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Howdy!
The Art Issue
Art revives our imagination and acts as a catalyst in having us think, feel, and reflect. It's a forum for expression, communication, and cultural and historical exploration. If nothing else, a gorgeous piece of artwork can make you and your home feel warm.
This week, The Western Vault and its members have roped in some of the most brilliant Western artists and are proud to show you what these painters and sculptors have in store for you.  |
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In This Issue
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The Spirit of the Woman
La Mujer Studio in Gainesville, Texas
(903) 814-4096
lamujerstudio.com

La Mujer Studio celebrates the personal power and strength possessed by every woman. Many of the studio's pieces reflect the wonders of Mother Nature, as well as artist Jodi Finkenbinder's Western flair and passion for the spiritual Southwest. Other pieces of Finkenbinder's honor the "spirit of the woman"--thus the name of the studio, La Mujer, which means "The Woman" in Spanish.
Finkenbinder works in bronze sculpture, mosaic glass, metal, and various other mediums. She specializes in custom pieces for one-of-a-kind gifts and accent pieces for the home.
Regardless of the piece you choose, you know you'll be receiving art that inspires the soul because it's from La Mujer.
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Sculpting a Story
Craig Bergsgaard Studios in Windsor, Colorado
(720) 312-4498
craigbergsgaard.com

Sculptor Craig Bergsgaard has been working in three dimensions for decades. He insists on historical accuracy in all of his compositions, stressing that all the accouterments need to be correct." Bergsgaard explains:
"I'm not setting out to make a portrait. Rather, I'm creating a story and may take some license to express it, but the subtleties will still be right."
To accomplish this, Bergsgaard does extensive research on his subjects.
"People who collect my work are often intrigued by the details and insist on accuracy, so I make sure not to let them down. This is a slice of history they are incorporating into their lives."
A native of Minnesota, Bergsgaard and his wife make their home near the artist enclave of Loveland, Colorado. He also maintains a studio presence in Scottsdale from January through March during the Arizona Fine Art Expo.
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Texas Inspired
La Coda Art in Gainesville, Texas
(817) 797-6816
lacodaart.com

Texas native Sherri Alexander of La Coda Art began her love for the cowboy way of life at age two, when she became an annual visitor to the Fort Worth Livestock Show and Rodeo. Her painting career began to blossom as well and, by age 21, she was creating her own works in watercolors.
Alexander's Western artwork can be found in hotels, restaurants, major resorts, and fine art galleries throughout Texas and around the world.
These days, Alexander is 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.
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The Passion and Pride of the Cowgirl
Plum Sassy Cowgirls in Decatur, Texas
(877) 470-2272
sassycowgirls.com

Painted with affection in a painterly realism, she depicts people, animals, and the quiet satisfaction of a day well spent in the West. The paintings at Plum Sassy Cowgirls are characterized by Edison's strokes of bold color and inspired by the passion, self-confidence, and pride of the free-spirited cowgirl.
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The True, Living Cowboy Artist
Jack Terry Fine Art, Ltd. in Georgetown, Texas
(512) 864-2990
jackterryart.com

Jack Terry has been painting professionally since 1970. He began as a young child and was influenced greatly by his grandfather, who rode on some of the last great cattle drives from Texas to Kansas, and his grandmother, who painted the people and places of West Texas.
Terry's work hangs in many prominent collections nationally and internationally, and he's won many awards for his paintings. Terry is also one of the most published artists in America.
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Traveling Through Life and Art
Desert Raven Art/Al Hone Scultpure in Santaquin, Utah
(801) 754-1628
desertravenart.com

Al and Mary Hone are the artistic people behind Desert Raven Art and Al Hone Sculpture. Though they work in separate mediums, their work compliments each other, and pieces they have collaborated on are truly unique. If you're looking for something that's one of a kind, whether it's for your home, office, or yourself, look no further than Desert Raven Art and Al Hone Sculpture.
The Hones recently decided to embark on a grand adventure. They are packing it up, selling it off, and taking a leap of faith. Follow along as the artistic duo take the show on the road--follow them on Facebook for the latest news and pieces.
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Upcomin' Events
Check out the following events that are comin' up in 2012, as well as the entire event calendar at The Western Vault. What are you waiting for? Mark your calendars to make it out to one of these great events!
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Arizona Fine Art Expo
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The Texas Music Chart
Eli Young Band shoots up to no. 4 this week with the band's new single, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" after only being on the chart for four weeks! Independent artist Ryan Beaver's "Hate" moves up to no. 3, while Roger Creager slides into no. 2. with "Turn It Up."
But, it's Sugar Hill Records' Pat Green who continues his reign at no. 1 with "All Just to Get to You!"
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Gorgeous Cuffs and Bracelets
Rendezvous West in Colorado
(303) 669-4126
rwestart.com 
Right now, Rendezvous West has a selection of its gorgeous cuffs and bracelets on sale. Made and embellished with leather, stones, pearls, and more, these jewelry pieces are a beautiful addition to any outfit.
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Contemporary Art
The Arrangement in Houston, Texas; Dallas, Texas
(713) 627-9009; (214) 748-4540
thearrangement.com 
The Arrangement goes contemporary with art! Stop by soon to see with your own eyes the assortment of unique paintings.
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Trunk Shows, Giveaways, and More
Pinto Ranch in Houston, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada
(800) 393-8001
pintoranch.com
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Feel the Love Throughout February
Barranada Shirt Company in Grand Island, Nebraska
(308) 382-2920
barranada.com

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A Pop of Color and Style
D&D Farm and Ranch in Seguin, Texas
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Design Your Own Cowboy Boot Purse
Diamond 57 Cowboy Boot Purses in Gresham, Oregon
(503) 756-1480
diamond57.com 
Diamond 57 Cowboy Boot Purses wants to help you create a one-of-a-kind purse for you! Choose which boots you like, which conchos make you sing, and how much bling you'd like, and Diamond 57 will create a custom Western handbag just for you.
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Rodeo Rockstar Voting Has Begun
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Houston, Texas
rodeohouston.com
With more than 100 video auditions submitted for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Rockstar competition, online voting is now open.
All videos that met the rules and regulations of the contest can be viewed and voted on at www.rodeohouston.com/events/rockstar_voting.aspx. Each person can vote on his or her favorite video once per day until voting closes at noon Monday, February 20, 2012. The top 10 in each age division (6-15 and 16-21) will advance to the preliminary round and will be notified by February 22, 2012.
The Rodeo Rockstar preliminary round will take place on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Kids Country Stage in Reliant Park on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, beginning at 5 p.m. Each performer will have four minutes to perform for a panel of three judges, with the top-five-scoring competitors moving forward to the final round.
The final round of Rodeo Rockstar also will be held at the Kids Country Stage, on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, beginning at 5 p.m. Each competitor will have five minutes to perform for a panel of three judges.
The first-place contestant in each age division will receive a $500 cash prize and the title of 2012 Rodeo Rockstar; second place will receive a $250 cash prize; and third place will receive a $100 cash prize.
The 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo runs Tuesday, February 28, through Sunday, March 18. Visit www.rodeohouston.com for more information.
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The Blog Poll
The Western Vault Blog
blog.thewesternvault.com
Last week, The Western Vault blog polled you guys. We asked, and ya'll answered:

This week, we have a little trivia for ya'll! We want you to:
Name the entertainer who holds the top spot
for concert attendance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Answer on the right-hand side of The Western Vault blog page. Poll results will be posted in next week's newsletter.
Let's see how well you cowboys and cowgirls know your Houston Rodeo!
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"Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Happy trails to you. Keep smilin' until then."
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Emily Luza
Marketing Director
(713) 661-6300
E-mail Emily |

Jennifer Kimrey
Content Writer
(713) 661-6300
E-mail Jen |

Linda Galayda
Advisory Board
(713) 661-6300
E-mail Linda
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