Art Of The Cowboy Makers Winners

[Casey Jordan]

I have been waiting for pictures and dates for next years contest to post the results. The dates are still not confirmed yet but it will not conflict with Sheridan.

Also we will be adding one more category - Leather carving! The first year all entries will be making a legal pad binder, that way everyone will be working with the same size item. I will post details when we have the dates confirmed.

We would like to thank all our sponsors and contestants of this years contest. For those of you who could not be there in person it was very stiff competition in ALL categories. There were several categories that were very close. We will have pictures up on our website soon. Congratulations to all winners! 2010 Art of the Cowboy Makers winners:

Bits:1st - Kevin Peebler

2nd - Bill Madole

3rd - Les Iverson

People's Choice - Gary Wiggins

Boots:1st - Schwarz Custom Boots

2nd - Bill Niemczyk

3rd - Lisa Sorrell

People's Choice - Schwarz Custom Boots

Braiding:1st - Nate Wald

2nd - Ed Pass

3rd - Ray Huffman

People's Choice - Ed Pass

Engraving:1st - D.L. Moss

2nd - Rex Crawford

3rd - Kevin Elkins

People's Choice - Fluff Wood

Saddles:1st - Jesse Smith

2nd - Gary Parrish

3rd - Box Bar Cross Saddlery

People's Choice - Casey Jordan

Spurs to follow on next page!!!!!

[Casey Jordan]

I had to put the spurs on another page, sorry! Ran out of room for pictures.

Also here's a picture of one of this years Trophy Buckles!

Spurs:1st - Jim Mower & Denny Lytle ( L&M Spurs)

2nd - George Blackwood

3rd - Henry Ellis

People's Choice - Gary Wiggins

All the entries were invited for a two month exhibit at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Our main goal is to get exposure for contemporary makers and this exhibit is just another way to achive this goal. The front table has all the hand outs and business cards of all the makers.

Here's a couple pictures of this exhibit.

There were a lot of items sold and orders taken by makers in this contest. I will be posting details on next years contest soon.

We will be getting more pictures up on our website soon also. www.artofthecowboymakers.com

[hidepounder]

Casey,

Thanks for sharing the results of the show and congratulations on another great win this year! Very nice job on the saddle! I would also like to thank you for the hard work and long hours you put in helping to promote this event for NBSSCA. It's a unique event where makers can demonstrate their skills while being judged by their peers and the public as well. I'm especially tickled to see the approval of a leather carving category for next year and am anxious for the details as I am ready to begin designing my entry! Thanks again for all that you do and congratulations on the Peoples Choice award.

Bobby

[Casey Jordan]

Hidepounder

Thanks for all your comments and congratulations!

We're excited about adding a leather carving category and I knew you would be interested in entering. I know there are a lot of great carvers out there who don't make saddles. This will give them a chance to have there work exposed to a lot of people in a short time, not to mention the chance to win a nice trophy buckle and cash.

There were several items sold from the contest again this year and a lot of orders taken.

Infact, I sold my engraving entry (engraved Barry King Maul) shortly after the show opened and took three more orders before it was over. I still have a chance for more orders since it is still on exhibit for another month and a half.

I will be posting details and we will get the 2011 entry applications on the website as soon as the dates are confirmed.

[Admin]

Congratulations to all the contestants and winners! Let us know what LW can do to help with publicity, web space, or whatever you need for next year. It's great to see the enthusiasm and participation.

Johanna

[Casey Jordan]

Congratulations to all the contestants and winners! Let us know what LW can do to help with publicity, web space, or whatever you need for next year. It's great to see the enthusiasm and participation.

Johanna

Johanna,

Thanks so much for the offer! We would sure love to have you involved. I think it will be a win/win for both of us and will definatly be a two way street.

As soon as we get the dates confirmed we can get going on the application and advertising. And your right there is a lot of excitement and enthusiasm and it builds each year.

After meeting you in Wickenburg it was obvious you have a passion for what your doing here at LW. It was my pleasure to meet you and I appreciate all you do here!

Thanks again!!!!

Casey

[hidepounder]

We're excited about adding a leather carving category and I knew you would be interested in entering. I know there are a lot of great carvers out there who don't make saddles. This will give them a chance to have there work exposed to a lot of people in a short time, not to mention the chance to win a nice trophy buckle and cash.

Casey, you are so right about toolers, as we have discussed mumerous times. I've always thought there was a sort of parallel in the relationaships between saddlemakers/toolers and bit & spur makers/silversmiths. However, where silversmiths are duely recognized for their engraving skills, toolers are sort of considered second class citizens in the saddlemaking world which I have never quite understood. So I'm really thrilled to see a tooling category!

Bobby

[D.A. Kabatoff]

Bobby,

as a saddlemaker, i'd sure never consider you a "second class citizen". In fact, I view toolers such as yourself in the same way I view treemakers... you guys (and gals) never get the credit you really deserve but I'm always in awe of your talent. When I look at a saddle I notice the fine details of saddlemaking...handstitching, smooth leather work, proper function. When I look at trees, I look for the proper fit, how the bars will accomodate a groundseat, and how smooth the rawhiding is. When I look at floral carving, whether it's on a saddle or other type of gear, I appreciate the flow of lines, the depth of the work and the smoothness of how the tools were used. Regardless of what it is, I can sure appreciate when someone has the skill, perserverance, and talent to turn out fine work.

Darcy

[gtwister09]

Bob,

I have to agree wholeheartedly with Darcy. However Darcy I know what Bob is talking about.... In talking with a large number of saddlemakers I have personally heard a few saddlemakers make such statements about toolers. Their actions certainly were in line with treating them as second class citizens. Of course on the other side of the argument, there are a bunch of them that look at work like Bob's and others and they are like the rest of us who are in awe and admire their designs, details, depths, flows and execution.

Darcy's statement about looking at fine work is so true. My wife accuses me of appreciating way too many things like leather, (all matters of cowboy gear), wood, furniture, engraving and the list goes on. I admire and study these things for the things that Darcy talked about designs, attention to detail, flow and how they can be used across different disciplines.

As I have shared with Bob on more than one occasion, he has no reason to feel like a second class citizen.

Now off my soap box and rant...

Regards,

Ben

[Johanna]

Well, of course I'm MUCH younger than you gentlemen, so I haven't experienced the rivalry or prejudice between the disciplines. I get just as awed by looking at Bob's carving as I do the handstitched at 12 to an inch or fancy seat you sit on when riding a horse.

One thing I have noticed with our members is all the crossover. Many of you make knives, tools, are luthiers, farriers, do wood projects, maybe gunsmiths, stained glass artists, painters, metalsmiths, pottery, whatever caught your artistic attention. Some of you are experts at combining skills- I'm thinking of the Stangers with wood and leather and Jeremiah Watt with saddles and silver and the like.

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. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Bob and Casey in Wickenburg (they live a mile apart somewhere near Phoenix) and they patiently answered all my newbie questions with the dignity and class I've noticed all the real cowboys have. (I met a bunch more of them in Wyoming!)

I think it's important that we as a community sponsor events and shows like this, or the people who take the time to produce them won't want to bother, and we would all be poorer for that. Trade shows, art shows, guild shows- not only do they give us a chance to learn from our peers and get inspired to improve, but they bring us together in fellowship. Many of us work as loners, and it's good to make friends and get fresh ideas.

Johanna

PS

I'd also like to point out that Bob Park is very brave. In February Mrs. Park decided she wanted his tapadero lamp in her living room, and I know for a fact right now it's sitting in Lee's Hermann Oak's office right now looking pretty. If my old man would have done that...well, it wouldn't have been good. He should have given the Mrs. that first one and made another for display, but I guess he likes living dangerously. If I could buy that lamp I wouldn't let the dog or the kids breathe on it. Pictures don't do it justice. It's one of those things you won't get tired of looking at. The lamp was in Sheridan, and I thought about smuggling it to the rightful owner, Mrs. Park, but everyone was enjoying it too much. Plus Lee is a really nice guy. I did take detailed pics, Mrs. Park, in case you want an exact duplicate. muhahahaha

(luv ya Bob!)

[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.

[Casey Jordan]

Here's just a few notes I sent to all last years contestants and makers I have emails for about next years contest.

We have kept all the categories from last year and have added one category. We will have Bits, Boots, Braiding, Engraving, Leather Carving, Saddles and Spurs. The dates for next years contest is one month later on June 17-19 which is a Friday - Sunday show. This will not be in conflict with Sheridan Leather show.The new rules and application are up on the website at: www.artofthecowboymakers.com. Please read these on the website to be fully informed. We are still in the process of getting sponsors for next years contest. If you know of someone who might be interested in being a sponsor, please let me know. The exhibit at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame was very well received and a lot of interest from the museum guests. Many pictures were taken at the Cowboy Ball alone. This is great exposure for all makers and sponsors involved. There has been some confusion about NBSSCA's part in this contest. NBSSCA was the event sponsor. This contest is run solely by Art of the Cowboy Makers LLC. NBSSCA and Art of the Cowboy Makers LLC. are two different and separate organizations. Unfortunately, NBSSCA due to financial reasons, has decided not to be a sponsor of this contest in 2011. We sure do appreciate their past sponsorship! I hope this helps clear up the confusion. If you have any questions or comments, PLEASE let me know!