About The California Rose

Collaboration within TCAA

As master craftsmen in their chosen disciplines, each member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA) — whether they are a bit and spur maker, rawhide braider, saddlemaker or silversmith — is known for their distinct approach to their craft.

For instance, place an Ernie Marsh bit next to one produced by Wilson Capron and, although both are of the highest-quality design, construction, finish and artistry, it is clear which bit was made by which craftsman. The same is true among the various rawhide braiders, saddlemakers and silversmiths of the group.

Since the group’s genesis, collaborative projects between two or more artists have been an important part of the TCAA’s annual exhibition, and its mission. For example, a rawhide quirt hand-braided by Leland Hensley, featuring a hand-carved leather popper by saddlemaker Cary Schwarz, not only attracts interest from collectors, but also induces artistic growth within both contributors.

This September, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the TCAA’s first exhibition held at the National Cowboy Museum in 1999, the group will auction a project in which all 13 active TCAA members, plus one emeritus member, took part.

Christened The California Rose, the 25th anniversary saddle, plus accompanying riata, hobbles and quirt, is a true collaboration among TCAA members, and represents the combined efforts of more than a half-dozen of the greatest cowboy artisans alive today.

The California Rose

Documentary

This documentary, created by filmmaker Craig Rullman, is the story of the creation of “The California Rose.”