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The Timeless Image of the Cowgirl by Donna Howell-Sickles Opens

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Bob Gould:
The Timeless Image of the Cowgirl by Donna Howell-Sickles Opens at
the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame on Feb. 18, 2005


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  DJ Latham
817-509-8991 - office
817/715-2868 - mobile
800-476-FAME
[email protected]


ART CELEBRATES TIMELESS IMAGES OF COWGIRLS

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - Smiling, joyous cowgirls depicted in vivid colors are celebrated in "The Timeless Image of the Cowgirl," at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame on February 18, 2005 through May 21, 2005.

"The Timeless Image of the Cowgirl" exhibit features the unique work of native Texas artist Donna Howell-Sickles, known for her bright and spirited
cowgirl images.  Retelling women's stories and myths using the cowgirl, her fusion of symbolic images into her work simply adds more layers to the
female affirmation in each canvas.

Her mixed media art depicts beautiful, red-lipped cowgirls that are proud and confident, and at ease in nature.  At first glance many of the paintings appear to be works in progress, with sections left as simple sketches or secondary images slightly smeared or erased, giving the viewer a sense of
privy to the artists' creative process.  Action flies off the large canvases, and Howell-Sickles compositions often include a picture within the picture.

Raised on a farming ranch near the Red River in North Texas, Howell-Sickles became intrigued with the image of the cowgirl after receiving a vintage
postcard from a fellow art student during college.  The postcard was of a 1930s cowgirl seated on a horse.

"I realized the myths I had always read could be retold through the Cowgirl," said Howell-Sickles.  "This infusion of meaning into the artwork
is what, after all this time, keeps me passionate about telling bits of stories through the Cowgirl."

Howell-Sickles creates mixed media images that are bold in color, decorative in design and often playful.  Even the titles of her works are often
whimsical, such as "Leap Hog," "She'll be Riding Three White Horses," "Pal-O-Mine," and "And the Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon."  Museums,
collectors and galleries eagerly seek these wonderful works of color, strength and joy.Howell-Sickles has had more than one dozen one-woman shows and was the featured artist of the 2004 American Woman Artist show at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming.

More than 120 of Howell-Sickles color prints and sketches are featured in a lavish, large format book entitled "Cowgirl Rising," with text written by
Peg Streep.  Streep specializes in researching and writing in the field of women's studies and spirituality, and wrote the text for "The Timeless Image of the Cowgirl" exhibit as well.  "Cowgirl Rising" is available at the National Cowgirl Museum's gift shop.

In conjunction with the opening of the exhibit, Howell-Sickles and Streep will present a lecture and slide show entitled"Cowgirl Rising: Goddess of the American West" at the National Cowgirl Museum on February 18, 2005 at 7 p.m. The lecture, exploring the mythology and symbolism underlying Howell-Sickles' paintings of a Western archetype, is open to the public and is included with regular museum admission. Seating is available on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is the only museum in the world dedicated to honoring women of the American West who have displayed extraordinary courage and a pioneering spirit in their trail blazing efforts. Located in Fort Worth's Cultural District, the museum includes
interactive exhibit galleries, three theaters, a retail store and a grand rotunda. The museum is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. andon Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children(ages 6 - 18), and free for children under 5 years old with a paid adultadmission.  For more information about the museum, current exhibits andrentals, call 817-336-4475 or 800-476-FAME, or visit
www.cowgirl.net.

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