To be a successful working artist you have to do more than create art. Join Cowgirl Artists of America to discuss all things art business. If you're an artist who wants to learn about planning, marketing, social media, and more you've come to the right place.
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March 12, 20261 hr 5 min
Women of Western Art: Speaking with documentarian and producer Marc Sternberg
Cowgirl Artists of America’s podcast features an enlightening conversation with filmmaker Mark Sternberg, who is currently creating a documentary focused on the contributions of female Western artists. He shares insights into his journey from a successful marketing career to pursuing his passion for filmmaking, driven by a desire to tell untold stories. Mark highlights the striking, yet common statistic that only 10% of artworks in museums are created by women, a revelation that sparked his idea for this project. Throughout the episode, he discusses his process and the impactful interviews and stories he has gathered. This episode invites listeners to reflect on the significance of women’s narratives in Western art and encourages them to support the documentary's mission to bring these stories to light.Takeaways:Marc Sternberg shares his journey from a successful marketing career to pursuing his passion for filmmaking.The documentary aims to highlight untold stories of women in the West and Western art.Curiosity plays a vital role in uncovering deeper truths and building strong relationships.The project seeks to amplify underrepresented voices and perspectives .People/artists mentioned in this episode:Barbara Van CleveMaynard DixonVeral GoodnightTerry Kelly MoyersDeborah FellowMark SubletDonna How SicklesKim TrickeyHilma af KlintKandinskyGorilla GirlsSee what Marc is up to at https://sonofabotanist.com/
March 1, 202645 min
How Motherhood Influences an Art Career: A Conversation with Maddie Mutter
Megan Wimberley hosts a heartfelt discussion with Maddie Mutter, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of being a working artist and mother during Women's History Month. The main focus of their conversation revolves around how Maddie successfully juggles her burgeoning art career while raising her four young children. She shares insights on the realities of her daily life, the intentionality behind her art practice, and how motherhood has influenced her creative process. Maddie’s experiences reflect the broader narrative of women today, emphasizing the uniqueness of motherhood while building a business. Through their chat, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities faced by women artists and the importance of support systems in both family and creative endeavors.Companies mentioned in this episode:Cowgirl Artists of AmericaCGAMark SternbergCowgirls: Women of Western ArtMutter Fine ArtMaddie Mutter
February 10, 202648 min
Discovering the Desert: Dyana Hesson's Stunning Exhibition at Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
Dyana Hesson shares her inspiring journey as an artist, emphasizing the significance of hard work and planning in her recent exhibition at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. She reflects on how her passion for nature and art intertwined, leading to a remarkable career spanning over 35 years. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the joy of creating connections within the art community and encourages both emerging and established artists to not let fear hold them back. With a focus on collaboration and mutual respect, Dyana's insights offer valuable lessons for anyone in the creative field.Takeaways:Dyana Hesson shares her journey from a creative child to a professional artist, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion in the arts.Dyana Megan Wimberley highlights the significance of blending creativity with entrepreneurial skills for artists, suggesting that marketing can be a fun and creative outlet.Dyana discusses the challenges of copyright infringement and emphasizes the need for artists to protect their work legally.The podcast reveals how community connections among artists can foster support and growth, stressing that there's room for everyone in the art world.Dyana reflects on the emotional experience of exhibiting her work at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, noting how the right setting enhances the artist's vision.Megan and Dyana encourage artists to embrace their fears and pursue big goals, as overcoming challenges can lead to rewarding experiences in their careers.Links referenced in this episode:https://www.dyanahesson.com/https://www.instagram.com/dyhesson/arizonasonoradesertmuseumhttps://vimeo.com/1126277334cowgirlartistsofamericaCompanies mentioned in this episode:Arizona Sonora Desert MuseumPhoenix ZooCowgirl Up! at the Sigler Western Art MuseumBilly SchenkDennis ZeminskiWestern Art CollectorAmerican Art CollectorSouthwest ArtCowboys and Indians
January 13, 202612 min
Building Momentum: How Mindset Shapes Your Art Career
In today's episode CGA Founder, Megan Wimberley discusses the power of mindset in pursuing and growing your art career.Takeaways:Megan discusses the upcoming CGA Artist Conference, emphasizing the need to mark calendars for this exciting event.She highlights the importance of mindset, showing how two artists can have completely different experiences from the same situation.Megan shares personal insights about overcoming resistance in her work and embracing the opportunity to build her own career.The podcast explores rejection as a common experience for artists, stressing that it often isn't personal and shouldn't define self-worth.She encourages artists to shift their perspective on comparison and self-doubt, reminding artist that their unique voice is what makes their work valuable.Megan emphasizes that growth comes from taking action and learning through experience, even if mistakes happen along the way.
November 18, 202512 min
Reflect, Plan, Achieve: Mastering Your Artistic Year
In this mini episode, Megan Wimberley highlights the importance of planning and organization for artists, revealing how these strategies can set the tone for a successful year. She encourages artists to reflect on their past year by celebrating their accomplishments, which is crucial in a field where self-doubt can easily creep in. This reflection not only provides motivation but also helps artists recognize their growth and set a positive mindset moving forward.Megan delves into practical steps for organizing the upcoming year, emphasizing the necessity of a clear system that allows artists to visualize their goals and deadlines. She suggests creating a “year at a glance” with quarterly breakdowns, using whiteboards or digital tools like Figma to help manage their schedules effectively. By incorporating color-coded milestones and deadlines, artists can obtain a clearer picture of their commitments, making it easier to balance work and personal life. Throughout her discussion, the overarching message is one of empowerment: that by planning realistically and flexibly, artists can reduce stress, protect their time, and create space for both artistic and personal fulfillment.Takeaways: Getting organized and planning ahead is crucial for a successful year in art. Reflecting on past accomplishments helps artists recognize their progress and avoid burnout. Creating a 'Year at a Glance' calendar allows for better time management and prevents over-scheduling. Incorporating color-coded systems in calendars can help track important deadlines and milestones effectively. Setting aside time for personal activities is essential to maintaining balance in a busy schedule. Flexibility in planning is important; artists should adapt their goals and schedules as needed throughout the year. Links referenced in this episode:figma.comgoogle.com/calendarCompanies mentioned in this episode: Cowgirl Artists of America Figma Google Calendar
November 12, 20251 hr 8 min
Understanding and Managing Anxiety in Your Art Business
Summary / IntroIn this episode, Megan Wimberley sits down with Dr. Tara Fox, Assistant Clinical Professor and Clinical Director at Sacred Heart University, to unpack the complex relationship between anxiety and creativity.Together they explore how anxiety shows up for artists and art business owners, how to recognize when it becomes more than a passing feeling, and how to build tools that help rather than hinder your creative life.They discuss real experiences—from living with anxiety as an artist and business owner to understanding the science behind stress responses. They also share practical ways to find balance, self-compassion, and forward momentum in your art and daily life.Show NotesAnxiety touches so many artists- from racing thoughts in the studio, perfectionism disguised as productivity, or the moment you freeze before sharing a new piece of work. In this heartfelt conversation, Megan Wimberley sits down with Dr. Tara Fox, Assistant Clinical Professor and licensed professional counselor, to unpack the layers of anxiety and what it really means to live (and create) with it.Dr. Fox shares her personal journey with ADHD and anxiety, breaking down the difference between everyday worry and a diagnosable disorder. Together, Megan and Dr. Fox explore why getting a diagnosis isn’t about labeling yourself—it’s about understanding yourself, and learning how to find your own version of balance.They talk about how anxiety often hides behind ambition and overwork, especially for artists trying to build a career. From the outside, it can look like drive or discipline—but underneath might be fear, self-doubt, or a nervous system constantly on alert. Through laughter, honesty, and vulnerability, they shed light on how our brains trick us into thinking we’re “just fine” when really we’re running on fumes.You’ll hear about the four anxiety responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and how each can show up in an artist’s life: sending that angry email after a rejection, abandoning a creative project out of fear, or over-committing to please everyone else. But you’ll also hear how awareness and compassion can transform those same patterns into strength—how sensitivity can become intuition, and how anxiety can actually deepen your creativity when it’s managed with care.If you’ve ever felt like your anxiety keeps you from showing up fully as an artist—or if you’re simply curious about how creativity and mental health intertwine—this episode will remind you that you’re not alone, and that there’s strength in understanding yourself deeply.Key TakeawaysAnxiety is normal—but when it consistently interferes with your work, relationships, or well-being, it deserves attention and care.Diagnosis brings information, not identity. It’s a tool for understanding, not a label of limitation.Artists often live in the gray area between high sensitivity and high performance—learning to pause, breathe, and check in with your body is crucial.The body keeps the score. Chronic stress patterns can become automatic; awareness helps you break them.Anxiety can fuel creativity when managed well—enhancing empathy, intuition, and depth of perception.Healthy coping means returning to balance, not escaping.Self-compassion is non-negotiable. Your compassion is incomplete if you don’t extend it to yourself.Help exists. Finding the right therapist or counselor is a sign of strength, not weakness.Resources & LinksReferenced in this episode:The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkThe Artist’s Way by Julia CameronPsychology Today – Find a TherapistOpen Path Collective – Affordable Counseling DirectoryCowgirl Artists of America – cowgirlartistsofamerica.orgAbout Dr. Tara FoxDr. Tara Fox is currently the Clinical Director and an Assistant Clinical Professor at Sacred Heart University. She received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Texas Tech University in 2019. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) for the state of Texas. She is passionate about mental, physical, and emotional wellness and has worked as a rural provider since 2009. She has presented and published on topics including bereavement, boundaries, burnout, compassion fatigue, counselor identity, integrated behavioral health care, integrated health care, mindfulness, online learning, rural counseling, secondhand depression, self-reflection, and telehealth counseling services.Companies mentioned in this episode: Cowgirl Artists of America Sacred Heart University Texas Tech University Open Path Collective Psychology Today Wayland Baptist University
October 16, 202534 min
Transforming Your Art Business: Work with Yourself, Not Against Yourself
Takeaways: The necessity of aligning your work habits with your natural rhythms cannot be overstated, as this alignment fosters productivity and satisfaction in your artistic endeavors. Self-awareness is paramount; understanding your body’s needs and energy levels allows you to create an environment that supports your creative process effectively. Rituals and routines serve as powerful tools to facilitate creativity, as they prepare both your mind and body for focused work and engagement in your artistic practice. In recognizing the pitfalls of external comparisons, one must learn to measure success by personal standards, thereby fostering a sustainable and fulfilling artistic journey. Links referenced in this episode:cowgirlartistofamerica.orgCompanies mentioned in this episode: Cowgirl Artists of America
July 15, 202557 min
Legacy and Creation: The Voices of Women Artists at the AR Mitchell Museum
Content Warning: This episode discusses depression and suicide.The discussion centers on the second annual Women's Work Show at the AR Mitchell Museum of Western Art, a significant celebration of cowgirl artists in America. Megan Wimberley engages in a profound dialogue with artists Kwani Povi Winder and Lisa Sorrell, highlighting the critical contributions of women in the Western art narrative. They address the often one-dimensional portrayals of women in art, advocating for a more nuanced representation that honors their diverse experiences and stories. The conversation also delves into the importance of indigenous voices in art, ensuring that these artists can authentically convey their narratives. This episode serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of women, emphasizing the need to celebrate their integral role in shaping the cultural landscape of the American West.In this enlightening episode, the discussion centers on the Women's Work Show for 2025, featuring artists Kwani Povi Winder and Lisa Sorrell. Both guests bring distinct perspectives to the conversation, grounded in their unique artistic practices and cultural backgrounds. Kwani, hailing from the Santa Clara Pueblo, shares her journey as a painter specializing in landscapes and native figurative works. She reflects on the importance of her upbringing and the traditional art forms of her community, particularly pottery, which she connects to her artistic identity. Lisa, a cowboy boot maker, discusses her work from creating boots to managing a supply business, emphasizing the significance of supporting bespoke makers in the industry. Throughout the episode, the hosts and guests explore themes of representation and the necessity of celebrating women's voices and stories. They advocate for a more comprehensive narrative that includes the stories of indigenous artists, highlighting the rich tapestry of experiences that contribute to the cultural heritage of the American West. The conversation invites listeners to appreciate the depth and complexity of women's contributions to the arts, urging a collective recognition of their invaluable roles.Takeaways: The Women's Work Show at the AR Mitchell Museum of Western Art celebrates the contributions of women in the American West, providing a platform for their stories and creations. Kwani Povi Winder, an artist from the Santa Clara Pueblo tribe, expresses her cultural heritage through painting landscapes and figurative works, emphasizing the importance of indigenous narratives. Lisa Sorrell, a cowboy boot maker, highlights the significance of craftsmanship and the historical lineage of boot making, illustrating the connection between tradition and personal expression. The discussion includes the importance of mental health awareness, as Lisa shares her personal story about her daughter Paige, advocating for open conversations about depression and medication. The artists aim to portray women in a multifaceted manner, moving beyond one-dimensional representations to showcase their strength, complexity, and individuality in the context of Western art. Both Kwani and Lisa reflect on how their art is influenced by their life experiences, emphasizing the interplay between personal narratives and artistic expression in their work. Mentioned in this episode:WW Ad Enrollment
June 9, 20251 hr 18 min
All Things Art Festival
In this illuminating episode of Cowgirl Artists of America's podcast, host Megan Wimberley converses with talented Oklahoma-based artists Lauren Florence and Kasie Salle. The trio engages in a thorough examination of art festivals, underscoring both the rewards and challenges inherent in such events. Listeners are treated to firsthand accounts of the preparation process, from the selection of suitable inventory to the logistics of booth setup. Lauren and Kasie share their unique approaches to engaging with festival-goers, emphasizing the significance of fostering genuine connections and creating memorable experiences for attendees. The conversation also touches upon the emotional landscape of festival participation, exploring how artists navigate the unpredictable nature of sales, weather, and more. This episode serves as a valuable resource for artists at any stage of their careers, offering practical advice and encouragement to pursue their artistic passions through festival participation.Takeaways: Art festivals provide a unique opportunity for artists to gain exposure and credibility in the art community. Successful participation in art festivals often requires substantial preparation and strategic planning well in advance of the event. Engaging with fellow artists at festivals can lead to valuable networking opportunities and collaborative growth. Artists can face emotional challenges during festivals, but building a supportive community can help mitigate those feelings. Weather conditions can greatly impact the festival experience, making it essential to prepare for various scenarios. Having a well-organized booth and being prepared to present your work professionally is crucial for attracting potential buyers. Companies mentioned in this episode: Cowgirl Artists of America Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts Finerworks Cottonwood Festival Kasie Sallee (Social)Lauren Florence (Web | Social)
March 17, 20251 hr 20 min
The Women Who Shaped the West: A Conversation with Donna Howell-Sickles & Barbara Van Cleve
🎙 Episode Summary:This podcast episode delves into the profound significance of cowgirl culture within the broader narrative of Western art, as articulated by two esteemed artists, Donna Howell-Sickles and Barbara Van Cleve. The discussion revolves around the multifaceted identity of cowgirls, emphasizing their roles as both competent individuals and integral contributors to ranch life. Throughout the dialogue, the speakers reflect on the historical underrepresentation of women in the portrayal of the West, advocating for a more inclusive understanding that recognizes their enduring contributions. The artists share personal anecdotes, underscoring their artistic journeys and the deep connections they maintain with the land and the traditions of ranching. Ultimately, this episode serves as a celebration of the resilience, strength, and joy inherent in the lives of cowgirls, inviting listeners to appreciate the richness of their stories and the artistry that captures their essence.📌 In This Episode, We Discuss:(00:00:02) – Introductions and a warm welcome to Donna and Barbara(00:01:19) – What does it mean to be a cowgirl? How both artists define it in their work(00:03:12) – The historical erasure of women in the West and why their stories matter(00:06:26) – Barbara’s book Hard Twist and her mission to document real ranch women(00:10:32) – The role of joy, confidence, and independence in western women’s art(00:19:03) – The balance of femininity and grit in ranch life and how it’s portrayed in art(00:26:23) – Overcoming challenges: Pursuing an art career despite early discouragement(00:33:47) – The moment each artist realized their career had truly taken off(00:39:39) – Barbara’s transition from film to digital photography and shooting on horseback(00:44:18) – How Donna works with models to create her iconic cowgirl imagery(00:46:10) – Final thoughts on storytelling, legacy, and inspiring future generations✨ Key Takeaways:Women have always been a vital part of Western history, and artists like Donna and Barbara are bringing their stories to the forefront through their work.Joy and confidence are as powerful as hardship and struggle in defining the cowgirl experience.Authenticity matters—whether through photography or painting, capturing the spirit of the West is just as important as the details.Challenges in the art world exist, but persistence and passion drive success.💡 Resources & Links Mentioned:Cowgirl Artists of America (CGA): www.cowgirlartistsofamerica.orgDonna Howell-Sickles: https://www.donnahowellsickles.com/galleriesBarbara Van Cleve: https://www.barbaravancleve.com/CGA Open Enrollment: https://cowgirlartistsofamerica.org/become-a-member📢 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please:✅ Rate & Review on your favorite podcast platform✅ Share with friends who love western art and history✅ Follow CGA for more inspiring stories🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on western art, history, and the incredible women shaping the American West!
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