This issue's opinion Cowboys of yesteryear probably wouldn't recognize many of today's cowboys. That's not to say they wouldn't share many of the same values, but there are enough significant changes in the cowboy of the last couple of decades to make old-timers stand up and make notice. Ask a lot of people to describe a cowboy and you'll probably hear them say they're bull riders or they ride broncs, or something in that vein. Regardless of what some might think, it's important to maintain the spirit of the "Cowboy". And what better way to do that than through art - music, writing, photography, and paintings, drawings, and sculpture. These are lasting impressions - designed to provide immortality to the subjects of the artists' works. The NFR will soon be upon us, and that means the Cowboy Artists and Photographers of America (CAPA) 1st Annual Art Show & Sale will be here. It's at the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino - one of Las Vegas, Nevada's top resort venues. The CAPA show will be open from December 9 through 11, and you'll find some of the best established and emerging cowboy art talent there. Paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures - rodeo art, Western life art - everything dealing with the West and the cowboy life. Visitors to the show can sign up for their free CAPA screen saver, highlighting all of our member artists. The screen saver which retails for $14.95, is yours free. Just sign into the show with your name and e-mail address, and you will be sent the address of the download site. In addition, country bluegrass musician Mark Holt will be entertaining everyone with some mini concerts over the three day period. So mark these dates in your calendar - December 9-10-11, and we'll see you in Las Vegas. Joe Chernicoff, CAPA Exec. Director

Cowboy Art of Interest We always like to show you examples of the work of well known cowboy artists. Here's a painting being carried by Texas Art Gallery for their November auction over in Dallas, TX.The people over there are always nice enough to send us their catalog, from which this James Reynolds image of "on the Open Range", and oil on canvas measuring 20"x30", was taken. You may find that the following image re-size switches works only with Internet Explorer Rodeo Information Visit these sites for rodeo information: Lancaster Online World of Rodeo Rodeo Nebraska You are invited to submit rodeo information - names, places, dates, web sites, photos, etc. for inclusion here. Send information here

A Little Doggerel On a tombstone in Silver City, Nevada, cemetery: Here lays The Kid We planted him raw He was quick on the trigger But slow on the draw Two Popular Book Sites at cowboyartshow.com Louise L. Serpa's great photography and text book can be ordered here and photographer and novelist Jeanne Nations photography book "Spirit of the West" and modern day western fiction "Cherry Creek", are found on this page

A New Cowboy Adventure Book for ages 6-12 cowboyartshow.com has a couple of popular book pages and one new book for the 6-12 year old child on your gift list who enjoys cowboy stories. "Late one day, on a hot and humid summer afternoon, The Australian Cowboy found himself headed straight for a huge thunderstorm. With his faithful dog Bluey at his side, the ride home suddenly turned into a race against time to save his friend's kids from the unspeakable danger of the storm. Join us for a tale of danger and bravery...and adventure of The Australian Cowboy. Dave Robinson - from Darwin, Australia, writes memorable adventure stories that are inspired by his experiences in the Australian Outback. Dave has a true affinity for the lifestyle of the Cowboy, and his passion is shared through numerous stories for children of all ages. See "The Australian Cowboy"here.

New Addition to CAPA Gallery Jack Walker, who, in 1998, had to be told how talented he was, has been the Resident Artist at both Camelback Inn and Sunburst Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, and has developed a very strong following for his work.

Click on Jack's photo

The following artists and organizations are active in supporting and promoting cowboy and western art and photography. CA&R appreciates their efforts at keeping this art form in front of the public eye:  Mandy Schiesser Shooting Stars Photography  Joe Ortiz Studio  Kathy Squiers' Judge's Choice  Donna Weber KHC Gallery  Elizabeth Clark, CAPA - photographic artist  Tanners Rodeo Art Mal Luber - Fine art- cowboy and rodeo paintings Marti Nelson - equine , cowboys, ranch life art

Elizabeth Carr - wood carvings, cowboy and western prints Mick Harrison - Cowboy oils - political cartooniost and caricaturist Western and More.com online store Southwest and More.com online store Western States Horse Expo Horses in Art - a pictorial history of horses in art throughout tiime Magnificent Portraits Annie's Western Art Equine Vision Magazine - for subscription information, e-mail or call toll free at 866-6399-8107