What's New at the TCAA
Elko Leather Show July 15 & 16
Dave Alderson and Pedro Pedrini will each be teaching a class at the annual Elko Leather Show July 15 & 16. Dave will be instructing students on hand push engraving (cowboy bright cut), focusing on beginner to intermediate students. Pedro will be teaching a carving class.
Interview with Ross Middleton
In a recent interview, you described the annual TCAA exhibit as a "national treasure". That's high praise... could you elaborate on why you ascribe this exhibit this kind of importance?
Throughout the evolution of mankind the ability to raise ones craft to the highest form of execution has been praised, rewarded and recalled as fine works of art. The effect that it has on that craft is to elevate the public perception of entire craft to a higher level and inspire others to join the craft, improve on one's own craft or collect its works. This is the most sincere form of preservation and is what I see with the TCAA and its annual show.
I believe that the works exhibited in the TCAA show have risen to that level and provide inspiration to others that ply the same crafts to continue their work, strive for a higher level of quality and thereby preserving those crafts for the future.
How do you see the efforts of the TCAA helping the Western Horse Culture today?
The partnership formed when man and horse work together to complete a task requires a certain type of specialized equipment, designed for a particular task and always with the preservation of the animal in mind. While the examples exhibited in the TCAA show are far and away above average, the craft is still the same. These traditional crafts and knowledge of the horse and horsemanship required to produce those pieces of equipment are essential to preserving these skills for the future which does and will continue to have influence on the Western Horse Culture.
What do you think of the unfolding relationship between the National Cowboy Museum, the TCAA, and the CAA?
I believe that it may prove to be the sharpest of double edged swords. On one hand the exposure of the show being associated with one of the finest collection of western artists and their work can a tremendous asset, giving the TCAA and CAA opportunities that they have never had before.
The work in the annual exhibit has been considered by many as fine art on par with fine painting and sculpture. Is this a good thing?
I believe that there is great value in anything made by hand. Any item made by hand at the highest form of execution is and should be considered a work of art and the artist or craftsman that created it should be rewarded as such. As far as the TCAA is concerned art at the exclusion of function or authenticity would quickly limit the appeal of the show and the association. I believe strongly that the great appeal for both the show and the association is the preservation of the traditional cowboy arts and the skills required to execute them at the highest level.
TCAA Affiliate member Mike Nicola
For the last few years Mike Nicola has been an associate board member for the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, at the last board meeting he was voted in as a full board member and given three areas of responsibility:
- Member of the executive committee
- Chairman of the Investment committee
- Sit on the audit and budget committee
WOW Mike I guess we didn't give you enough to do! All joking aside congratulations Mike we know you will be crucial to them as you are to us.
High Noon Western Americana Show and Auction
This was High Noon's 21st Show and Auction and the 12th year the TCAA has had an information booth. Again we spread the mission of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association by promoting contemporary western craftsmanship, our education programs (workshops, mentoring & lectures) and the annual TCA show and sale at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth and a special Thanks to Joseph and Linda Sherwood along with all the great staff.
New Affiliate member
Editor and Author AJ Mangum of Colorado was unanimously voted in as a TCAA affiliate member by the Traditional Cowboy Arts members. Proud to have you on board AJ!
International Guild of Bit & Spur Makers Conference
TCAA members Greg Darnall, Russell Yates and Wilson Capron attended the 2nd Annual International Guild of Bit & Spur Makers Conference in Denton, TX on November 18th - 20th. Russell and Wilson both sit on the board and are founding members of the Guild. Together, they spoke on topics such as using files and polishing stones, tool geometry and held panel discussions on making bits. Wilson also gave a hand engraving demonstration. Greg lectured on the anatomy of the horses mouth and helped with other lectures throughout the weekend.
Other lectures covered a wide range of topics concerning the bit & spur industry and featured world renowned engraver, Ron Smith. Smith's lecture included layout, design and shading techniques in engraving.
There were about 30 people in attendance each day with lots of positive feedback and inspiration felt throughout the conference. The conference is great for growth and education of the bit & spur industry.
TCAA member Ernie Marsh is also a member of the Guild, while Mark Dahl, Bill Heisman and John Ennis hold legendary status. For more information about the Guild, visit: www.igbsm.org.
Education
TCAA members have had a busy year so far on the workshop and mentoring front.
Nate Wald was in California conducting a braiding workshop with Mehl Lawson, Cary Schwarz held a carving and Saddlemaking seminar at his shop as did John Willemsma. Mark Drain mentored an engraver from Canada and Dave Alderson will hold a workshop in May for two craftsmen from Australia, Wilson Capron and Russell Yates held a successful steel engraving workshop at the NC&WHM. Along with other members mentoring fellow craftspeople by phone and internet. Thanks to all of you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Check out the TCAA Education achievements here
Ortega Book
Chuck Stormes and Don Reeves (McCasland Chair at the National Cowboy Museum) have written a new classic on the life and career of Luis B. Ortega, who is considered the most important rawhide braider of the twentieth century. Published by the University of Oklahoma Press, this is a must read for craftsmanship and Western Culture aficianados. Available at the Museum Bookstore.
Beginning in 2011 Newsletter will no longer be mailed out in printed form.
2010 Newsletter
2009 Newsletters
2008 Newsletters
Adobe Reader
Our newsletters are published in the Summer and Winter each year and they detail the the events and activities of the members. If you'd like to read one, you will need the free Adobe PDF Reader available from Adobe. If you don't have it already, you can download a free copy from them and, when you're ready, just click on one of the newsletters listed below that you'd like to read.
