New DVD available from the TCAA
Despite its fundamental role in a saddle's architecture, the ground seat is perhaps the most misunderstood element in a saddle's construction. Many riders aren't even aware of its existence. Idaho saddlemaker Cary Schwarz, a founding member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association, leads viewers through the process of building and installing a ground seat in a custom saddle, sharing seldom-seen techniques and offering personal insight on this critical step in saddlemaking.
NEWS: The Cowboy Crossings - Two Great Exhibitions. One Exceptional Event.
Some works of art remain available for purchase during the remainder of this exhibition. For additional information or to purchase, call The Museum Store at (405) 478-2250, Ext. 228 or e-mail lcarey@nationalcowboymuseum.org. Optimum times to call are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Download PDF here to see what is still available.
Watch a Short Slideshow from Cowboy Crossings Here
Read the related interview with Executive Director at the American Quarter Horse Museum in Amarillo, Texas.
Art Begins with Craft
Speech by Mike Nicola at the 2011 Cowboy Crossings
Podcast From The Cowboy
Cowboy Crossings from National Cowboy Museum on Vimeo.
The Traditional Cowboy Arts Association
Mission Statement
The Traditional Cowboy Arts Association is dedicated to preserving and promoting the skills of saddlemaking, bit and spur making, silversmithing and rawhide braiding and the role of these traditional crafts in the cowboy culture of the American West.
If you would like help the TCAA make a difference, you may make a cash donation here
TCAA Short Film & Podcast from the National Cowboy Museum
Watch a short film of European leather case making taught by Jean Luc Parisot of Saumur, France with Pedro Pedrini and Cary Schwarz. Filmed in the Spring of 2009 by Adam Jahiel and produced in partnership betwen the TCAA and the National Cowboy Museum, the film shows some of old world techniques for hand stitching that are getting lost to time.
Watch it Here | Also watch the Podcast from the National Cowboy Museum Film Requires Quicktime | Duration: 08:10
Announcements
View work exhibited at this year's event still available for purchase.
Go and browse through the new 2010 TCAA catalog online here!
We've just added a new section to our website that we hope, over time, will provide interesting articles for you to read or print out. We've started with three articles. The first written by Bill Heisman on "Spur Identification", one written by Cary Schwarz titled "You're an artist" and our latest one written by Teresa Marsh titled "Featured Artist - Mike Beaver".
A 2010 TCAA preview article featuring an interview with TCAA president Scott Hardy, detailed descriptions and photographs of select items from this year's show is currently on line at High Minded Horseman:
In keeping with the TCAA 2010 theme of saddle making, the feature article, "A Saddle Story", written by TCAA member saddle maker Cary Schwarz, includes photographs and describes the personal creative process he went through in building his 2010 TCAA saddle:
Please send along some feedback and let us know if articles like these are useful to you.
Purchase TCAA Catalogs
In partnership with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, we have made available for purchase our catalogs featuring the beautiful mastery of our craft. Hurry and get yours today before they sell out!
Support the TCAA
"The artisans of the TCAA have elevated their respective crafts to previously unseen standards of excellence. In doing so, they've triggered a resurgence of interest in quality, handmade saddles, bits, spurs, rawhide and Western silver. As mentors, they've inspired the next generation of craftsmen, ensuring a future for these unique cowboy trades."
- A.J. Mangum, Former editor Western Horseman, Current editorial director 'The Frontier Project', contributing editor 'The Cowboy Way', freelance writer.
The TCAA programs are funded entirely by private contributions. If you would like to assist the TCAA in our mission by making a cash donation, you may do so in any amount. Here is the place to begin the process.
