ALPINE — The Trappings of Texas exhibit and sale at the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine celebrates the work of Western artists and gear makers. It is the longest running event of its kind in the country.
Opening weekend (September 18-20) events include a preview party, an opening reception and sale, artist demonstrations and more. This year recognizes watercolorist Tim Oliver as the 2025 Trappings of Texas Premier Artist. The exhibit will be on view through November 1, 2025.
This year’s events include:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
A preview party will be held at the Museum of the Big Bend from 5 – 8 p.m. Register to become a buyer, meet the artists and gearmakers, enjoy live music, cash bar and a charcuterie tablescape and hors d’oeuvres provided by Sky Island Culinary. ($50/person)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Stop by the patio at the Museum of the Big Bend for artist demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to meet some of the Trappings artists and learn about their craft.
The opening reception and sale will be held at the museum beginning at 5 p.m. and running until 8 p.m. Come help celebrate the craftsmanship, culture, and history of West Texas! Register to become a buyer and place your ballots for a chance to purchase your favorite pieces. Meet the artists and gearmakers, catch up with friends and celebrate with live music by Neil Trammell.
Enjoy a cash bar with complimentary beer and wine as well as Sky Island Culinary’s smoked prime rib, sugarcane shrimp scampi skewers, unique appetizers, sides, and artisan cupcake tower. ($75/person)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
If you are one of the lucky buyers of works from the show, you will be contacted Saturday morning!
Saturday is an action-packed day at Trappings, which kicks off at 9 a.m. with the popular Ranch Hand Breakfast (Museum of the Big Bend, Cultural Events Center). Breakfast burritos and coffee will be served free of charge, but reservations are requested.
At 10 a.m., Gary Dunshee and auctioneers Logan West and Keith Franklin will host the live auction. Bid on one-of-a-kind gear and art created by amazing Trappings artists while you enjoy a mimosa/Bloody Mary bar and help support the arts in Alpine.
From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., artist demonstrations and presentations will resume on the patio.
Later in the afternoon, head over to Fort Davis for the Trappings of Texas Ranch Roundup Party at the Hotel Limpia. The festivities start at 5:30 p.m. and will run until 9 p.m. — to wrap up the 39th annual Trappings of Texas Opening Weekend. Dance under the West Texas stars to the music of Craig Carter and enjoy a meal and open bar with family and friends.
The menu includes mini beef Wellington and Texas caviar crostini and a buffet dinner featuring green chicken enchiladas, brisket, harvest fall salad, elote, cilantro lime rice, au gratin potatoes, southern style green beans, New York cheesecake with strawberry glaze and triple chocolate cake. A silent auction will be held with unique items to help support the mission of the Museum of the Big Bend. ($150/person)
This year’s premium package ($100/person) includes admission to the Thursday Night Preview Party, the Friday Night Opening Reception, and all daytime events. (It does not include Saturday’s Ranch Roundup Party.)
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.museumofthebigbend.com.
