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This boot, designed by artist Grace Blowers of Scottsbluff, is one of seven being auctioned off this weekend at the Cattlemen’s Ball in Lodgepole. Proceeds from the boot auction will support research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. |
Seven fiberglass cowboy boots, each six foot tall original works of art, will be auctioned off to support cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center.
The concept is modeled after a project done in downtown Cheyenne, Wyo., said Cindy Williams, decorating chairwoman of this year’s Cattlemen’s Ball.
“Downtown Cheyenne is decorated with boots like these,” Williams said. “They’re outside of businesses, banks and restaurants and promote western artists. I thought this could be a great project for the Cattlemen’s Ball.”
The seven fiberglass boot models were produced at a company in Shelton. The cost of six of the boots was underwritten by western Nebraska businesses and the seventh boot was donated by the factory.
Seven different artists then began working on the boots, donating their time and giving each one its own unique flair while paying tribute to western life.
“Six of the artists are from Nebraska and well known in the high plains area for showing their work at western art shows,” Williams said. “The seventh artist, Jess Nelson, is from Fort Worth, Texas, and happened to be in Sidney working when he learned about the boot project and wanted to be a part of it because it’s such a good cause.”
The artists used mainly acrylic paints on the original, one-of-a-kind pieces, but the design on one boot was created with 28,000 glass mosaic tiles. The artists value the pieces between $2,500 and $20,000. The boots have been clear-coated and can be safely displayed outdoors.
For one of the artists the experience was very personal. Michele Denton of Mitchell, painted her boot as a tribute to eight friends she has lost to cancer in the last two years.
“I offered to do whatever I could for my friends when they were sick,” Denton said. “They wanted hugs and someone to lean on. Through this project I can contribute something that will raise money to help bring on a cure for cancer.”
Denton found inspiration for her artwork in a photo taken by Marge Anderson of Hemingford that features three ranch hands from the Minor Ranch in the Gordon-Rushville area of northwest Nebraska.
Two of the boots will be auctioned Friday night at the Trail Boss Reception in Sidney, two at noon on Saturday, and three more Saturday evening at the ranch in Lodgepole.
“These beautiful pieces are a wonderful way to support cancer research in Nebraska and Nebraska art,” Williams said.
There is no need to be present at the Cattlemen’s Ball to bid. Those interested in bidding on the boots should contact Chris Dunham, manager of outreach administration at the Eppley Cancer Center, at 559-4179.