On Friday, Oct. 4, Goldenstein Gallery kicks off a most anticipated exhibition of the season: The 16th annual Cowboys and Indians Show. Encapsulating the pioneering spirit of the quintessential American Indian and Western cultures, collectors are enthralled by the work of these artists that are deeply rooted in tradition yet flourishing with new styles portraying the imaginations of today. 
This exhibition of the contemporary art of the iconic American West is recognized by National Geographic Tourism for its support in sustaining and enhancing the unique geographic character of the region. 

Among the stars of this special show are David DeVary, known for his Cowboys & Cowgirls with Attitude; Ben Wright and his bold multi-layered American Indian paintings; Carla Romero with paintings inspired by her great-grandmother’s heri­tage of Acoma Pueblo; Upton Ethelbah aka Greyshoes, named 2009 Living Treasure by the Museum of Native American Arts and Culture; Ray Tigerman’s impressionist depictions of American Indian figures; Kevin McCarthy with new paintings and allegorical sculpture by James Muir. These artists offer an unprecedented broad range of stylistic interpretations. 

Join them in the gallery for the opening reception on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and meet visiting artists Tigerman, Wright, DeVary, Ethelbah, McCarthy and Ali Mignonne as well as mingling and being inspired by renowned local artists. Mignonne will be taking part in the Goldenstein Gallery Artists in Residence and Finding My Bliss exhibit at L’Auberge de Sedona Resort. A complete listing is available at GoldensteinArt.com. 

An addition to this show will be vintage American Indian jewelry, pottery and also special paintings by R.C. Gorman. Tigerman, influenced at an early age by the works of Georgia O’Keeffe, Lawrence Lee and Ed Mell, spent his youth recreating the vibrant landscapes and subjects that he was surrounded by. Today he continues to create paintings that reflect his life from his years spent as a cowboy, a ranch hand, a designer and artist. The evolution of his work continues to emerge through his passion, under­standing and depiction of the indigenous Southwestern people and wildlife in their dramatic environment. DeVary is well-loved and collected for his Cowboys & Cowgirls with Attitude. His use of bright yellow slickers, often black hats that shield the eyes and the cowboy’s own natural body language helps create striking, almost ethereal portraits. 

Balance, connectivity and spirituality are attributes that Ben Wright strives for in his life and artwork. He uses powerful imagery, juxtaposed with bold colors and neutrals, in combination with a sophisticated glazing technique. Sacred colors, numbers and shapes play an integral role in his work, including the Medicine Wheel and the four directions. McCarthy, a talented sculptor and painter, will unveil new paintings. He grew up in his father’s studio, famed Western painter Frank McCarthy, and carries on his tradition in fine art. Ethelbah was born to a White Mountain Apache father and a Santa Clara Pueblo mother, and creates limited edition bronzes of his stone originals, which reflect the same sense of movement and power yet add an entirely new dimension through richly colored patinas. 

Visiting artist Mignonne, here to kick off the Finding Your Bliss exhibit at L’Auberge, also will be attending the opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4. The public can view her work at Goldenstein Gallery and as part of the public art exhibit . You can see her creating her very special pieces as Artist In Residence at L’Auberge on Oct. 4, 5, 7 and 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Visit GoldensteinArt.com for more infor­mation on their artists, artwork, Art Exhibits at the Gallery and at L’Auberge and Artists in Residence. Sign up for the monthly E-zine, Instagram and Facebook or call 204- 1765. Open daily, Goldenstein Gallery is located at 150 SR 179, at roundabout with State Route 89A.