The Legacy, Denver, CO January 7-26
A cornerstone of Many art event calendars, the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale draws thousands of visitors each January to experience a fresh, curated look at the art of the American West. Established in 1993, the exhibition remains true to its mission: to present a range of artists and mediums that reflect the beauty, people, landscapes, wildlife and culture of the region.
For curator Kate Hlavin, that balance of breadth and vision is what makes the show so distinctive. “The Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale’s mission is to provide a diverse and unique perspective on art in the American West,” she explains. “We curate a roster of artists from all over the country working in different mediums, all creating pieces that reflect this beautiful part of our country.”
This year, 94 artists are included in the show, with more than 10 newcomers joining the established lineup. The works range across painting, sculpture and mixed media, ensuring that there is something to connect with every collector. “Every year, the show is different, which makes it exciting,” Hlavin says. “I hope collectors and viewers find a connection to the artwork, given the wide range of subject matter and mediums.”
Among the artists participating are Edward Aldrich, Bill Anton, David Griffin, Ralph Oberg, Howard Post, Jill Soukup, Dan Stovall, Amy Laugesen, Chris Morel, Brandon Bailey, Billy Schenck, Duke Beardsley, Shawn Cameron and Jill Carver.
The featured artist for 2026 is Ojai, California-based modernist Logan Maxwell Hagege. Known for his bold use of stylized forms, geometric light and expansive skies, Hagege captures the timeless spirit of the desert and its people while pushing the boundaries of tradition.
“Playing with the balance between realism and a more stylized take on reality is something that I return to often in my work,” says Hagege. “The design elements that make this happen in my work are all intuitive and feel natural to me. I think as an artist it’s my job to get out of my own way and let the work stream through me.”
Hlavin says the decision to honor Hagege was both timely and symbolic, explaining, “We selected Logan for this year because of his incredible paintings and the fact that he is one of the most important artists in the American West. Logan has a unique style, and his paintings are always evolving.” This year also marks a milestone for the Western Stock Show Association: the completion of The Legacy, a 115,000-square-foot building that will house the Coors Art Permanent Collection and the Katherine and J. Robert Wilson Art Gallery. Hlavin notes that Hagege’s featured painting will become part of the permanent collection, serving as a fitting tribute to this new chapter in the history of the National Western Stock Show.
As always, the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale is more than a showcase. It is also a fundraiser, with proceeds from art sales supporting the National Western Scholarship Trust. Each year, the Trust awards around 120 scholarships to students in Colorado and Wyoming who are pursuing degrees in rural medicine, veterinary science, and agricultural studies. For attendees, every purchase helps sustain not only the legacy of Western art but also the future of young scholars across the Rocky Mountain West.
The exhibition will be on view from January 7 to 26. The Blue Jean Preview happens January 7 and on January 8 are both the Winter West Symposium from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Red Carpet Reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Collectors unable to attend in person can participate through proxy bidding, with more than 400 works available online. For Hlavin, this combination of accessibility, quality and purpose is what makes the show so enduring. She says, “It’s a show that connects art, culture and community in a meaningful way.” —Doreen Manning
contact information(303) 291-2567coorswesternart.com
This story appeared in the December 2025/January 2026 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Subscribe today to read every issue in its entirety.
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