Art Of The Cowgirl
Fellowship Program

2024 FELLOWSHIPS

Art of the Cowgirl’s Fellowship Program encourages and furthers western art and trade among women artisans, both continuing tradition and inspiring innovation.

By establishing mentorship and investing in up-and- coming artists, Art of the Cowgirl fosters creativity and preserves traditional art and functional gear. In provid- ing these experiences, our hope is that age, location or lack of funds will no longer be a limiting factor for those interested in pursuing art and artistic trades.

Whether it’s fine art, functional trade or horsemanship, Art of the Cowgirl Fellowships seek to enrich, empower and educate — all while honoring western heritage.

Art of the Cowgirl will fully fund up to seven fellowships each year, with all expenses paid for the Master Artist and Fellowship Recipient. Master Artists offer up to two weeks of teaching at their various locations, and Fellowship Recipients commit to invest their time in

the experience.

Fellowship Recipients also receive funding to travel to the annual Art of the Cowgirl event, where they will present their work and donate an item to the Fellowship Auction, which supports the next class of aspiring artists.

Applying for the program is a competitive process, and it’s grown in popularity each year.

2024 Master Artists & Recipients

Saddle Making with Nancy Martiny – Recipient: Kristen Allen

Rawhide Braiding with Teresa Black – Recipient: Hellen Holloway

Horsemanship with Barbra Schulte – Recipient: Cailin Messer

Fine Art with Shawn Cameron – Recipient: Cassie Waggoner

Ranching with Terry Forst – Recipient: Peyton Kottwitz

Silversmithing with Nevada Miller – Recipient: Hailey Fancher

Fellowship Details

MASTERS AND RECIPIENTS

Master Artists will receive: teaching fee, materials and supplies, travel, housing and dai- ly rate to the Art of the Cowgirl event for demonstrations and expenses.
Fellowship Recipients will receive: materials and supplies, travel, room and board at Master’s location, travel expenses to the Art of the Cowgirl event for presentation.
Each Fellowship Recipient will have a completed piece of work or agreed upon task at conclusion of the fellowship.
Art of the Cowgirl will provide continued resources and opportunities for Fellowship Recipients to assist them in building their business after their fellowship is complete.

Download Fellowship Packet

How to Apply for a Fellowship

*2024 FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED

The Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship Program will encourage, promote and invest in the development of emerging artists and makers engaged in the unique arts, trades, and horsemanship of the western lifestyle while celebrating tradition and inspiring innovation through mentorship from established leaders in their fields. Through this program, Art of the Cowgirl will foster creativity and will work to preserve traditional art techniques and functional gear.

The Fellowship Program is Tammy Pate’s original dream of providing an opportunity for western artists to work with masters — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn or refine their passion with some of the most talented makers in the business. Whether it be a fine art, functional trade or horsemanship, these fellowships will enrich, empower and educate while honoring our western heritage. The fellowship seeks to remove obstacles such as funding and access for up and coming artists, without restriction of age or location.

Applications for 2024 Fellowships are now closed.

Guidelines

Art of the Cowgirl provides the following for each Fellowship Recipient:

Teaching fees
Materials and supplies
Room and board
(if not provided by the Master)
Travel
Housing

Recipients must be 18 years of age or older and must be able to complete their fellowship before December 31st of their award year.

While individuals may apply for fellowships more than once, selected recipients may not be awarded fellowship more than once.

Recipient Requirements

18 years of age or older

Able to complete fellowship before Dec. 31st of 2024.
Able to attend and present work at Art of the Cowgirl event in 2025.
Meet minimum skill and experience requirement as determined by Master.
Applications will require: Art of the Cowgirl fellowship application, pictures of recent work and/or video demonstrating minimum skill requirements
Recipient awarded will be required to have signed releases and proof of health insurance

Program Details

Recipient will receive: supplies and materials, travel, room and board at Master’s location, travel expenses to Art of the Cowgirl event for presentation 2025.
Each recipient will have a completed piece of work or agreed upon task at conclusion of fellowship period
Recipients will be required to complete fellowships in the 2024 calendar year and present work at the 2025 Art of the Cowgirl event
Recipients will be required to donate a completed piece for the 2025 Fellowship Auction
Recipients will be required to sign contracts and releases before funds will be released
Recipients will be chosen by Fellowship Selection committee

Fellowship Sponsorship

By sponsoring a Fellowship you are playing a significant role in not only providing a potentially life changing opportunity for a recipient, but you are also contributing to insuring the future of our industry. Included with your sponsorship will be a full VIP experience during the 2025 Art of the Cowgirl Event and more.