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TCAA Exhibition
:: Cary Schwarz
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The Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA) was formed
out of a desire to preserve skills that were rapidly fading into history.
A handful of elder craftsman in the fields of saddle making, bit and
spur making, rawhide braiding, and silversmithing formed a nonprofit
educational co-op to be funded by an annual show and sale. The mission
of the TCAA is to preserve these traditional gear making skills and
through educational programs, pass them on to succeeding generations.
The TCAA offers both group educational programs as well as one-on-one
apprenticeships to developing craftsmen and women. Established craftsmen
and women are encouraged to apply for membership in the TCAA. Membership
is decided by a vote of the TCAA members themselves. It's not uncommon
for an individual to apply multiple times before they are accepted.
The evaluation process is extensive with applicants receiving valuable
critiques and instruction along the way. It is highly recommended that
anyone interested in applying to the TCAA should attend the show in
order to see the level of work being produced first hand.
The annual show and sale offers an unprecedented opportunity for both
collectors and the general public. Many of the TCAA members have lengthy
waiting lists of up to ten years or are no longer taking orders. With
the advent of the TCAA sale, a few lucky collectors may purchase items
that they would not be able to acquire any other way. For the public
at large, the show following the sale is a once in a lifetime chance
to see work on display that they would otherwise never have the opportunity
to enjoy. A complete color catalog accompanies each show along with
limited quantities from previous shows.
Since its inception, the TCAA has enjoyed a close partnership with
the
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum located in Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma. The annual TCAA show takes place each September at
the Museum. With each passing year the craftsman of the TCAA try to
surpass the previous year's offerings. This is truly a challenge! Each
year the shows gallery is filled with spectacular gear, much of it
created using rare motifs and little known techniques from the old
days of the west. Several of the pieces are collaborative works. It's
also not uncommon to see international influences at work such as styles
of metal work from Renaissance Europe or rawhide braiding techniques
from Argentina or Australia. The over-all flavor of the work displayed
however is that of the legendary Vaqueros of Spanish Colonial California.
The sale itself is an exciting event; the prices are pre-set with
bids drawn by lottery. Eager collectors crowd
the gallery each hoping the items they have
placed bids on will soon be theirs. When the bidding is over, small
boxes containing the bid coupons are opened and the lucky winner of
each item is announced. Following the sale, the TCAA show is displayed
for three more months in order to allow the public to enjoy these wonderful
works of art. We at the TCAA would like to extend an invitation to
everyone with a passion and appreciation for fine western gear to come
to Oklahoma City and experience our show for your self. Feel free to contact
us for more information.
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Current TCAA Leadership