Desert Raven Art

Recreating the Wonderful Spirit of Noble People from Ancient Times

Mary Hone, of Desert Raven Art, has a great appreciation for Native American art and culture. She is inspired by their beauty and artistry, the peaceful way they lived, and their connection to mother earth. Everyday, she strives to live life in a way that exemplifies that ideal.  She has spent a lifetime studying and learning about the Native American culture, admiring the use of art in their everyday lives, and the beauty and serenity it embraces. Here is Mary's story:

"I have loved leather since I was a child. I got a pair of moccasins when I was eight or nine and wore them until I couldn't squeeze my feet into them anymore. I then took them apart and made a bag. Every leather piece or scrap I could find, I would keep and make something from it. I have always been fascinated with Native American culture and the artistic bead work they created. I taught myself how to bead several years ago, but never really did anything with it. I met my husband five years ago, and we started going to mountain man rendezvous. This reignited my passion for bead and leather work. I made myself a buckskin dress, bags, leggings- the whole outfit. When we got married, I made a white buckskin wedding dress and moccasins.

A couple of years ago, I wanted to make myself a nice purse from Bison leather, so I designed the bag and made it. Everyone loved the purse, so I made a few to sell. I then created a few more different designs. Soon, I had a line of products to sell in stores, online, and at art shows.

The bead work is what I enjoy doing the most. I work with traditional patterns, mostly Sioux or Northern Plains Indian. To watch the beauty come alive on the leather is still magical to me. Every piece I create is based on authentic items found in museums throughout the country, trying to recreate the wonderful spirit of these noble people from ancient times."

Desert Raven Art

 Santaquin, Utah 

801-754-1628

Hones Design Studio 

From Small Family Business to One of the Most Noteworthy, Custom Design Furniture Studios in the Country 

What started as a small family woodworking business 48 years ago, has evolved into one of the most noteworthy, custom design and hand carved furniture studios in the country. Al Hone's grandfather started a cabinet and furniture business that has seen four generations of woodworkers. Al started helping at the shop as soon as he could push a broom. Soon, he was building his own pieces of furniture and built his first desk by age twelve. He took over the cabinet business when his father retired, and, soon, his two sons were working and building alongside him. In 1998, Al decided to try his hand at a more artistic approach. He began carving smaller wood sculptural pieces, and, soon, the wood carving and furniture design combined to create beautiful pieces of functional art.

In 2001, Al Hone was juried into the Western Design Conference. His first piece there was met with rave reviews, and he has been invited back every year since. Al won the People's Choice Award for his "Majestic Moose Bar". In 2005, he entered "Grandpa's Desk" and received Best of Show. In 2006, Al created "Time Well Spent ". He received two awards at the WDC- Exhibitors Choice Award and Best Artist Accent.

As a natural progression to his art, Al began creating bronze sculptures. The ability to reproduce a piece was very appealing. "Everything I have done with the functional art pieces has been one of a kind," Al comments. "It takes weeks, and sometimes months, to carve the wood sculptures. Also, the freedom of working with the clay allows me to explore

"The Storyteller"

artistic design more fully." The ability to express yourself through art is a gift and should be shared with others. Al says, "As an artist, I believe art should be not only visually pleasing, but should touch on the viewers' emotions."

This is a very exciting and new format for artists to display their work. It is also a fun way for spectators to watch and learn more about art and artists. If you would like to learn more about The Western Art Rodeo Association, or to be a competing artist, click here!

Hones Design Studio 

Benjamin, Utah 

801-798-7555

Jack Terry

One of the Most Published Artists in America   

Jack Terry has been painting professionally since 1970.  He began as a young child, influenced greatly by his grandfather, who rode on some of the last great cattle drives from Texas to Kansas. He was also influenced by his grandmother, who painted the people and places of west Texas. Jack's work hangs in many prominent collections nationally and internationally. He has won many awards for his paintings and is now one of the most published artists in America.

"Turnin' the Lead Steer"

Jack Terry Fine Art 

Georgetown, Texas 

512-864-2990

La Coda Art

Fine Art Straight from the Heart of a Texas Ranch 

Sherri Alexander, a native Texan born in Fort Worth, began her love for western art, animals, and the cowboy way of life at age two when she became an annual visitor to the Fort Worth Livestock Show & Rodeo. Her painting career began to blossom as well; and, by age 21, she was creating her own works in watercolors.

"I Love You So Much"

These days, you can find Sherri hard at work on her north Texas ranch, "Ranchero de La Coda," pursuing her passion for her horses and the Texas longhorns she raises with her husband, Dave.

 

Sherri's western artwork can be found in hotels, restaurants, major resorts, and fine galleries throughout Texas and around the world. Sherri can be found at her north Texas ranch.

La Coda Art  

Era, Texas

817-797-6816  

La Mujer Studio 

Fine Art through A Unique Medium: Gourds 

Jodi Finkenbinder, of La Mujer Studio, currently lives and raises her son in Gainesville, Texas, raising show cattle, Pembroke corgis, hay, judging horse shows, and  doing studio work. Jodi was raised on the west coast in a farming community and has shown horses all her life. Jodi has prepared and shown world champion AQHA and APHA halter and pleasure horses since she was young.  

Seven years ago, Jodi founded La Mujer studio to pursue her love of art. Inspired by her mother and introduced to gourd art about fourteen years ago, she fell in love with the medium and made it her own. Jodi also works in bronze sculpture, mosaic glass, metal, and various other mediums from time to time. She says, "I specialize in custom pieces for one-of-a-kind unique gifts and accent pieces for the home." Home design is also an interest of hers, and she is willing to work with people looking for special and different details on their home building projects.

La Mujer Studio 

Gainesville, Texas 

903-814-4096

Steve Devenyns Fine Art & Limited Edition Prints

True Moments from the West    

Steve Devenyns is one of the finest western and wildlife artists painting today. That fact is a testimony of his talent, diligence, and destiny. From decisions he has made, to those made for him, his life has culminated into the stories told in his paintings.

"Headin' Down for the Count" 20"x30" Oil on Linen Prix de West, Jun. 10- Aug. 7, National Cowboy Museum, Oklahoma City

Steve was born with the talent to visualize and create; however, his direction did not merge with his talent until an automobile accident allowed him the opportunity to focus on his God-given ability. During a nine month recuperation period in 1974, Steve began unfolding and discovering the layers of his creativity. His bareback and saddlebronc riding, as well as his pre-veterinary studies at Colorado State University, were put aside; and the pursuit of his artistic talent began. It continues today. His dedication to quality and perfection has led to a successful career as a self-taught artist. His work today is a reflection of the input and friendship of several well-known artists that have helped and supported Steve throughout his career. 

"American Icon" 18"x24" Oil on Linen America's Horse in Art, Aug. 14- Nov. 13, American Quarter Horse Museum, Amarillo

 

Raised in Colorado, Steve has always enjoyed wildlife, the West, and open spaces. As a boy, his love for livestock and horses put him in a saddle or near a rodeo. The lifestyle Steve enjoys today takes him to the places that he paints. He is a horseman and outdoorsman that enjoys time in the mountains or with rancher friends working livestock. Steve is selective of the West that he paints. His story of the West is told in episodes that reveal moments he knows to be true from personal experience. "I prefer to paint the cowboys of today, the ones I've worked with on horseback. Their work isn't always glamorous, but they are fortunate in so many ways. It's a life they love, and you can't pry them out of the saddle. I want to capture on canvas what they feel and see, as well as their independence and dedication," Steve says. No extravagant, wreck a minute, action-packed scenes, but simple, pure stories are found in a Devenyns painting. One reason he paints contemporary life is to prove that the openness and the chance for freedom still exists- if you want it bad enough.

"Last of the Remuda" 24"x48" Oil on Linen Prix de West, Jun. 10- Aug. 7, National Cowboy Museum, Oklahoma City

Over the years, Devenyns has been a featured artist, and his work has graced the covers of many prestigious art publications, in. He has received numerous awards including the purchase of his painting "Happy Hour" for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Steve is a three-time Gold Medal winner at the George Phippen Memorial Art Show in Prescott, Arizona. His painting "The Spirit of Wyoming" won the People's Choice Award at the 2006 Buffalo Bill Art Show in Cody, Wyoming. In June 2010, Steve was invited to the prestigious "Prix de West" art show at the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City. His work was a sell out. In September 2010, Steve was honored with the "Artist Choice Award" during the "Western Visions" art show held at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole. Wyoming.

"Snoozin'"

Steve Devenyns lives with his wife, Karen, on the Southfork of the Shoshone River near Cody, Wyoming. He continues to pursue his fine art career and now publishes limited edition prints of selected paintings. He is proud to now offer his western paintings and prints on the internet, as well as in galleries.

Steve Devenyns Fine Art & Limited Edition Prints  

Cody, Wyoming 

307-587-6867

Andy & Aaron Sanchez

A Unique Saddle Created in Partnership with Lisa & Lorin Skyhorse 

I met Andy & Cheryl Sanchez at the DesignAmerica- Texas show a couple of weeks ago. I was awed by a saddle displayed at their booth. It was a piece of art like I have never seen, created in partnership with Lisa & Lorin Skyhorse of Skyhorse Saddle Company. The name of the saddle is "Compadres."

"Compadres"

Lisa said this about their unique creation: "'Compadres' was created with the same one-of-a-kind attention we put in all of our saddles. The leather is hand carved from beautiful saddle leather, tanned in the oldest tannery in the USA, and hand painted. It is lined with black sheepskin. The saddlebags are overlaid with curly sheepskin- a traditional Charro look. The silver is 50-year-old sterling silver made in Mexico, with the pattern filigreed and overlaid. But, of course, the "heart" of the piece is the tree!" 

 

The saddle horn, seat, and saddle stand were created by Andy and Aaron Sanchez from alligator juniper. The wood had been in their possession for at least ten years, but they never knew just exactly what to do with it. Andy said, "Finally, we found just the right place to use the wood."

 

Andy & Aaron Sanchez

Skyhorse Saddle Co.

Durango, Colorado

970-385-7660 

Bar W Guest Ranch

Get Away to 3,000 Acres of Wide Open Spaces 

Have an unforgettable Western vacation at the Bar W Guest Ranch. Located in beautiful Whitefish, Montana, there are 3,000 acres available for horseback riding and a wide variety of outdoor activities.

Bar W's horseback riding program is the ranch's main attraction. Their experienced staff, trained horses, and the assorted terrain our guests traverse make for an incredible horseback riding experience. The Bar W's riding programs include hundreds of thousands of acres to explore. You'll ride in the mountains, over the foothills and across the open prairies of Montana Big Sky country. In addition to horseback riding, there is plenty for all ages to do and discover at the Bar W. Guests are invited to explore the entire property - watch their trainers work the horses, help with the chores (if you like, of course), fish for big pike on Spencer Lake, hike the miles and miles of trails, mountain bike, swim in the lake, throw horseshoes, or play badminton, volleyball, or a leisurely game of pool. You can even test your archery skills or try your hand at breaking some clay pigeons. All this and more is what you can expect from a ranch vacation at the Bar W. Give them a call to help plan the vacation of a lifetime!

Texas Music Chart

Your Guide to Texas and Red Dirt Music

The story on the Texas Music Chart this week is all about new music! Casey Donahew Band's single "Breaks My Heart" debuted at #33 this week with Cody Canada & the Departed not far behind at #40 with "Ballad of Rosalie." Other new songs include "I Love Being Me" by Clint Martin, "You and Me" by Brian Lumley, and "Grace" by Jake Kellen.

Sales & Events

Red Mecom Blue 2009 Stallion - Mecom Blue x Little Autumn DNA

8th Annual Polly Hollar Bluebonnet Country Horse Sale 

Saturday, May 28th

8:00 AM- Demonstrations Begin

11:00 AM- Sale Begins

Washington County Fairgrounds- FM 577, Brenham, Texas

979-251-7626

 

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MEET THE ARTIST WITH SHERRI ALEXANDER

Join Sherri Alexander, of La Coda Art, will be at Cowboys and Indians Santa Fe on Saturday, May 28th, for a fantastic store grand opening and meet the artist event. To add to the fun, Dave Alexander will be playing the guitar and singing for the day, as well. Cowboys and Indians Santa Fe features apparel, jewelry, cowboy boots, furniture, paintings, and other items. You can find some of Sherri's original oils and giclees there, as well as her line of pillows.

Meet the Artist Event and Store Grand Opening

Saturday, May 28th

10:00 AM- 6:00 PM

Cowboys and Indians Santa Fe

72 E. San Francisco St., Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Things to Do Comin' up Soon

Here is a short list of things comin' up soon. Be sure to check out the entire event calendar on TheWesternVault.com for a complete list of great western events all over the United States!  

• May 24-29: Mule Days Celebration- Bishop, California
• May 27-28: John Wayne's Birthday Celebration- Winterset, Iowa
• May 27-30: Old West Days- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• May 28: 8th Annual Polly Hollar Bluebonnet Country Horse Sale- Brenham, Texas   
• May 28: Meet the Artist with Sherri Alexander- Santa Fe, New Mexico 
• May 28-30: Phippen Museum Western Art Show & Sale- Prescott, Arizona
• June 2-6: Fest Out West- Lajitas, Texas
• June 2-5: 2011 National Barrel Horse Association Vegas Super Show & Gift Expo- Las Vegas, Nevada
• June 4-12: Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Redbud Spectacular- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• June 10-12: 17st Annual Sisters Rodeo- Bend, Oregon
• June 10-12: Western States Horse Expo- Sacramento, California
• June 12: Double D Ranchwear Trunk Show at Desperado Couture- Bend, Oregon
• June 16-25: Reno Rodeo- Reno, Nevada
• June 17-19: Loveland Old West Round-Up Western Collectible Show- Loveland, Colorado
• June 18: Dave Alexander & His Big Texas Swing Band at Arlington Music Hall- Arlington, Texas