2026 Art of the Cowgirl Rawhide Braiding 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 Bill Ferreira

Bill Ferreira Jr grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii immersed in the rich ranching culture of the Paniolo ( Hawaiian Cowboy). Listening and learning from the elders fostered a love of good gear. Rawhide was (and still is) the medium that spoke to him, and Bill has been consistently working towards improving for close to 30 years now.

Bill currently works out of his home shop in East Helena, Montana. Building all kinds of rawhide gear, from reatas and romals to bosals and jewelry. He is drawn to the intricate rawhide work, the more tedious and fine pieces truly gets the creativity going, all while maintaining the proper functionality. He truly enjoys teaching and sharing all that he can of the art, continuously experimenting and learning to improve his work.

Bill gets a great sense of accomplishment from helping others overcome a lot of the mistakes and problems that he struggled with for years. It’s important to forward the information and skills that were shared by many people who have taken the time to help him.

Fellowship Details

Fellowship includes the opportunity to learn from Bill Ferreira for two weeks at his shop in East Helena, Montana.

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 some prior braiding 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 with rawhide braiding?

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

Where would you like to be with your work in 2 years? What are your long term goals with braiding?

Why are you specifically interested in learning from Bill Ferreira? What draws you to his work or teaching?

What have been some of your greatest challenges or obstacles thus far in your rawhide braiding journey?

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