In this illuminating episode of Cowgirl Artists of America's podcast, host Megan Wimberley converses with talented Oklahoma-based artists Lauren Florence and Kasie Salle. The trio engages in a thorough examination of art festivals, underscoring both the rewards and challenges inherent in such events. Listeners are treated to firsthand accounts of the preparation process, from the selection of suitable inventory to the logistics of booth setup. Lauren and Kasie share their unique approaches to engaging with festival-goers, emphasizing the significance of fostering genuine connections and creating memorable experiences for attendees. The conversation also touches upon the emotional landscape of festival participation, exploring how artists navigate the unpredictable nature of sales, weather, and more. This episode serves as a valuable resource for artists at any stage of their careers, offering practical advice and encouragement to pursue their artistic passions through festival participation.

Takeaways:

• Art festivals provide a unique opportunity for artists to gain exposure and credibility in the art community.
• Successful participation in art festivals often requires substantial preparation and strategic planning well in advance of the event.
• Engaging with fellow artists at festivals can lead to valuable networking opportunities and collaborative growth.
• Artists can face emotional challenges during festivals, but building a supportive community can help mitigate those feelings.
• Weather conditions can greatly impact the festival experience, making it essential to prepare for various scenarios.
• Having a well-organized booth and being prepared to present your work professionally is crucial for attracting potential buyers.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Cowgirl Artists of America
• Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts
• Finerworks
• Cottonwood Festival

Kasie Sallee (Social)

Lauren Florence (Web | Social)

🎙 Episode Summary:

This podcast episode delves into the profound significance of cowgirl culture within the broader narrative of Western art, as articulated by two esteemed artists, Donna Howell-Sickles and Barbara Van Cleve. The discussion revolves around the multifaceted identity of cowgirls, emphasizing their roles as both competent individuals and integral contributors to ranch life. Throughout the dialogue, the speakers reflect on the historical underrepresentation of women in the portrayal of the West, advocating for a more inclusive understanding that recognizes their enduring contributions. The artists share personal anecdotes, underscoring their artistic journeys and the deep connections they maintain with the land and the traditions of ranching. Ultimately, this episode serves as a celebration of the resilience, strength, and joy inherent in the lives of cowgirls, inviting listeners to appreciate the richness of their stories and the artistry that captures their essence.

📌 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• (00:00:02) – Introductions and a warm welcome to Donna and Barbara
• (00:01:19) – What does it mean to be a cowgirl? How both artists define it in their work
• (00:03:12) – The historical erasure of women in the West and why their stories matter
• (00:06:26) – Barbara’s book Hard Twist and her mission to document real ranch women
• (00:10:32) – The role of joy, confidence, and independence in western women’s art
• (00:19:03) – The balance of femininity and grit in ranch life and how it’s portrayed in art
• (00:26:23) – Overcoming challenges: Pursuing an art career despite early discouragement
• (00:33:47) – The moment each artist realized their career had truly taken off
• (00:39:39) – Barbara’s transition from film to digital photography and shooting on horseback
• (00:44:18) – How Donna works with models to create her iconic cowgirl imagery
• (00:46:10) – Final thoughts on storytelling, legacy, and inspiring future generations
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✨ Key Takeaways:

• Women have always been a vital part of Western history, and artists like Donna and Barbara are bringing their stories to the forefront through their work.
• Joy and confidence are as powerful as hardship and struggle in defining the cowgirl experience.
• Authenticity matters—whether through photography or painting, capturing the spirit of the West is just as important as the details.
• Challenges in the art world exist, but persistence and passion drive success.

💡 Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Cowgirl Artists of America (CGA): www.cowgirlartistsofamerica.org
• Donna Howell-Sickles: https://www.donnahowellsickles.com/galleries
• Barbara Van Cleve: https://www.barbaravancleve.com/
• CGA Open Enrollment: https://cowgirlartistsofamerica.org/become-a-member

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Join us for a spine-tingling exploration of art business horror stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat! We dive into the chilling experiences shared by artists Paige Weber and Priscilla Patterson, who recount their real-life encounters with unexpected challenges in their careers. From lost artworks to contracts gone awry, these tales reveal the importance of protecting oneself in the art world. You’ll learn valuable lessons on the necessity of contracts, how to handle difficult clients, and the significance of being discerning when showcasing your work. As we share these haunting anecdotes, we hope to equip you with the tools to navigate your own artistic journey with resilience and resourcefulness.

Today's podcast brings to light the often-overlooked challenges that artists face in their careers, particularly in navigating the business side of art. This episode serves as a timely reminder of the potential pitfalls that can arise in the creative profession, inviting listeners to learn from the experiences of others rather than facing their own gruesome misadventures.

Featuring guests Paige Weber and Priscilla Patterson, both artists share personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of contracts and clear communication in the art world. Paige recounts a distressing experience with a portrait commission for a grieving mother, where a lack of a formal agreement led to misunderstandings and ultimately losing her work without compensation. This story underscores the necessity of having a solid contract, complete with clauses for revisions and deposits, to protect both the artist and the client. Meanwhile, Priscilla reflects on her early career, sharing a tale of lost artwork and untrustworthy galleries, which emphasizes the need for artists to be discerning about where they showcase their work.

As the discussions unfold, listeners are encouraged to view these stories not just as horror tales but as valuable lessons in resilience and resourcefulness. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to better manage art business dealings, including the importance of inventory tracking and maintaining strong professional boundaries. In a friendly and engaging tone, the podcast aims to empower artists to navigate their careers with confidence, turning potential nightmares into opportunities for growth and success.

Takeaways:

• Always use a contract when taking on commissioned work, even with local clients.
• Be cautious of red flags when clients can't provide necessary materials or good photos.
• It's acceptable to say no to projects that don't fit your artistic style or scope.
• Maintain an inventory list of your artwork to track where it is at all times.
• If a gallery sells or changes ownership, ensure your contract covers what happens to your work.
• Learn from past experiences to refine your approach and protect your art business.