The Trappings of Texas annual 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 17-19) events include a preview party, an opening reception and sale, artist demonstrations, and more.

Click here to view the 2026 Trappings of Texas artwork

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, September 17
PREVIEW PARTY & SILENT AUCTION
Museum of the Big Bend
5:00–8:00pm
$50 member/$75 non-member (click Add to Cart, then choose your Membership Status and the price will adjust)
Click here to purchase admission to the Preview Party

Register to become a buyer, place bids for your favorite pieces, and meet the artists and gearmakers.

Choose a drink from the cash bar with complimentary beer and wine and savor the charcuterie tablescape and hors d’oeuvres provided by Sky Island Culinary.

Friday, September 18
ARTIST DEMONSTRATIONS
Museum of the Big Bend, on the patio
11:00am–3:00pm
Free and open to the public

Meet some of the Trappings artists and learn about their crafts. Artists demonstrating on Friday are Phil Bob Borman, Sue Brown, Wilson Capron, Jeanette Cuevas, Matthew Jones, Kathryn Kastner, Kerri Menchaca, Tim Oliver, Edgar Sotelo, and Gary Ward.

OPENING RECEPTION & SILENT AUCTION
Underwritten by Nathali & Johnny Weisman
Museum of the Big Bend
5:00–8:00pm
The Opening Reception is SOLD OUT.

Help us celebrate the craftmanship, culture, and history of West Texas! Meet the artists and gearmakers, catch up with friends, place bids for your favorite pieces, and enjoy live music.

Saturday, September 19
RANCH HAND BREAKFAST
Sul Ross State University lawn area
Starts at 9:00am, breakfast burritos and cowboy coffee
Admission is free, reservations are requested.
Click here to reserve admission to the Ranch Hand Breakfast
Or email Kristi.Taylor@sulross.edu to RSVP

ARTIST DEMONSTRATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
Museum of the Big Bend, on the patio
11:00am–3:00pm
Free and open to the public

Revisit the exhibit and observe the artists at work. Artists demonstrating on Saturday are Wilson Capron, Sue Brown, Tim Oliver, Edgar Sotelo, Gary Ward.

PORTRAIT FACE-OFF
11:00am–3:00pm
Free and open to the public

Live painting event where artists will be working from live models. The event is based on the Face-off event that is held at the Portrait Society of America’s Conference every year. The public is invited to watch artists create portraits and ask questions!

RANCH ROUNDUP PARTY & LIVE AUCTION
Underwritten by Jenny & Will Wood
Wood Ranch
5:30–10:00pm
The Ranch Roundup Party is SOLD OUT.