The Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the skills of Saddlemaking, Bit and Spur Making, Silversmithing and Rawhide Braiding. “Continuing the Tradition” is our new video series showing the history of each of the traditional cowboy art disciplines and how TCAA artists are helping to continue those traditions. Today, learn more about the history of bit and spur making and the role of this craft in the cowboy culture of the North American West.
Wilson Capron’s “California Spurs”
“Every now and then a guy just has to do something a little different, something that challenges him.” California-style spurs offer opportunities for fabrication and embellishment that both challenge artist Wilson Capron and show his love of the craft. The architecture showcases the many curves and facets. These “canvases” offer areas for intricate inlay and engraving but require careful planning to execute as a unified piece. Capron believes everything must be for one purpose and one statement. A combination of fine silver inlay sculpted, 24-karat gold overlay and engraving on steel create that statement here. Capron noted, “I couldn’t have had more fun telling this story.”
The Museum is proud to partner with the TCAA to showcase the best examples of their art during our annual Traditional Cowboy Arts Exhibition & Sale, September 30 – October 1. Items will remain on exhibit through January 2, 2023.
