Wyoming shines at National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko

Award-winning bosal by Lander's Mike Alley

I just returned from representing the Wyoming Arts Council at the 28^th annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. The Western Folklife Center sponsors the annual event and brings regional folklorists in to introduce sessions, stage manage the evening shows and interact with the guest artists. 

While there, I witnessed good things happening for the Cowboy State. Wyoming was well represented in the humorous poetry of Andy Nelson of Pinedale and sage rhymes of Kaycee’s Georgie Sicking.

Rawhide braider Mike Alley of Lander had two pieces place in the juried gear show at the Northeastern Nevada Museum. His bosal received first and his headstall third. Mike attended the Gathering through an Individual Artist Professional Development grant from the WAC and brought along his mentor, Jack Mease. 

Sheridan saddlemaker Don Butler taught in “A Gathering of Masters: Leather Carving Workshop,” and later demonstrated his skill at the Center’s Wiegand Gallery.

Finally, Miss “V” The Gypsy Cowbelle of Cora attended to participate in the open mic performance stage where she caught the eye and ear of Baxter Black and was invited to open for his sold-out, one-man show the following day!

The event was fun, illuminating and exhausting, and I can’t wait for next year!

--Annie Hatch, WAC Folk and Traditional Arts Program Specialist