2025 Art of the Cowgirl and Cowgirls with Cameras

CELEBRATING THE COWGIRL

This year there was a new location for Art of the Cowgirl, hosted at Rancho Rio in Wickenburg, Arizona. The 2025 event included a fresh schedule of presenters, Master Artists, competitors, and vendors.  Art of the Cowgirl features female makers, including master artists, silversmiths, braiders, saddle makers, and horsewomen. Lots of entertainment to honor Women of the West and fellowships to help individuals further their knowledge with master artists in the trade of choice. AOTC is an extraordinary gathering that brings together cowgirls, artists, and western enthusiasts for a week full of competitions, trade show, hands-on workshops and clinics. 

Always exciting are the competitions: World’s Greatest Cowgirl, All-Women’s Ranch Rodeo, Breakaway Roping and the All-Girl Team Roping. So many great presenters, musicians, the Artist’s Quick Draw, a Silent Auction AND the Art of the Cowgirl Elite Horse Sale!

World’s Greatest Cowgirl competition includes Reining, Herd Work, and Steer Stopping.

All Women Ranch Rodeo events are Team Branding, Team Roping, Ranch Horse and Sort + Doctor.

Piper Yule, Canadian Trick Rider 

This young lady has been such a joy to watch since 2021 the first time I saw her at Art of the Cowgirl in Bozeman, Montana. 14-year-old Piper Yule hails from southern Alberta, and is a fifth generation cowgirl. This year, she not only performed and presented, she was one of the exhibitors in the World’s Greatest Cowgirl.

Art of the Cowgirl was the brainstorm of Tammy Pate, passionate about the western lifestyle and the art and craftsmanship this way of life provides, she created AOTC to support and encourage women in the western industry. Tammy passed away in 2023 but through Art of the Cowgirl her legacy lives on.

Mesa and Hays (Tammy’s daughter and grandson)

If you know me then you know that event photography is not my thing, so, I’m always looking to do something a bit more creative…black and white photography makes it work!

We also had the pleasure of doing a brand shoot for Schaefer Outfitter in the beautiful Arizona desert!

We’d like to say a huge thank you to the fabulous group of ladies that joined us for this year’s Photography Clinic at Art of the Cowgirl, you gals rock!!!

Hope you’ll join us for next year’s event!

I also have exciting news! Join Cowgirls with Cameras new on-line community!

A vibrant community of photographers capturing the spirit of the West through their lenses. Connect, share, and reap the benefits of many hours of education, your source for learning the art of equine photography. Let’s honor the essence of the West through our collective artistry. See you there!