Local western art exhibits

The Carnegie Arts Center announces the arrival of new exhibitions “The Ways of the West” by Valentinian artist David Dorsey, as well as the show “Cowboy Starter Pack” by leather craftsman Joe Roberts, of Alliance. The exhibits will both be on display in the Upper Garwood and Skala Galleries. They will be on display until October 29.

Dorsey’s painted and drawn depictions of Western life will be complemented by three-dimensional leather art by Joe Roberts.

“This is truly an exhibit that celebrates Western heritage and the tradition of our region,” Carnegie Arts Center director Kyren Gibson said in a press release.

Art has always played an important role in Dorsey’s life. Since he was little, drawing and painting are things he has always done. In fact, Dorsey said he can’t remember a time when he wasn’t intrigued by artists and the work they created. He is always fascinated by new styles of art. Dorsey said he would never learn everything he wanted in this life, about painting and drawing.

“We should never stop learning, no matter how old we are,” Dorsey said. “I am drawn to the land and the people who inhabit these vast plains. I can think of no better calling than raising cattle to feed this great nation, and the daily pursuit of being stewards of the land.

Dorsey described the earthworkers as strong men and women, and their work intrigues him as an artist.

“Each face has a story to tell, and their lives are so connected to the land that they call home,” he said. “It’s a never-ending story of beautiful scenery and hard-working people that gives me constant inspiration to capture images of the west, past and present.”

As an artist, Dorsey said he felt lucky to be able to put the brush to the canvas and freeze a moment in time, noting that the simplest moments in life can be the most beautiful. A horse and rider crossing a sea of ​​grass or crossing a water hole formed after a heavy rain, are really the simple yet magical images he likes to paint.

“I recently explored the use of charcoal on linen canvas, as well as incorporating acrylic washes,” Dorsey said. “It’s a new direction for me, and I think as artists it’s our duty to explore new ways and avenues to create. There will always be something new to discover and explore. artistically.

As a child, Roberts loved watching westerns with his father. Seeing horses, saddles and equipment has always intrigued him.

“So when I was eight, I got my first Cub leatherworking experience,” Roberts said. “Fast forward a few years, after suffering a traumatic brain injury, leather was a way for me to pass the time while enduring a long recovery. During this time, I started making smaller items and selling them.

Over the past eight years, Roberts has begun to pursue a career in leatherworking.

“I think as a craftsman I should always be looking to improve on some of the old ways of crafting and not try to reinvent them,” he said. “For me, I want to preserve the history of cowboy and horse gear making and the methods used a hundred years ago.”

Photographer Kathleen Ann’s exhibition “Showcasing Nature’s Beauty” is on display in the studio gallery until October 15. Ann’s work depicts the landscapes and wildlife of Nebraska and South Dakota, as well as amusing images of Carhenge taken from a whole new perspective.

For more information on the artists as well as details on upcoming events and classes, visit https://www.carnegieartscenter.com.