2026 Trappings of Texas
Futurity Bit by Wilson Capron
Click here to read more about Wilson Capron, 2026 Trappings of Texas Premier Artist
TRAPPINGS OF TEXAS SPONSORSHIPS
Be a part of making the 40th Annual Trappings of Texas an event to remember. You can contribute to our celebration of Western art and heritage by becoming a Trappings of Texas Sponsor or Underwriter. Opportunities and benefits are listed below.
All Commemorative Badges allow entry to the Thursday Preview Party and the Friday Opening Exhibit, Sale and Reception as well as free admission to the museum Thursday-Saturday.
TOP HAND – $250 Click here to purchase a Top Hand Sponsorship
4 Drink Tickets and 2 Commemorative Bronze Badges
Name Listing Recognition in Buyer’s Guide and on Patron Banner
COW BOSS – $500 Click here to purchase a Cow Boss Sponsorship
8 Drink Tickets and 2 Commemorative Gold Badges
Eligible to purchase Brass Custom Badge ($30)
2 Additional Tickets to the Friday Opening Exhibit, Sale and Reception
Name Listing Recognition in Buyer’s Guide and on Patron Banner
CATTLE BARON – $1000 Click here to purchase a Cattle Baron Sponsorship
8 Drink Tickets and 4 Commemorative Silver Badges
Eligible to purchase Limited Edition Sterling Silver Custom Badge ($75)
Logo or Name Recognition in Buyer’s Guide and on Patron Banner
GOLD CATTLE BARON – $2500 Click here to purchase a Gold Cattle Baron Sponsorship
8 Drink Tickets and 6 Commemorative Silver Badges
Limited Edition Sterling Silver Custom Badge
2 tickets to Trappings of Texas Ranch Roundup Party
Logo or Name Recognition in Buyer’s Guide and on Patron Banner
DIAMOND CATTLE BARON – $5000 Click here to purchase a Diamond Cattle Baron Sponsorship
8 Drink Tickets and 8 Commemorative Silver Badges
Limited Edition Sterling Silver Custom Badge
4 tickets to Trappings of Texas Ranch Roundup Party
Logo or Name Recognition in Buyer’s Guide and on Patron Banner
EVENT UNDERWRITERS
Underwriters are needed for the Thursday Night Preview Party ($3500) and the Friday Night Opening ($10,000). Event underwriters receive the same benefits as the Gold and Diamond Cattle Baron sponsorship levels, respectively. If you are interested in underwriting one of these events, please contact Museum Director, Emily Wilkinson, at 432-837-8747.
The Trappings of Texas annual exhibit and sale at the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine celebrates the work of Western artists and gear makers. It is the longest running event of its kind in the country.
Opening Weekend (September 17-19) events include a preview party, an opening reception and sale, artist demonstrations, and more.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, September 17
PREVIEW PARTY & SILENT AUCTION
Museum of the Big Bend
5:00–8:00pm
Ticketed event
Register to become a buyer, place bids for your favorite pieces, and meet the artists and gearmakers.
Choose a drink from the cash bar with complimentary beer and wine and savor the charcuterie tablescape and hors d’oeuvres provided by Sky Island Culinary.
Friday, September 18
ARTIST DEMONSTRATIONS
Museum of the Big Bend, on the patio
11:00am–3:00pm
Free and open to the public
Meet some of the Trappings artists and learn about their crafts.
OPENING RECEPTION & SILENT AUCTION
Underwritten by Nathali & Johnny Weisman
Museum of the Big Bend
5:00–8:00pm
Ticketed event
Help us celebrate the craftmanship, culture, and history of West Texas! Meet the artists and gearmakers, catch up with friends, place bids for your favorite pieces, and enjoy live music.
Enjoy a plated dinner featuring beef tenderloin with hollandaise diablo, chicken breast stuffed with chorizo and fancy cheese, corn pudding pie, and grilled asparagus. Appetizer and dessert options are included, as well as complimentary beer and wine, and a cash bar. Menu items subject to change.
Saturday, September 19
RANCH HAND BREAKFAST
Sul Ross State University lawn area
Starts at 9:00am, breakfast burritos and cowboy coffee
Admission is free, reservations are requested.
Email Kristi.Taylor@sulross.edu to RSVP.
ARTIST DEMONSTRATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
Museum of the Big Bend, on the patio
11:00am–3:00pm
Free and open to the public
Revisit the exhibit and observe the artists at work.
PORTRAIT FACE-OFF
11:00am–3:00pm
Free and open to the public
Live painting event where artists will be working from live models. The event is based on the Face-off event that is held at the Portrait Society of America’s Conference every year. The public is invited to watch artists create portraits and ask questions!
RANCH ROUNDUP PARTY & LIVE AUCTION
Underwritten by Jenny & Will Wood
Wood Ranch
5:30–10:00pm
Ticketed event
Join us as we wrap up the 40th annual Trappings of Texas Opening Weekend! Bid on one-of-a-kind gear, art and experiences, dance under the West Texas stars to the honky tonk music of Justin Trevino and enjoy an open bar and dinner by Sky Island Culinary. www.justintrevino.com
MENU
Passed appetizers: bacon-wrapped quail with habanero guava glaze, black and bleu elk crostini, tuna tartare wonton cup
Buffet dinner: slow-marinated bavette steak, luscious seafood enchiladas, sauteed succotash, fresh garden salad, and southern salted cajeta banana pudding. Menu items subject to change.
A live auction with Auctioneer Logan West supports the mission of the Museum of the Big Bend.