Exhibition Dates: August - September 2025 (Next year)
Application Open: July 17 - September 30 2024 (This year)
Location:
A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art
150 E. Main St.
Trinidad, CO 81082
The Reason:
Art is a powerful form of communication, capturing the essence of our history, reflecting our present, and envisioning our future. It has the remarkable ability to shape our perceptions and be shaped by them in return. Notably, Western art holds significant influence in shaping people’s perceptions of the American West. Often those stories represent rugged and resourceful cowboys and Native men, while often portraying women as beautiful objects. Women’s Work aims to expand that catalog with more meaningful and nuanced stories of women and their contributions. By expanding the catalog to include more stories from and about women, we can depict our history more accurately and duly celebrate the remarkable women of the West.
To increase the recognition of Western women artists and makers, and women’s role in the West, Women’s Work artists will connect with women on working ranches†. Juried artists will spend time on their chosen and/or assigned ranch, learn from the women’s connection to family, land, plants, and animals, and create work for the show inspired by the people and places with whom they are connected.
Women's Work also seeks to provide a platform for Indigenous women to authentically share their own stories. The exhibition strives to honor, amplify, and celebrate the traditions, culture, and narratives of Indigenous women, highlighting their unique experiences and deep connections to the land and its history as the original inhabitants. Recognizing the intrinsic connections Indigenous women have with their own tribes, Women's Work strives to provide a supportive space for indigenous women to tell their own stories.
By fostering an environment of respect and collaboration, we aim to celebrate and uplift the rich heritage and contributions of women of the American West, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.
†"Ranches" are a term used generally here. Artists can team up with women in agriculture, rodeo, day workers and other Western jobs/industries. Artist must keep in mind that the work created should fit the "Western Art" aesthetic.
Women’s work is open to fine artists and traditional artists.
**New for 2025, photographers are also invited to apply. However, due to the multidisciplinary nature of the exhibition, available spaces for photographers are extremely limited and highly competitive. Photographers interested in applying should have a strong portfolio that focuses on storytelling through images of people (not portrait-style shoots). While we welcome photographic submissions, please note that acceptance is not guaranteed.
Call Open: July 17 - September 30, 2024
$50 flat rate entry fee (One application per artist.)
Artists will submit 5 works created within the last 2 years as work samples. These works do not have to be available and are not for the show. Artists will create work for the show after acceptance.
Artists will also submit an artist statement, bio, and CV. Artist must have an up to date website to be considered. Your website will be reviewed as part of the curatorial process if you make it through the first round of curatorial decisions. An up-to-date social media presence on at least one platform is not required, but is highly preferred, and may also be reviewed.
Categories accepted in 2-D and 3-D Media:
Painting and drawing media, sculpture, photography (limited space), and traditional Western and Indigenous arts. All items must be handmade.
*No AI work in any form (neither in part, nor or in whole) is accepted in this submission or in work created for the show. 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. *Digital drawings and paintings not accepted in this exhibition.
For 2-D works submit the following for each work:
Required: One tightly-cropped image of the work (full image, no frame, glass, or background). If the frame is a part of the actual artwork, include the frame in your image.
Optional: To give context or a feel for your work you may submit additional images of your work framed or displayed in a physical space. Only do this if context needs to be given for the curatorial committee to fully appreciate the work.
For 3-D works submit the following for each work:
Required: 1 image of each piece.
Recommended: 3 to 4 images of each piece from different angles to give the curatorial committee a good idea of the quality and craftsmanship of the piece as a whole. Please photograph with non-distracting backgrounds in a professional manner.
Optional: To give context or a feel for your work you may submit additional images of your work displayed in a physical space or in use. You may also submit one video of your work in addition to your photographs if needed.
Technical Notes:
Files must be 10 MB or less jpg files
No specific file name requirements
*Fine artists, it is highly recommended that you submit work samples that show your handling of the human form. (This does not apply to traditional artists.)
*Traditional Artists please note: The media of traditional arts, and the language used to describe it, can vary greatly. To ensure proper labeling: Please choose the “Traditional Arts” category then write how your work would be label in an exhibition. For example: Leather and sterling handbag. Please do so for each of your sample submissions.
All works submitted with your application require pricing. If the work is sold, please state what it was sold for.
The curatorial committee will consider artworks based on:
Further, the curatorial committee will consider accompanying documentation for consideration if the artist appears to be a good fit for the show.
Traditional and contemporary styles accepted. Contemporary work should be representational, i.e. not abstract. This exhibition is to represent works about women, by women, and thereby shares a story.
Prizes TBD
The curatorial committee, comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and cultural perspectives, collectively determines the curatorial decisions.
Artist Requirements
Upon acceptance, artists will submit their contract. Specification of size and space details will be sent after curatorial decisions are made, and will be included in the contract for accepted artists. This show offers accepted artists two distinct avenues for their creative exploration. They can choose to partner with a ranch, immersing themselves in the ranching lifestyle and drawing inspiration from the women working there. Artists and Ranch partners must both submit a contract.
Alternatively, Native artists have the option to "partner with" their tribe, allowing them to create works that genuinely reflect their own stories, traditions, and culture. Artists may only partner with a tribe or Native Organization that they are affiliated with. Women's Work aims, in part, to provide a platform for Native women to authentically share their own stories while honoring their cultural connections. The intention is not to help non-native artists gain access to Native organizations.
Artists must gather their own reference materials. Work must be completed and high quality images submitted by May 15, 2025. Artists will document their process and share created content with CGA and A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art for educational and promotional purposes.
Artists and partner organizations are encouraged to attend the opening weekend and participate in artist talks.
Ranch Partnerships
Becoming a Ranch Partner is FREE, but requires the following:
Participating ranches will offer a tour of at least one day to an accepted artist to learn from the women who work the land, and sustain the families of the place. Ranches will grant at least one additional day for the artist to gather inspiration through activities like plein air painting, photography, interviews, and more. Ranches should keep in mind that gathering reference material can take some time and ranches are encouraged to work out a plan for the artist to stay on or visit the ranch for several days. Further, we encourage artists and ranches to have a phone or video discussion beforehand to develop a plan that will most benefit everyone involved. Ranches may offer food and lodging for the artist if they wish, but this is not required. The participating artist will create one or more pieces of art inspired by this visit to display in Women’s Work, with credit given to the women on the ranch and the ranch itself.
Participating ranches are invited to participate in the show opening. Ranches may share images of the work created from their ranch for non-commercial use, and must always give credit to the artist.
Participating ranches may become an official sponsor and get voting rights for “Sponsor’s Choice” at a discounted rate.
Liability of guests on participating ranches is the responsibility of the ranch, not A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art or Cowgirl Artists of America. Ranches may require that the artist sign a waiver if they choose. The artist is responsible for travel and associated expenses.
All partner ranches must complete the Ranch Partner Contract.
Tribal Organization Partnership
Since Indigenous artists will already be deeply connected to their tribe/nation, there is no "Partner" application requirement. If a tribe/nation or Native Organization would like to become an official partner with the show they must complete the application so we can gather pertinent information to include in our materials. This is our preference as we wish to adequately represent all parties involved in this exhibition.
Standard terms are a 60/40 split (60% of sale funds going to the artist). 40% going to A.R. Mitchell and CGA.
Any work in the exhibition sold by the artist after the show, as a direct result of the show, or show marketing efforts is subject to the same 60/40 split.
The opening weekend will be August 1-3, 2025. Sponsors will be invited to a preview dinner where they can cast their votes for Sponsors’ Choice. Artists will have opportunities give artist talks and participate in artist demos throughout the weekend.
If accepted, artists must sign and return the artist agreement by October 20, 2024.
2024
Call Open: July 17-September 30.
Jury Process: October 1-10
Acceptance Notifications: October 10
Signed Contract Due: October 20
2025
May 15: Images and info for catalog submitted
Delivery of Work: July 10-20
Opening Reception: August 1 (Opening weekend August 1-2_
Show Closes: September 30
Pick up Work: October 1-5
Payments Sent by October 31
Important Dates subject to minor changes.
Who is eligible?
Female western and Indigenous American artists and artisans, age 18+, and residing in the Americas. Artists working with ranches must be able to travel to their partner ranch in the US.
Do I have to be a member of CGA to enter?
No, you do not have to be a member to enter. Members do get a discount, which can be found in the member space. Discounts can not be applied retroactively so if you are a member make sure you use your discount code at checkout.
What media is accepted?
Fine art media includes painting, drawing, photography (limited) and sculpture.
Traditional western and Indigenous arts including, but not limited to pottery, precious metal, beading, quillwork, leather, weaving, etc...
Is photography and digital drawing/painting accepted?
New for 2025, photographers are also invited to apply. However, due to the multidisciplinary nature of the exhibition, available spaces for photographers are extremely limited and highly competitive. Photographers interested in applying should have a strong portfolio that focuses on storytelling through images of people (not portrait-style shoots). While we welcome photographic submissions, please note that acceptance is not guaranteed.
Does the artwork have to have a woman in it?
This is a twofold question.
1st: Artwork submitted on the application is for sample only and not for the exhibition. These works do not have to have a woman featured. However, for fine artists it is highly recommended that artists submit at least some work that shows your handling of the human form.
2nd: Artwork created by juried artists for the exhibition must be about women and their contribution to the history, culture, and story of the American West. For fine artists, this literally means that the work(s) feature a narrative composition of a women. For traditional artists the subject and theme must be around a woman/women and their contributions, though the work does not have contain a woman/female form in it. For example, a bootmaker may create a pair of boots with specific functionality based on the woman she gathers reference materials/ inspiration from. On the other hand the boots may contain design elements that harken to the story or work of this woman. Further, many traditional arts may have an innately female element to them. For example, a basket may have been made to do a task that was traditionally done by women, and contain elements of that story in the object itself.
Are Indigenous artists only allowed to submit traditional work?
No, Indigenous artists may submit work in any of the acceptable categories. The "are you an indigenous artist creating culturally relevant work," option it to clarify that only Indigenous artists may submit work representing their heritage. The intention of the exhibition is not to have non-native artists submit representations of Indigenous groups. Women's Work provides a platform for Indigenous artists to tell their own stories, not to have them told by non-native artists.
We recognize and celebrate that Indigenous women are actively involved in ranching and the "Western industry." Any Women's Work artist may partner with an Indigenous woman working in the "Western industry" as their ranch partner to highlight her work in ranching, agriculture, or other Western industries.
I'm an indigenous artist, but my work has special meaning for my tribe and is not meant to be sold to the public. Can I enter this work?
Yes! We understand that some indigenous artists may need special sales terms, or may not wish to have their work for sale in a public setting. We honor this, and will work with artists individually.
I'd like to partner with a ranch close to me. Can I do that? / How long does it last?
Ranch partnerships can be set up across the contiguous United States. If there is a ranch close to you that you'd like to work with they'd just need to fill out the ranch partnership agreement and have a women/women you can shadow. (Ranch partners get special benefits for allowing an artist to visit their ranch for reference materials.) Our basic requirement for visits is two days- one day to shadow the woman/women on the ranch, and one day to gather reference materials. (You can gather reference materials on both days.) If you'd like to have longer, that is something you'd have to work out with the ranch. Visit https://cowgirlartistsofameric... to see the ranch partnership agreement for more details.
I want to apply but I don't have any pieces I can apply with.
Because you are submitting work as sample only the artwork submitted on your application does not need to be available. You may submit work that has already sold or is in another show. If accepted, you will create new work specifically for this show. Your sample work must have been created in the last two years.
I'm concerned/confused about the timeline?
Please note that there is a span of a little over a year from the time of the open call to the actual exhibition. Pay close attention to the year on the timeline.
Am I allowed to use photography for my reference material?
Yes! You may use photos that you take during your ranch visit.
I already have a connection with a ranch/ I own my own ranch/ I work on a ranch. Can I partner with them/myself?
Yes! They/you just need to fill out the partnership agreement and have a woman/women working on the ranch that you can shadow.
If accepted, I would like to feature a woman in farming, land management, etc. Is that a possibility?
Yes, but keep in mind that the aesthetic and theme of this show is western. When you fill out your application there is a space provided to share if you have another idea. Please do so thoroughly so the curatorial committee can understand your idea, and decide if it is a good fit. This is generally not recommended unless you have a very compelling idea that is feasible and in line with the exhibition. Ideas not inline with the exhibitions goals and theme will not be considered. An example of an idea that was accepted was a rodeo pickup woman.
Where is the submit button for my application?
There is not "submit button." The application acts as a workspace that auto saves your progress. Once you have uploaded something it is in the system. ***Please note that the system will time out after 60 minutes. Your artwork submissions will save, but do not work on your bio, statement, and CV on the artcall platform as you will lose information when the system times out. If you need to edit these we recommend you do so in a document and then copy and paste into the application.
I made a mistake, uploaded the wrong photo, etc. on my application?
No worries, you can log back in and edit your application until the call closes.
I took longer than 60 minutes to fill out my application and it timed out.
No worries, you can log back in and edit your application until the call closes.
How do I add a new submission? / I only see where I can enter one piece for the application.
Once you have uploaded all images for your first piece you will see a button at the top right where you can add a new "application." Click that button and you will be prompted to fill out the info and upload images for your next piece.
Can 2024 artists apply to participate in 2025?
Yes!
I have another question.
Please email us at info@cowgirlartistsofamerica.org
