‘Trappings’ show returns to Flagstaff

It was more than 20 years ago that a group of Western craftsmen -- a painter/sculptor, a photographer, a knife maker, and a saddle maker -- discussed having Western fine art and cowboy gear in one show.

It had never been done before, and the fact that they did it elevated Western craftsmen to the status of artists.

This is the legacy of the 20th Annual Trappings of the American West show, which returns to the Museum of Northern Arizona, in Flagstaff, through Jan. 10.

"Trappings connects visitors to this country's very real history of the rural culture of the West, a culture rooted in the principles of tradition, family, integrity, and hard work," said Linda Stedman, executive director of the Dry Creek Arts Fellowship, which sponsors the show.

Exhibit visitors will view and be able to purchase the work of 90 juried artists, from 14 Western states, Hawaii, and Canada. Media will include painting, bronze sculpture, photography, saddles, tooled leather, bits and spurs, boots, hats, knives, engraving, hitched horsehair, braided rawhide and musical instruments.

One of the exhibitors is Flagstaff's own Bill Burke, a luthier who makes stringed instruments -- mandolins, guitars and banjos.

Located on Highway 180, three miles north of downtown Flagstaff, the Museum of Northern Arizona is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. General admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors (65-plus), $5 for students, and $4 for children.

For more information, contact the Museum at (928) 774-5213 or musnaz.org; or the Dry Creek Arts Fellowship at (928) 774-8861 and online at drycreekarts.com.