The Montana Gathering

Fellowship Fundraising Event

June 2-4, 2023

Big Timber Fairgrounds

Join us in Big Timber, Montana this summer! The Fellowship program is at the core mission of Art of the Cowgirl. The Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship program will encourage and further arts and trades amongst western women, both celebrating and continuing tradition and inspiring innovation. By establishing mentorship and investing in up and coming artists, we will foster creativity and preserve traditional art and functional gear. In providing this opportunity, our hope is that age, location, and lack of funds will no longer be a limiting factor for those interested in pursuing art and artistic trades.

The fellowship provides 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 Big Timber, MT event will consist of hands-on workshops and riding clinics, dinner and dance, and ranch rodeo. Proceeds from this event will go towards the Fellowship Program.

Registration is required to participate in a clinic, workshop, or the competition. Come enjoy Little Jane and the Pistol Whips and a great dinner Friday evening and stick around to watch the Youth Dummy Roping and exciting Ranch Rodeo action Saturday.  Friday and Saturday entertainment will be ticketed.

Schedule of Events

Friday, June 2nd

  • Horsemanship Video Clinic with Lee Smith
  • Photography Retreat with Kimberly Beer and Phyllis Burchett (this retreat will run June 1-4)
  • Solid in the Saddle Clinic with Dr. Aleisha
  • Cinch Building with Tia Watson
  • Friday Evening-6:00 pm- Dinner and Dance with Little Jane and the Pistol Whips.  $30 per ticket

*Dinner and dance requires ticket-can be purchased through button below or at the door at exhibit building at Big Timber, MT Fairgrounds*

Saturday, June 3rd

  • Horsemanship Video Clinic with Lee Smith
  • Cowdog Clinic with Laura Stimatze
  • Beading Class with Melanie Kimpton-Wyant
  • Rawhide Braiding Class with Bill Ferreira
  • Chink Building Class with Chelsea Sazama
  • Leather Carving Class with Nancy Martiny
  • Photography Retreat with Kimberly Beer and Phyllis Burchett (this retreat will run June 1-4)
  • Solid in the Saddle Clinic with Dr. Aleisha

 

Sunday, June 4th

  • Horsemanship Video Clinic with Lee Smith
  • Cowdog Clinic with Laura Stimatze
  • Beading Class with Melanie Kimpton-Wyant
  • Rawhide Braiding Class with Bill Ferreira
  • Chink Building Class with Chelsea Sazama
  • Leather Carving Class with Nancy Martiny
  • Photography Retreat with Kimberly Beer and Phyllis Burchett (this retreat will run June 1-4)

 Workshops

View Workshops

Dinner & Dance

We are excited to announce Little Jane & the Pistol Whips will be playing at our Montana Gathering in Big Timber, Montana!
Join us for dinner and dance June 2nd from 6-9pm at the Sweetgrass County Fairgrounds.
 
Meet the Band:
Ashly “Little Jane” Holland’s songs are influenced by her upbringing in Montana and the fact that she taught herself guitar, songwriting, and singing. This difference can be heard in her original songs that touch on the beauty of Montana.  When she is not playing or writing music, Ashly works as a licensed clinical social worker candidate and addictions counselor in Livingston, MT. 
Bozeman fiddler and songstress Chelsea Hunt has been gracing the stages of Bozeman venues with her sweet melodic musical presence for years, most recently as a member of The Band of Drifters and Honey and Rye. Chelsea has also played alongside the Acony Belles and Jim Averitt. Chelsea teaches fiddle lessons and is a full-time musician. 
Jody Engstrom (Bass player) was born and raised in Townsend, MT and comes from a long line of instrument builders and musicians. Jody has been playing music since she was a little girl, making the yearly pilgrimage to the Rocky Grass Bluegrass Festival in Colorado to enjoy her first love, bluegrass music. Jody plays bass and sings harmonies for Little Jane & the Pistol Whips, but music isn’t her only talent, Jody has spent years being a master chef and fermenter as well as a custom jewelry maker!  
The band Little Jane & the Pistol Whips was formed in 2008 in Livingston, MT, and through the years, the group has enjoyed many successes with some highlights including opening for Lyle Lovett, John Mayer, Zac Brown Band, LeeAnn Rhymes, and of course, being a local favorite.
We hope you join us! Tickets are $30/adult or $15/kids age 10 and younger (3 and younger are free). Ticket price includes dinner and can be purchased at the door!
PURCHASE DINNER & DANCE TICKETS HERE

Location

 Big Timber, Montana Fairgrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do I need to pay to come to the Event?

 If you would like to participate in the competition or a workshop or clinic, you will need to register through our website. The dinner and dance Friday evening is $30/adult or $15/child (kids 3 and under are free) and includes a brisket dinner. Auditors welcome at stock dog or Lee Smith Clinic and we ask for a donation to the Fellowship for auditing fee.

 

Will this be like the main Art of the Cowgirl event?

This will not be the same as our main event. This will be a much smaller event solely consisting of workshops and clinics, dinner and dance Friday night, Youth Dummy Roping at 5pm Friday night.