2026 Art of the Cowgirl Silver Fellowship Application

*** IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES COMPLETING OR SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION, PLEASE CONTACT JAIMIE STOLTZFUS AT JAIMIE@ARTOFTHECOWGIRL.COM

DEADLINE: March 15th, 2026, recipient will be notified no later than April 15th, 2026

Our Mission

The Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship Program will encourage, promote and invest in the development of emerging artists and makers engaged in the unique arts, trades, and horsemanship of the western lifestyle while celebrating tradition and inspiring innovation through mentorship from established leaders in their fields. Through this program, Art of the Cowgirl will foster creativity and will work to preserve traditional art techniques and functional gear.

The Fellowship Program is Tammy Pate’s original dream of providing an opportunity for western artists to work with masters-- a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn or refine their passion with some of the most talented makers in the business. Whether it be a fine art, functional trade or horsemanship, these fellowships will enrich, empower and educate while honoring our western heritage. The fellowship seeks to remove obstacles such as funding and access for up and coming artists, without restriction of age or location.

Program Details:

* Recipient may receive: supplies and materials, travel, room and board at Master’s location, travel expenses to Art of the Cowgirl event for presentation to be determined by Art of the Cowgirl

* Each recipient to have a completed piece of work or agreed upon task at conclusion of fellowship period

* Recipients will be required to complete fellowships in same calendar year as award received and present work at next Art of the Cowgirl event (must be completed in 2026 calendar year)

*Recipients will be required to sign contracts and releases before funds will be released

*Recipients will be required to donate an item to the 2027 Fellowship Art Auction (does not have to be piece completed during Fellowship)

* Recipients will be chosen by Fellowship Selection committee

Recipient Requirements:

* 18 years of age or older

* Open to both men and women

* Able to complete fellowship before Dec. 31st of the calendar year in which the award is provided.

* Able to attend and present work at Art of the Cowgirl February 2027 in Arizona

* Meet minimum skill and experience requirement as determined by Master

* While individuals may apply for fellowships more than once and more than one fellowship, selected recipients may not be awarded a fellowship more than once

About Master Barbara Jacques

Western life and artwork have always been at the center of Barbara Jacques’ life. She holds a BS in Art Education from Oklahoma State University and has extensive training in jewelry and metals. Over the years she has had the opportunity to study from some of the finest jewelry and metal artists and engravers in the world.

Barbara taught her first art class in 1982. She has taught both privately and in public school. While working in education, Barbara developed online art classes which were used in 38 states. She loves sharing her knowledge and experience with students of all ages. She believes the principles and elements of art apply to any medium. “They are the foundation for strong design and pleasing aesthetics.”

Metalsmithing presents a vast array of areas in which artists can focus their work. Using different metals, Barbara has explored both traditional and non-traditional jewelry, western buckles, containers, raised vessels, and sculpture. She uses a variety of surface finishes such as engraving, etching, and patinas.

Barbara is married to Dave Jacques. They raise Black Angus cattle on their ranch in Osage County, Oklahoma.

Fellowship Details

Fellowship includes the opportunity to learn from Barbara Jacques for one week at her shop in Shidler, Oklahoma.

All travel and lodging expenses will be covered by Art of the Cowgirl Foundation. Recipient must provide proof of insurance and sign a liability release before the Fellowship time.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT FOR FELLOWSHIP:

* Must be 18 years or older

* Must exhibit strong work ethic and willingness to learn

* Must have prior silver experience

Name

First NameLast Name

Email

example@example.com

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.

Please tell us about yourself.

What is your experience so far with metalsmithing and silver work?

Name two areas of your silver work in which you excel.

Name two areas that you would like to improve your skills.

Where would you like to be with your work in 5 years? What are your long term goals with silverwork?

Please tell us your experience with engraving, if any.

What tools and equipment do you own or have access to, if any?

What has been your experience with Art of the Cowgirl? What does the Foundation's mission mean to you?

Please attach 3-6 photos of your work if available.

I ensure I am 18 years or older and all information and photos on this application are a true representation of my work.

2026 Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship Application