2026 Top 15 Finalists

Artists may submit up to 3 works for consideration. The top 15 scoring artists will be selected through the jury process, with each artist’s highest-scoring piece advancing into the official Shootout Competition. Gallery of top 15 artists opens September 1. The top 5 works will be announced on November 12, and the Grand Champion will be announced on November 16.

This is a winner-take-all competition, with final placement determined by the highest-scoring work.

The Grand Champion will be awarded:

• A full-page advertisement in Chrome magazine (valued at $1,000)
• Featured social spotlight across The Cowgirl Gathering and Cowgirl Artists of America
• Feature story on APHA.com and Cowgirl Artists of America platforms
• Press release published on The Cowgirl Gathering website
• Custom leather portfolio with The Cowgirl Gathering logo (valued at $250)
• Leather tote (valued at $350)
• Grand Champion buckle (valued at $250)

The 15 finalists will also have opportunities for live painting demonstrations in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Artists ages 18+, working in painting and drawing media are invited to submit work for consideration for The Cowgirl Gathering Art Show and Sale.

Categories accepted in 2-d painting and drawing media.

(**Please note that the Cowgirl Gathering has some exciting changes and will once again have opportunities for Traditional Artists and expanded art media in 2027.)