For the first time since its formation, the National Day of the Cowboy organization has selected a painting by a Kansas artist as the image to be used for their annual award.
El Dorado artist Jim Clements’ painting “Simple Things” will be featured on the Cowboy Keeper Award that will be given to five recipients in recognition of their substantial contribution to the preservation of the West.
“It is a great honor to have my painting used for this award,” Clements said. “To me, painting represents freedom - so it’s just natural that the wide open spaces, rich history and independent people of the American West translate so well to canvas. My desire is to honor the spirit of the West in each painting I do.”
Bethany Braley, executive director and publisher of National Day of the Cowboy said, “Each year I look for a piece of western art that says something about preserving cowboy culture or pioneer heritage,” adding she thought Clements’ painting is perfect for this year's award.
The National Day of the Cowboy, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is a nonprofit organization that contributes to the preservation of America’s Cowboy heritage so that the history and culture which the United States Congress’s National Day of the Cowboy resolution honors, can be shared and perpetuated for the public good, through education, the arts, celebrations, gatherings, rodeos and community activities.
Past award recipients have included Michael Martin Murphy, U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the Rex Allen Museum.
The National Day of the Cowboy celebrations are planned in a number of American cities this year, as well as Europe and even a rodeo in Lebanon.
To see more works...
Clements maintains a studio at 112 ½ N. Main in El Dorado. More of his work can be viewed at www.jimclementsart.com
El Dorado, Kan. —
