The Western & Wildlife Art Show is proud to announce a full roster at the 2025 juried fine-art show in the Historic Veterinary Hospital at Fort Robinson State Park July 2-4.
Nationally recognized watercolorist Kathy Sigle from Spearfish, South Dakota, is the 2025 Featured Artist. A long-time exhibitor at the show, she and husband Jim travel to shows throughout the country year-round. Single will be joined by a slate of local, regional, and out-of-state artists with fine art in a variety of mediums, ranging from oil, acrylic and watercolor works to sculpture, photography and gourd art. Artists have a wide variety of work for sale in their individual booths, including original works, prints, and gift items.
The gallery will be open at no charge to the general public July 2-3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and July 4 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
“The show is offering some exciting additions this year – storytelling and nostalgic Americana music,” said Chairman Daniel Bowen. “A Humanities Nebraska grant makes possible three presenters with multiple performances over the three days.” Bowen added that the cultural relevance of these performers perfectly complements the traditional Western theme of the 52-year-old show.
David Marsh, Jerome Kills Small and Chris Sayre will present the Humanities Nebraska programs, bringing music and storytelling to the show.
Marsh’s musical program will share stories and songs that reflect cultures and experiences of homesteaders, cowboys and children, as well as bringing the Civil War era to life with tunes like “Dear Old Dixie” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” March will perform July 2 at 11 a.m., July 3 at 5 p.m. and July 4 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Kills Small will tell children’s and animal stories passed down for generations in the Lakota and Dakota Sioux traditions, including iktomi (trickster tales) and ohunkanka (old legends). Adults will be interested in his analysis of the Native American storytelling method. Kills Small will perform July 2 at 2 p.m. and July 4 at noon.
Sayre will present a musical smorgasbord on the button accordion, English concertina fretted dulcimer, guitar, mandolin and more as he shares songs brought to Nebraska by the various European groups who settled here in the 19th and 20th centuries. He also shares songs of the Appalachian Mountains, the Deep South and the American West that shaped the nation. Sayre will perform July 2 at 4 p.m. and July 3 at 11 a.m.
Once again, children can create their own art during the show with the Children’s Wall of Art Contest July 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. The contest is open for youth ages 2-18 can register for $5, which includes the cost of materials.
Visitors must have a Nebraska State Park permit, which can be purchased in the Fort Robinson State Park lodge or at the kiosk.
