It's All About Laughter: Dallas' Southwest Gallery Hosts Cowboy Cartoonists International

Southwest Gallery, one of Dallas’ oldest and largest galleries, is pleased to present a special show and sale of original work by eight members of the wild and wacky Cowboy Cartoonists International (CCI). An opening reception is scheduled for Wednesday evening, the 27th, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Dallas, Texas (PRWEB) September 16, 2006 -- From September 27th through October 1st: Southwest Gallery, one of Dallas’ oldest and largest galleries, is pleased to present a special show and sale of original work by eight members of the wild and wacky Cowboy Cartoonists International (CCI). An opening reception is scheduled for Wednesday evening, the 27th, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will feature original work by Mike Scovel, Bonnie Shields, Daryl Reed, Ben Crane, Ted Foulkes, A-10 Etcheverry, Daryl Talbot, Bud McCaulley and the late Ace Reid. Scheduled to attend the opening night reception are artists Mike Scovel, Ted Foulkes and special guest, Madge Reid.

You may not recognize the artist’s names but chances are good that seeing their artwork will be like seeing old friends; friends who have shared birthdays, anniversaries and other family celebrations over your lifetime. For over a quarter of a century, CCI artists have gently poked fun at our rural lifestyle through greeting cards, calendars, comic strips or in your favorite magazines. You’ve laughed at their jokes and even clipped them out to share with others. Calendars stay around for years past their prime – because they made you laugh.

The truth is cowboy humor has played a continuing role in the rural and ranching lifestyle for over a century. Charlie Russell led the way with his story-telling paintings and illustrated letters, while J.R. Williams brought us his funny comic strip and Ace Reid delighted us with the classic Cowpoke series. Everyone needs a good laugh every now and then.

In December of 1992, after a successful summer show in Cody, Wyoming, a group of artists met in Las Vegas to talk about forming a professional association of cartoonists. Their mission was to raise the bar for humorous western art and to educate people about their unique profession. Over the next twelve years, the group grew from eight original members to 21 full time members and a growing list of associate members. In addition to their annual show and sale at the Cowboy Christmas show in Las Vegas, the group has exhibited at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage in Oklahoma City, the Favell Museum of Art in Ellensburg, Washington, and a host of other major shows across the country.

Members of the CCI are a diverse bunch. Mike Scovel, Bonnie Shields, Bud McCaulley, and Ben Crane are best known for their hilarious depictions of western and rural life through Leanin’ Tree greeting cards but each artist also has a loyal following for their serious work, both in oils and bronze. Crane and new members, Ash Cooper and Doug Keith are each well known entertainers in Canada. One new member, Ted Foulkes, was a child actor, having roles in “Bewitched” and “Little House on the Prairie” before settling down to family life and a full time gig at the Kansas City Star. Several members have books either already published or with scheduled release dates including Ben Crane, Wally Badgett, Daryl Talbot, Boots Reynolds, Mike Scovel and Bonnie Shields. To learn more about the Cowboy Cartoonists International, visit their website at www.cowboycartoonists.com. For information about the show at Southwest Gallery, call 972-960-8935.

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