SLOPOKE Art of the West Show Saddles Up September 23-25

The SLOPOKE Art of the West Show is saddling up to present its 12th annual exhibition on September 23-25, 2022 at Flag Is Up Farms, in Solvang, California. This unique fine art show celebrates the American West – its scenery, wildlife, ranch life, and history, and offers guests the opportunity to meet the artists. SLOPOKE tickets are on sale now, click here to purchase.

SLOPOKE is the leading fine art exhibition and sale on California’s Central Coast, drawing artists from across the country, to present paintings, sculptures, and photography. Each year, artists compete for the coveted silver SLOPOKE belt buckle awards for Best Painting, Best Sculpture, and Best of Show.

“We’re pleased to share that we’ll have a record-breaking 37 artists at this year’s SLOPOKE,” shared Tom Burgher, founder of the SLOPOKE. “We present art of the west, not necessarily “western art” and look for emerging artists who paint the 21st Century West as well as those recreating the 18th or 19th Century West. We are deliberately broad in our definition of art of the West to include ranch life, historical and contemporary Native American life, landscapes, seascapes, urbanscapes and wildlife in all media and styles from realism to abstract work. We’re excited to showcase so many fine artists, and look forward to welcoming the public to enjoy another fantastic event this year!”

California artist Michael Obermeyer will serve as the Guest Artist and Jurist for the SLOPOKE 2022. In addition to jurying the artist awards to be presented Friday evening at the Artists Reception, Obermeyer will display a curated selection of his artwork at the event. Obermeyer serves as the President of the prestigious California Art Club and is a Signature Member of both the California Art Club and the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association. A native of Southern California, Michael Obermeyer received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at California State University, Long Beach. A twenty-year career in illustration included works for Disney Studios, the Anaheim Angels, McDonnell Douglas, Coldwell Banker, and the United States Air Force. Many of his paintings can be found in the U.S. Air Force Historical Art Collection at the Smithsonian Institute and the Pentagon.

Additional featured artists at this year’s show include Art Alvarez, Henry Blond, Naomi Brown, Tom Burgher, Annie Cappelli, Alexi Fine, Lori Franklin, Melinda Gandy, Whitney Gardner, John Godkin, I. Errol Gordon, Jan Hndtmann, Carol Hartman, Kelly Hine, Patty Hughes, Doreen Irwin, Eric John, Kasia Kaznocha, Sheryl Knight, T. Kurex, Pamela Larsson-Toscher, Joe A. Oakes, Vicki Pedersen, Elisabeth Pollinow, Irene Pomitchy, Amy Rattner, Sharlene Rayl, Pat Roberts, Lee Rue, Janice Schultz, Naomi Shachar, Chris Slatoff, Glenda Stevens, Tara Rose Toner, Ami Usrey, and Tom Wright.

SLOPOKE is held at Flag Is Up Farms, the 100-acre thoroughbred horse ranch of Monty and Pat Roberts in Solvang, California. The exhibit is set in an open-sided but roofed 30,000 square-foot building with white museum-like walls set up in an open floor plan with led lighting for the art. Guests receive a complimentary art book that has been beautifully curated, and features this year’s art showcase and more.

The event kicks off on Friday, September 23 with an Opening Night Artist Reception featuring the awards ceremony and live entertainment by the Silver Mountain String Band from Los Angeles, who will perform their quintessential Folk and Blue Grass tunes from 5:30-7:30 pm. The event continues on Saturday, September 24, 10 am – 5 pm; and Sunday, September 25, 10 am – 4 pm. Flag Is Up Farms is located at 901 East Highway 246 in Solvang.

SLOPOKE tickets are on sale now, click here to purchase. For full details and the latest news and event developments, please visit www.the-slopoke.com. For information on how to participate in next year’s show, inquiries can be sent to Tom Burgher, Tburgher2@gmail.com or by calling 805-570-8088.