Hello, Besties. Performing at the Art of the Cowgirl event last year was, dare I say it?...life changing. Art of the Cowgirl is a five day celebration of Western women who live, work, and create in the ranching and cowboy traditions. Founded by Tammy Pate, the event brings together master horsewomen, artists, makers, and musicians to share their craft, preserve Western heritage, and pass it on to the next generation. I’m honored to announce that I’ll be toting my guitar back to this year’s event hosted at Rancho Rio, Wickenburg AZ on February 24-28.
Why did this Art of the Cowgirl have such an impact on me? You have to remember that I’m a cowgirl who sings cowboy songs. Probably the fault of no one except perhaps Hollywood, men take the reins on most of what we know of cowboy culture and the makers behind it. I’ve felt the weight of this as event organizers hire a “cowboy” instead of a chick singer no matter how many bales of hay I’ve tossed over my lifetime. Last year, moving among the mothers, daughters and even whole generations of families who attended and participated was so hopeful. As a female artist whose canvas is the rural West, I felt seen. I felt heard.
Last year, I noticed that the demand to attend Art of the Cowgirl was high but housing was tricky to come by so I’m teaming up with Holly Jackson from Mountain Embers Photography and Barb Kennedy, owner and chuckwagon cook with Cowgirls Forever to help provide fun, safe and affordable “Line Camp” we’re affectionately calling Cowgirls Forever Camp. There are dry camping spots for trailers and a bunkhouse with deluxe “outhouse” with showers. Registration is $200 and includes a Thursday Night Chuck Wagon Dinner and Concert by Mary Kaye Holt (hey, I’ve heard of her), grab and go breakfast every morning and nightly campfires. An additional $45/$50 nightly camping fee is not due until the event. Our camp is a pretty 30 mile drive from Rio Rancho. If you’re interested in joining us, please send an email inquiry to our team at cowgirlsforevercamp@hotmail.com