Show Preview | Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale

THIS SUMMER IN Cody, Wyoming, the 45th annual Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale will take place, honoring its goal of supporting both established and emerging Western artists while bringing joy and art education to the local community. “Our priority is always to bring together exceptional artists whose work reflects the many ways people experience and interpret the American West,” says director Katelyn Parker.

Although this sentiment remains central to the show each year, Parker notes that the introduction of new artists always keeps things feeling novel, with this year’s list including Colt Idol, Janell James, Amy Lay, Kyle Ma, Robert Martinez, Tobias Sauer and Albin Veselka. “New artists help bring fresh perspectives to the exhibition, while our returning artists provide the foundation that has made the show special for more than four decades. Finding that balance allows the show to evolve while staying true to its roots,” she adds.

In June the event opened the Scout’s Miniature Sale, an exhibition of more than 60 small works that are available for purchase in person as well as online through August. On July 15, over 60 additional small works were made available for the Buy-it-Now Sale online, with in-person sales of these pieces starting August 6.

Also on August 6, the Live Auction Exhibition will begin. These works will be on view for the six weeks leading up to the show’s flagship event, a highly anticipated live auction hosted on September 18 during which patrons will have the opportunity to purchase anything that has caught their eye. Of the show’s curatorial priorities, Parker says, “We strive for a balance of subject matter, mediums and artistic styles, while maintaining the level of quality our collectors and visitors have come to expect from the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale.” The Live Auction Exhibition will feature a wide range of works from over 100 artists working in various mediums, including oil, watercolor, pastel and bronze.

The week of September 14, Kimball Geisler will lead a three-day workshop for amateur to advanced painters, and Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey will host a beginner-friendly half-day dye on silk workshop. September 18’s silent live auction will offer a catered dinner and open bar to upwards of 600 patrons. Finally, the Quick Draw & Sale on September 19 will close the show, where attendees will watch over 30 artists complete new works within 90 minutes, all of which will be auctioned off at a catered brunch. This event allows for a unique opportunity to engage with the artists and their creative process, making it a favorite year after year. All are welcome at these events, but attendance is limited. Tickets are available now and they often sell out as early as September 1.

“I hope visitors leave with a greater appreciation for both the art and the artists behind it,” says Parker. “The show is an opportunity to experience incredible work, meet the people creating it, and see firsthand that Western art is alive, evolving and as relevant today as ever.” —Sara Beck

contact informationbuffalobillartshow.org

This story appeared in the August/September 2026 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Subscribe today to read every issue in its entirety.

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