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The Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale
The Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale began in 1993 as the joint inspiration of Coors Brewing Company and the National Western Stock Show. After a successful trial year, National Western CEO Pat Grant brought on Ann Daley to curate the show in 1994. That year, a commemorative poster was made from William Matthews painting, Waddie’s Slick Fork. This kicked off the Featured Art program in which one artwork is purchased each year for the National Western Permanent Collection.
The National Western Stock Show has primary management and oversight of the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale. Rose Fredrick became the curator in 1998 and developed the show into one of the nation’s most recognized Western art exhibits. Kate Hlavin took on the Curator role in 2023 and continues to build on this impressive legacy. With great momentum, Kate is bringing fresh energy to the show by introducing a selection of highly regarded artists, including some new to the exhibit and others returning from hiatuses, further enriching the breadth and quality of the exhibition.
Established in 1994, the Coors Western Art Advisory Committee is a group of dedicated professionals committed to the ongoing success of the exhibit. The Committee plays an integral role in shaping the exhibit by making key decisions regarding featured artwork, voting on Best in Show, and ensuring the event’s continued excellence.
The Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale supports the National Western Scholarship Trust. All proceeds from ticket, table, and art sales fund more than 120 students each year studying agriculture, rural medicine, and veterinary sciences.
The Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale will have a prominent place in the forthcoming Legacy Building, with an expanded gallery and a public viewing space for the permanent art collection. The Coors Western Art committee, staff, and volunteers are dedicated to bringing the finest Western art experience to National Western Stock Show patrons and visitors.
Coors Western Art acknowledges that the National Western Stock Show complex in Denver is on the traditional territory of the Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Oceti Sakowin, and Ute Nations.
Meet the passionate and dedicated team behind the Coors Western Art Gallery. Together, we are committed to showcasing exceptional works that evoke the rich heritage and artistry of the American West.
Kate Hlavin’s journey into Western Art began after graduating from Hobart & William Smith Colleges in 2010. She has held key positions throughout her career, including a notable five-year tenure as the Director of Western & American Art at Altamira Fine Art, with locations in Jackson, WY, and Scottsdale, AZ. Her passion for Western Art continued to thrive when she later assumed the role of Gallery Director at Visions West Contemporary in Denver.
In 2017, Ms. Hlavin joined the Denver office of Hindman Auctions as the Director of Business Development for the Western Region. Her remarkable dedication and expertise led to her promotion to the position of Department Director of Western Art in 2020. Under her leadership, Denver’s bi-annual Western Art auctions achieved multiple sales records, a testament to her ability to connect art enthusiasts with outstanding works.
Moreover, Kate Hlavin had the privilege of working alongside Terry Winchell, founder of Fighting Bear Antiques in Jackson, WY, and the foremost authority on the works of Thomas Molesworth. This experience deepened her knowledge of Molesworth furniture and historic Western art, enhancing her ability to curate collections that resonate with Western Art enthusiasts.
Kate brings a wealth of expertise and experience in the realm of Western Art to her new role. “With over a decade of professional involvement in fine art galleries, auction houses, and as an independent art consultant, Kate is well-qualified to curate the iconic and influential Coors Art Exhibit & Sale,” said Lewis Wilks, Chairman of the Coors Western Art Show and Sale Committee.
Grace Weihs brings over eight years of experience working in museums and galleries to her role as the Western Art Coordinator. She holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Art History from the University of Nebraska, where she developed a deep appreciation for fine art in its many forms.
Grace was the inaugural Curator for the MaMO Gallery, a mobile art gallery under the direction of BFF Omaha, and later served as a Curator and Art Consultant at Gallery 1516 in Omaha, Nebraska. In addition to her curatorial work, Grace was previously an appraiser of fine art and is a practicing contemporary photographer, adding a creative edge to her expertise in the art world.
The Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale would not be possible without the generous contributions of our patrons and sponsors.
Official Sponsors
Coors Banquet
Nicole and Craig Harrison
Meg and Jamie Duke
Gold Patrons
UMB Bank
Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel, LLLP
Marilyn and Pete Coors
Silver Patrons
Nancy and Doug Jones
Julie and Martin Harrington
Searle Family/Maggie Creek Ranch
Rye Ridge Resources
Bradbury Companies
Wold Family – Buckle Sponsor
Remount Ranch
Melissa and Mark Osborn
Molly and David Coors
The Tulp Family
Jill and Lew Wilks
Lorie and Henry Gordon
Laramie Energy
Carol Burt and Ray Hilliard
Sarvis Energy Partners
Kathy and Patterson Shaw
Land Title Guarantee Company
Buffalo Creek Group
Mary Schaefer and Hugh Rice
Leslie Rainbolt
UMB Bank
Bronze Patrons
Bank of Colorado
Cheryl and Dick Shaw
Dea Family Foundation
Stockmens Bank / Bridge Capital Resources LLC
Lee Mardesen
Maggie Jarrett
Obermeyer Wood Investment
Priscilla Wold Longfield
Patience and Jim Linfield
Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie
Nancy Gooding
JP Morgan
Bernstein Private Wealth Management
Cathy and Vin Melvin
Conscience Bay Company
Kathie and Phil Harrington
Pathstone
Mirr Ranch Group
Craft Companies
Hackstaff Snow Atkinson & Griess, LLC
Sherman and Howard
Ann and Hunt Walker
Heidi and Duke Cooley
Johnson Moving and Storage
Nathalie and Jack Fox
Underwriters
Judie and John Hiemer
Chamli Art Services
Donna Pattee and Mike Thero
Over one hundred volunteers staff the Coors Art Gallery during the Stock Show and special events such as the Red Carpet Reception. Volunteers come from across the front range, drawn by their love for the art show as well as their dedication to raising funds for the National Western Scholarship Trust, to which the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale is the largest contributor.
Volunteers are needed throughout the year to help support Coors Western Art; however, the majority of volunteering is done during the National Western Stock Show which runs for sixteen days every January. Volunteers learn about the nationally recognized artists represented in the exhibit, have the opportunity to meet many of them, and interact with the wonderful patrons who visit the Coors Art Gallery during the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo.
We are continuously welcoming new volunteers to the Coors Art Gallery, especially volunteers with art, customer relations, and sales experience, and we are especially looking for those with strong computer skills to operate our point of sale system in the gallery. You will join the team of almost 1000 volunteers who dedicate themselves to the National Western Stock Show, and you are not limited to working in the art gallery!
To sign up, complete and submit the volunteer application found HERE.
We look forward to meeting you!
