Local western artist Kathryn Merrill has been selected once again to display her work at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show and Sale in Cheyenne, Wyo.

The 45th annual event will be held July 17 - Aug. 10 at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum.

The long-standing tradition honors the enduring spirit and imagery of the American West while showcasing the country’s top Western artists.

From sweeping landscapes, dynamic wildlife and powerful portraits to intricate sculptures, this exhibit brings together over 50 renowned artists whose work reflects the heart, grit and beauty of Western life.

Merrill’s collection of artwork is largely made up of western scenes and four of her pieces will be featured at the Frontier Days show - Biloxi, I’ll be a Doggone Cowboy, The Campbell and Wind to Water on the High Desert.

Exhibiting her works for the third year at the Cheyenne Frontier Days, Merrill said, “This show is one of the national western art shows I’ve had on my list for a long time.”

While discussing it with her husband, Sid, who has participated in the rodeo, he suggested that it would be great if she could show her art there as well.

After completing her submission information and art for review, Merrill said, “I was so excited when I heard that I was awarded a spot in the show.”

Growing up on her grandparents’ ranch in central Montana, Merrill said, left her with an appreciation of the rural lifestyle and a respect for the people and the land and animals they care so much about.

Developing an interest in art early in her life, Merrill started with graphite then began to include colored pencil and oils.

Merrill continues to develop her skills with the encouragement and support of a loving family and the aid of gifted teachers and mentors, she said.

Working in her studio near her home northwest of Kingfisher where she resides with her husband and children, Sloan and Ruby, who very are supportive and helpful in her artistic endeavors, also allows her to be near her dogs and horses.

Merrill said she feels staying close to her subjects helps her portray a more honest and moving piece of artwork.

She also spends as much time as possible with local ranch families, allowing her to depict images true to the lifestyle so many yearn to be a part of, she added.

Since 1981, the Western Art Show has raised over $3 million in support of the museum’s art, education, exhibits, collections and operating funds. Its mission is to preserve and share the heritage of the American West as experienced through the celebration of Cheyenne Frontier Days.

This year’s opening reception will be held from 3 to 9:30 p.m. (MDT) Thursday, July 17 and public viewing, which is included with regular museum admission, is available July 18 - Aug. 10.

Merrill’s artwork has also appeared at the Rusty Gables Spring Stampede, Cowboy True, Trappings of Texas, on the cover of Oklahoma Cowman Magazine and been featured in Art of the West, Oklahoma Farm and Ranch Magazine, AQHA’s Ranch Horse Journal, among many others.

Additionally, Merrill’s work will be on display at the Texas Ranch Roundup trade show in Wichita Falls July 18-19, with Merrill splitting her time between the two premier events that week.

“I feel blessed to have been bestowed with the God-given gift of visual storytelling and I want to share the story of the people who still carry the values and character that our great country was founded on - the American ranching family,” Merrill said.