Gallery 1261 is proud to present Badass women of the west, a dynamic exhibition celebrating the talent and tenacity of women artists shaping contemporary realism in the Western U.S. This show is part of the Rose Fredrick Project Series, a series dedicated to showcasing exceptional artists working under the expert curation of art advisor Rose Fredrick. Known for transforming the Coors Art Exhibit into a multimillion-dollar cultural event, Fredrick brings her experience and insight to create exhibitions that highlight and uplift artists working in the West.

Badass women of the west honors the groundbreaking vision of female painters, photographers, and sculptors who redefine what it means to create art in and about the Western landscape. These artists challenge norms, celebrate resilience, and bring fresh perspectives to the traditions of the region, offering collectors and art lovers a powerful experience.

Join us on opening night for this unique opportunity to engage with the work of artists who are not only making an impact on contemporary realism but are also expanding the boundaries of Western art.

Curator's statement: Over the past three decades, I have watched as women artists take on big issues in the West and introduce new ways of seeing through unusual materials and techniques. My theory as to why women are leading the way? I think it’s because women have been consistently overlooked and, knowing this, don’t free the need to conform and fit in. They have instead taken on challenging topics and emotionally charged issues in the most creative ways. I am thrilled to present a show of some of the most innovative artists I have had the pleasure to work with. They are all badass artists who happen to be women.

Participating Artists: Lee Andre, Reen Axtell, Deborah Bays, Kate Breakey, Michelle Bracewell, Sophy Brown, Jan R Carson, Robin Cole, Joellyn Duesberry, Dianne Massey Dunbar, Maeve Eichelberger, Victoria Eubanks, Stephanie Hartshorn, Susie Hyer, Rochelle Johnson, Amy Laugesen, Linda Lilligraven, Kim Lordier, Sally Maxwell, Julia Mulligan, Johanna Mueller, Emilie Odeile, Linda Prokop, Jill Soukup, Jen Starling, Melanie Yazzie.