Rendezvous Royale
By: Laurel Thompson
Western art plays a vital role in telling the stories of Wyoming’s rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife, and spirited inhabitants. The importance of art to Wyomingites and to our state and local communities can be traced from the Black Hills to the Tetons and everywhere in-between.
Wyoming is home to many prominent western artists, world class museums, art galleries, nationally renowned art shows, and other cultural events that aim to inspire and immerse us in the arts.
Every third week of September, locals and visitors from far and wide flock to the town of Cody, Wyoming to take part in a week-long celebration of the arts known as Rendezvous Royale.
Prestigious Partners
For nearly two decades, the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and By Western Hands have collaborated to host numerous events for patrons of the arts during this week-long event to include workshops, lectures, painting classes, studio tours, and more!
Western Perspective
Throughout the week, patrons of all ages can discover the amazing collections at the Buffalo Bill Center of West. Their complex of five museums and a research library features art and artifacts of the American West that allow you to explore stories and hidden gems of the wild west!
While visiting the museum, patrons can also enjoy the works of Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale artists and By Western Hands artisans in their annual Scout’s Miniature, Live Auction and Buy-It-Now Exhibitions located in the museum’s main hub and the John Bunker Sands Gallery. These exhibitions and sales only take place once a year, and we can see why so many patrons return year after year to experience the magic of this event.
After exploring the museum, patrons will want to cruise downtown to By Western Hands to browse the beautifully handcrafted works of western functional art by their talented artisans. You may even be lucky enough to see an artisan at work in their onsite workshop.
Unlock Your Creative Genius
For those looking to dive into their own creativity, we highly recommend registering for a few of the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale and By Western Hands’ workshops and lectures!
Led by return Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale artist David Santillanes, the more experienced painter can enjoy a two-and-a-half-day educational workshop, Painting on the Porch, that includes personal instruction from David and fellowship with other growing and aspiring artists!
Colorful Canvases, a half day workshop for beginners and up, will be led by Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale artist Blake Neubert and promises to be exciting and cool as Blake shares his funky style and enthusiasm for creating unique works of art.
You’ll want to join By Western Hands for home interior inspiration during one of their Learn Interior Decorating Tips from Experts events! During these insightful lectures, patrons will hear from a variety of speakers on topics such as envisioning new works and furnishings in your home to styling new and existing pieces to fit your décor!
Explore Cody Country
Not only do the Rendezvous Royale partners have a week-long schedule of events planned for their patrons, but the Cody community jumps on board to roll out the red carpet for visiting guests and to share that exceptional western hospitality Cody is known for!
Patrons can stroll Sheridan Avenue browsing local shops and eateries, enjoy open houses, special events and a Thursday night community Art Walk downtown!
We also encourage visiting guests to explore the grandeur of the surrounding area. Cody is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the west, so whether you choose to take a drive up Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, explore the reservoir at Buffalo Bill State Park or venture into Yellowstone National Park for the day, be sure to take in the views of our beautiful state!
Anchor Events
2021 marks a very special year for the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale as they are celebrating their fortieth year! The 40th Annual Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale featuring over one hundred and ten artists and artisans from the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale and By Western Hands will take place Friday evening at the Party Tent adjacent to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Black & Associates will return to lead the exciting and fast paced Live Auction event which will be available to registered patrons in-person and virtually, and guests will be treated to the delicious creations of Bravo! Catering as artwork moves up and down the runway!
Saturday morning, patrons can join nearly thirty Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale artists at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West Pow Wow Grounds for the ever-popular Quick Draw & Brunch! This extraordinary event allows guests to stroll the grounds while observing artists creating amazing works of art in under two hours. After, artists hit the runway with their completed works to be auctioned off in the lively Quick Draw Auction.
After the excitement of the Quick Draw, patrons head home to reemerge in their glamorous fashions for the week’s final event, the 44th Annual Patrons Ball at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Patrons will dance the night away at this exciting western formal which will feature live music by Uptown Sound, a silent auction and raffle, and exquisite cuisine!
Immerse Yourself
If you haven’t had the pleasure of viewing these amazing works of art in-person or attending one of these exciting events, we highly recommend you start planning your visit to Cody for Rendezvous Royale week today and share your WYld adventures with us by tagging us at @LiveWYldMag and using the hashtag #LiveWYldMag. Stay creative!
Dates: September 13th-18th, 2021. Learn more about Rendezvous Royale here.
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