WICKENBURG, AZ.- 4th Annual Cowgirl Up! Art from the Other Half of the West Exhibition & Sale returns to the Desert Caballeros Western Museum March 27th – May 3rd, 2009. Recognized as one of Arizona's top art shows, Cowgirl Up! is the most important invitational exhibition and sale for western women artists in the nation.

Drawing Artists from throughout the West and Arizona Known for attracting top talent from throughout the West, this year's show will feature 58 artists including Arizona artists Cynthia Rigden, Shawn Cameron, Nancy Denzler, Deborah Copenhaver Fellows, Linda Glover Gooch, Jeanne Bonine, Sheila Cottrell, Lisa Danielle, Joni Falk, Susan Kliewer, Sue Krzyston, Judith Moore-Knapp, Gayle Nason, Jean Perry, Sherry Blanchard Stuart, Carol Swinney, Tamara Thomas and Sarah Webber.

Unique Opportunity for Collectors More than 200 drawings, paintings and sculpture will be represented in the 2009 show which will embrace both traditional and breakout western themes.

" Our Cowgirl Up! show and sale goes beyond the traditional to express the West's unique landscape, lifestyle and spirit," says Museum Director Mary Ann Igna. "It is a powerful experience drawn from the opportunity to bring together the best women artists in the West…all at one time and to one place."

A Spirited Roundup of Special Events Opening weekend kicks off with a trail ride and BBQ for the artists and their guests through the beautiful Sonoran Desert on Thursday, March 26th.

The official start of the sale weekend, however, will begin on Friday evening, March 27, with the show's much anticipated "Artists' and Patrons' Party", held at Monte Vista Ranch Lodge, an historic Wickenburg ranch currently being developed into a community of luxury estate homes.

On Saturday, March 28th, Dr. Suzan Campbell, curator at the Eiteljorg Museum, will present an afternoon lecture. Dr. Campbell is one of three pre-eminent judges in this year's show; joining Campbell in judging the artists' work will be Ed Trumble, founder of Leanin' Tree Inc. and chairman of Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art in Boulder, CO, and John Geraghty, collector and trustee at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles, CA.

It is Saturday evening, though, when the big main event takes place – the show's "Bash 'n Bid Gala." The evening is highlighted by a new auction which will include donated works and trips donated by the show's artists. The evening concludes with the Artist Awards Dinner.

Wrapping up the whirlwind weekend of festivities will be the show's very popular "Chuck Wagon Breakfast and Artists' Quick Draw" followed by a high energy live auction.

Tickets to Opening Weekend Events Reserve your tickets to the opening of Cowgirl Up! 2009 by calling the Desert Caballeros Western Museum at (928) 684 – 2272 ext. 100. Opening weekend package price is $225 per person, all events included. Events are also priced separately.