Time to Experience the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum
By Jan Petersen
Did you know that Nevada has a museum devoted entirely to Western arts and culture? Located in historic downtown Elko, the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum is housed on Commerce Street in the G.S. Garcia’s Saddle and Harness Shop building, which was recently nominated to the Nevada State Register of Historic Places. The museum’s mission is: “Guardian of the western tradition – preserving the heritage and craftsmanship of the cowboy of the American West.” The history, culture and craftsmanship of cowboys, past and present are showcased in this one-of-a-kind museum that opened in 2018 to highlight the rich heritage, culture, and traditions of ranching and cowboy lifestyles through exhibits and programming.
January 2022 is a busy month at the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum! After a great Christmas season, the museum is “Gearing Up” for the fourth annual Bit Contest and Gear Show and Sale that will be held the last week in January with bidding taking place online January 26 - 28, 2022. Visit the museum’s website to learn more about this annual contest .
2022 is the fourth year for the Bit Contest that centers a cheek piece for a harness. A bit is the “steering gear” of a bridle. It’s a metal piece that goes in the horse’s mouth. This year’s cheek piece - the side part, that’s usually ornate and engraved - is from G.S. Garcia’s 1924 catalogue. The 20 participants in this contest have purchased two raw cheek pieces - all 20 are identical. The artist can inlay, overlay, and/or engrave the steel itself into a finished piece. In the past, there were competitors from Missouri to Texas, Nevada, California, and throughout the intermountain ranging in age from the 20s to the 80s. In early January, the bits will be returned to the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum and are judged by accomplished horsemen. Artists are judged first on workmanship, balance, and finish, and they are also judged on categories of artistry and presentation. Cash prizes are awarded to the top four places. Finally, the bits are sold with the makers receiving the majority of the sale money and the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum receiving a portion.
The annual Gear Show and Sale will also take place during the Bit Contest. This show was initiated by the late Paula Wright over 20 years ago to showcase exceptional gear makers of all genres. Jewelry, rawhide braiding, leatherwork, and furniture will be on display. The Bits and Gear will be on display at the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum through the end of February.
The Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum sheds light onto the unexplored cowboy culture of Nevada and the deep history and experiences of cowboys in American history. Come visit and experience cowboy and Western culture for yourself! The Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum would love to have you!
Jan Petersen is a fifth generation Nevadan and a self-proclaimed “Nevada Nerd.” She loves history—sharing stories, giving tours along with the stories, and exploring Nevada! Jan is the Director of the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum in Elko.