Once again, artists are putting their best foot forward for the 59th annual Community Art Show at Cody Country Art League. 

Adults and area youth, amateur to professional artists alike, have presented their artwork to be judged in this annual event. Anyone was eligible to enter regardless if they were a member of the Art League or not. This exhibit is for all artists and for the entire community to enjoy. 

CCAL is honored to have both Susan Barnett and Dr. Ashlea Espinal from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West as judges for this year’s show. Their combined expertise will be valuable as they tackle the daunting task of assigning first and second place awards amongst the many categories. 

Barnett is the Margaret and Dick Scarlett Curator of Western American Art for the Whitney Western Art Museum at the Center of the West. She was previously the curator of the Yellowstone Art Museum and Erie Art Museum. Her research and curatorial work has focused on American art and studio craft, including photography and the art of the American West. 

“The Whitney’s collection is international in scope. And, we are committed to supporting and promoting regional art and artists. This is my community and I’m excited to spend a day immersed in artwork that reflects a full spectrum of creative work in Cody, from young children to established professional artists. What a fun opportunity to meet local artists and get to know their work,” Barnett said. 

She will be accompanied by Dr. Ashlea Espinal in this endeavor. 

Espinal is the Assistant Curator of the Whitney Western Art Museum. She completed an MA in Art and Museum Studies at Georgetown University and her doctorate in Native American Art History at the University of Oklahoma. Her areas of focus are contemporary Native arts and Western American art history, visual culture and cultural memory. 

Espinal participated in many community art shows herself as a youth.

“They’re a wonderful way to see and appreciate the creativity and artistic endeavors of friends and family, community members and regional artists,” she said. “I think it’s so important to encourage participation in the arts and this show provides that opportunity. I’m excited to see what people of all ages in and around Cody have done, and, to celebrate their art with them.” 

Last year, there were 368 entries and a similar number of entries are anticipated this year. Phil Anthony won Best of Show for his unique, larger than life mixed media creation “A String of Millefiori Beads.” 

Thanks in large part to wide-sweeping support of this show, awards to be given in addition to first and second place, are the Pinnacle Bank award, Brad and Yancy Bonner Family award, Best of Show, People’s Choice, Shirley Barhaug Emerging Artist award, the Fern Bath award and new this year, the Buffalo Bill Art Show Emerging Youth Artist award. 

The opening reception and award ceremony will open Wednesday, May 22 at 5 p.m. with live music from Northfork Highway. The outdoor event is free and open to the public. Cody Country Art League is located next to the Cody Chamber and Cody Visitors Center at 836 Sheridan Ave.

The annual show will hang until June 12.