Alberta Destinations

Cowboy culture celebrated at the Royal Alberta Museum

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(Special)—Saddle up and ride on down to the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton to experience three current exhibitions exploring unique facets of cowboy culture.

Arte en la Charrería: The Artisanship of Mexican Equestrian Culture (October 25 to April 13, 2009) La Charrería is one of Mexico’s most important cultural traditions and a symbol of the country’s national identity. It includes the equestrian events of the charreada, but like the Canadian rodeo culture, Charrería extends beyond horses and riders to include aspects such as costume, music and food. The exhibition showcases art of the Charrería culture, highlighting the work of the artisans who produce the spectacular sombreros, saddles, bits, spurs, clothing and much more.

Joshua’s Journey: A Black Cowboy Rides the Chisholm Trail (October 25 to January 4, 2009) Based on an American book series, the exhibition illustrates the fascinating story of life on the Chisholm Trail through the eyes of Joshua Loper, a 16-year-old black cowboy. The story begins with young Joshua leaving home in South Texas to help drive a herd of cattle up the Chisholm Trail. On the way, Joshua writes of his travels in his journal, providing a glimpse into the important but little-known role black cowboys played in the late 19th century.

Alberta Cowboys in Art (November 4 - January 4, 2009) For more than a century, cowboys have shaped Alberta’s history. Arriving with the cattle drives of the 1880s, cowboys established themselves on ranches across the southern prairies. The cowboy remains an enduring figure in Alberta’s cultural mosaic. This exhibition presents cowboy life as interpreted in paintings, photographs and sculptures.

Details on museum hours and program schedules are available online at www.royalalbertamuseum.ca or by calling 780-453-9100 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access within Alberta).