Music, actors, and world-class Western art welcomed a large group of art enthusiasts to the American Plains Artists 41st annual ‘Art of the Plains’ Juried Exhibit during its opening night reception at the Fort Concho National Historic Landmark in San Angelo, Texas, on June 20.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 20 artist awards, chosen by Texas landscape artist Phil Bob Borman. “Best of Show” went to Bonnie Griffin for her sculpture, “Dance of Stallions.”
“This is the sixth time the American Plains Artists has brought one of our two annual exhibits to Fort Concho and San Angelo,” Judy McElroy, APA President, said. “Each time we are amazed by the welcome and interest in Western art from the community.”
Artists and guests were greeted by The Fort Concho Cowboy Players acting troupe and The Fort Concho Band. Both groups utilized costumes and instruments from Fort Concho’s era as a frontier fort.
“This show represents our efforts to interpret history through another means,” Fort Concho site manager Bob Bluthardt said. “We cover our shared Western heritage with music, arts/sculpture, sports, special exhibits, and many programs.”
The “Art of the Plains” exhibit is housed in the Quartermaster Galleries, one of the first two buildings erected at Fort Concho in 1868, and runs through August 2, 2026.
Front Row: Jammey Huggins (APA Historian), Kristi McNelly, Judy McElroy (APA President), Cheryl Harley-Volz, Fritzi Heron (APA Vice President).
Back Row: Rita Morris, Ethan Tate, T.W. “Pops” Vanya, Charlie Bullock, Phil Bob Borman (Awards Juror), Deanna Borman.
Not in photo: Bonnie Griffin
For more information about the American Plains Artists, please visit americanplainsartists.com.
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Story prepared for the web by Cherie Dawn Haas, Editor of Fine Art Today
