American Plains Art at Fort Concho Offers Frontier Splendor

Fort Concho will be hosting the American Plains Artist Show for free until August 7. The collection features over 100 pieces depicting the heritage and cultural richness of the American plains.

This past Thursday, June 30, marked the opening of the 31^st Annual Juried Exhibition and Show hosted by the American Plains Association. The show will be open to the public for the next five weeks at the Quartermaster’s Building. The show was previously shown at Fort Concho in 2014.

“It’s part of our mission to interpret the west and this region,” said Bob Bluthardt, director of Fort Concho. “When you can do it with art and sculpture, it’s a plus.”

The show includes pieces, both artwork and bronzes, from artists across 17 states and one artist from Canada. The show is expected to attract visitors from all over the area and continue to establish the city of San Angelo as a place where quality art can be appreciated. The featured artwork are also pieces entered into the show by members of the American Plains Association. Of those entered into the exhibit, thirty were selected as award winning by guest juror Garland Weeks.

“I was really impressed with the variety and quality,” Weeks said. “This [show] is right in there with the best ones.”

Visitors from all over San Angelo visited the exhibit on opening day. The collection of Spanish, Native American, nature and Frontier Settlers who influenced the art is sure to have a piece for everyone to enjoy.

One of the pieces in the collection was by artist Mejo Okon, a former resident of San Angelo.

“Mejo Okon’s painting of the two women dressed in traditional gear just speaks of the heritage of this area with the Hispanic roots,” said Laurel Scott.

The exhibit will be available to the public, free of charge, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and on Sundays from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The gallery will also be open on today, July 4, as a special occasion. Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece that will be recognized at the end of the five-week showing.