraving isn't good enough to win, I knew that before I entered.

I din't win ( big suprise) or even place. But if you ask me I was a winner big time by entering.

For a $100.00 entry fee I exposed my work to approxametly 15,000 people. Some who didn't even know I could engrave. I sold the maul the first hour of the show and took orders for 3 more by the end of the show. It's at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame right now untill August 1st with all the other entries.

Try to get that much exposure for $100.00 anywhere else.

Now we are giving carvers & toolers the chance to strut their stuff- BIG TIME! There are a lot of great carvers who don't make saddles and they should be able to show what they can do.

Hilly,

Scientists are still working on your question.

Competition like this makes everyone step it up a notch. Can't wait to see the entries next year.

[roo4u]

i really wanted to enter the braiding, but circumstances prevented me from completing a project in time. now i see that i would have been going up against three of the top braiders in the country...yikes...i cant wait to start a project that will hopefully be worthy of being in competition with the likes of those guys. oh man off to plan...

[Casey Jordan]

Tracy,

We would love to have you enter. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Your a lot closer to the event than most people who enter. Quite a few makers were unable to attend in person but managed to get their entry there.

Look forward to hearing from you when the applications are complete.

Casey

[roo4u]

yep, not real far away. i just didnt get anything done to enter but that wont be the case for next year as i have almost a whole year to plan and work on perfection. i havent entered a piece in a show before, the thought of going against the likes of nate, ray and ed is kinda scary, but the chance to have my work seen and maybe build some business is hopefully gonna outway the nerves.

waiting for the apps.

[Casey Jordan]

yep, not real far away. i just didnt get anything done to enter but that wont be the case for next year as i have almost a whole year to plan and work on perfection. i havent entered a piece in a show before, the thought of going against the likes of nate, ray and ed is kinda scary, but the chance to have my work seen and maybe build some business is hopefully gonna outway the nerves.

waiting for the apps.

I remember emailing you a while back.

I entered the engraving knowing I could not win, but it was well worth it.

You have to enter for people to see your work. A lot of items sold out of the contest, not all were winners!

You can do it!

Casey

[Casey Jordan]

We finally have confirmed dates for the 2011 Art of the Cowboy Makers contest.

It will be June 17-19 which is a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There is no conflict with the Sheridan show. Infact you may enter the same item in our show that you enter in Sheridan.

We have added a Leather Carving category for 2011. We have a lot of interest in this category and expect to fill up quickly.

The rules for this category are pretty simple:

Leather Carvers will be making a binder for a 8 1/2" x 11 3/4" writing pad Maximum size 11" x 14" closed. No kits or pre-made interiors. NO silver on the Leather Carvers entry.

Our website has been updated. You can download the rules and application off the website.

Any Questions or comments just let me know.