CODY — Prior to the opening of 45th annual Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale’s Live Auction Gallery, a carefully selected panel of judges studied the 107 two-dimensional and three-dimensional works in the exhibition. The judges ultimately selected eight artists whose pieces best reflect the  mission of the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale (BBAS) and represent exceptional craft and quality. The judges announced these eight winners during the opening reception sponsored by the Chamberlin Inn on Thursday, Aug. 6. 

A BBAS subcommittee invites judges who represent three distinct categories within the art  world, namely: art education and mentorship, art business and private collectors. This year, the  judges were Betse Grassby, executive director at the Steamboat Art Museum in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Andy and Amy Krane, publishers of Art of the West Magazine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Jim and Ginger Dager, Cody, arts collectors, patrons and sponsors of the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale. 

After judging was completed, Grassby remarked “it has been an incredible honor to be a part of  this process. There sure is a lot of good artwork in this room!” and Jim Dager added “there sure  is. That’s what makes this job so tough.” Ginger Dager also expressed her appreciation for what  the show means to Cody, saying “Cody and Western art just go together.” 

BBAS thanked The Collier Group for the sponsorship of all three monetary awards.

Spirit of the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale Award

This award recognizes the artwork that is most representative of the Buffalo Bill Art Show and  Sale in terms of location, history, and the grandeur embodied by the “spirit” of the American  West. The judges awarded this honor to “Valley of the Giants, Romans 15:13,” a 24-by-48-inch  oil painting by Thomas Kegler. The painting depicts a herd of bison in Yellowstone’s Lamar  Valley at break of day. The dawning sun illuminates an atmospheric mist rising from a stream of  thermal water. 

“It captures the timeless open landscape of the West,” said Andy Krane, “the light, shadow,  reflection, and mist in a dramatic yet serene way.” 

Grassby appreciated the “ethereal quality of the mist which underscores the serenity and  independence of the West.” Jim Dager called the piece “timeless” and Ginger Dager observed  that “the light and feeling we got from watching the morning mist rise across the valley created a  calm that could be viewed on an early-morning Yellowstone trip today, or on horseback in  1857.” 

When notified of his selection by phone, artist Thomas Kegler recalled his experience browsing  the online catalog of artwork earlier this month. Kegler said, “I’m insanely honored and floored ... This is an unspeakable honor, because there’s an insanely strong presence of artwork this  year.” 

Two-Dimensional Award 

The judges selected “Full Curl” by Adam Smith as the best in show for two-dimensional artwork. Smith’s acrylic painting is 20-by-31 inches and depicts the head and horns of a mature bighorn sheep presented in a highly detailed, realistic style. 

Amy Krane observed, “‘Full Curl’ draws the viewer from across the room with the dappled light  and incredible detail.” Jim and Ginger Dager called Smith’s painting “realistic beyond words,” while Grassby added that “the treatment of light captured in the detail of this work truly stands  out.” 

Three-Dimensional Award  

The judges selected “Dawn of America” by Vic Payne as the three-dimensional best in show.  Payne’s piece is a bronze that measures 24-by-24-by-12 inches. The artist’s subject matter is a  figurative representation of Lewis and Clark with Sacagewea, pointing toward an unseen point on  the horizon. 

Andy Krane remarked “Vic Payne captures the ‘Dawn of America’ masterfully, portraying the  westward expansion and future discovery.” Grassby complimented the design and finishing on  the piece, saying that “the detail and patina of these iconic explorers of the West bring them to  life.” 

Judges’ Awards of Excellence

As a mark of the overall quality of the 45th Annual Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale, the judges felt  it necessary to present five additional Awards of Excellence. They felt the following pieces  required recognition for their design, execution, and embodying of the Western spirit: 

Brandon Bailey, “Vigilant Guardian,” bronze, 30-by-17-by-19 inches 

Ray Brown, “Rock of Ages,” charcoal, 48-by-48 inches 

Mark McKenna, “The Man in the Arena,” oil, 30-by-44 inches 

George D. Smith, “Honkin’ for Home,” oil, 22-by-28 inches 

Albin Veselka, “Something in the Dark,” oil, 24-by-30 inches. 

About BBAS 

BBAS limits the number of contemporary Western artists invited each year; the 2026 lineup  features 107 artists, all of whom represent a high caliber of artistic knowledge and execution. These artists’ major works are available to view in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West until they  are offered in a Live Auction on Friday, Sept. 18. A variety of demonstrations, workshops,  and the local-favorite Quick Draw event also attract hundreds of participants each year. 

Organized by the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce, the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale  strives to support established and emerging Western artists, engage patrons of the arts, and  enliven the Cody community with events that provide education and entertainment. The proceeds  from sales and events benefit the artists, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody Country  Chamber of Commerce, and local arts organizations. 

For more information or to register for events, visit buffalobillartshow.org.