VAQUERO EXHIBIT AT THE BELL COUNTY MUSEUM

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the Bell County Museum in Belton, Texas. I planned my visit specifically to see the current exhibit, Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy (September 8 through December 29, 2018). This exhibit is a traveling exhibition featuring William D. (Bill) Wittliff’s photography.

While I have enjoyed many of Wittliff’s screenplays over the years, I have only recently become a fan of his photography. My first experience with his photographic work was earlier this year when I visited the Lonesome Dove exhibit that I wrote about HERE. This current exhibit, which tells the story of the life of vaqueros/cowboys, was just as meaningful. Mr. Wittliff certainly tells a story whether he uses words or images.

This exhibit chronicles the lives and livelihoods of vaqueros in Mexico during the 1970’s. It describes how many of their customs were acquired by modern day ranching and livestock rearing, … a trail from vaqueros to modern day cowboys.

I enjoyed the story, the subject of the story, as well as the presentation. The whole exhibit was a lesson for me and provides aspiration for my photography. I hope you make the effort to visit the exhibit before it ends on December 29th. Here are the particulars:

WHERE: Bell County Museum

ADDRESS: 201 North Main Street, Belton, Texas

DIRECTIONS: https://www.bellcountymuseum.org/directions.aspx

HOURS: 12pm - 5pm, Tuesday - Friday

10am - 5pm, Saturday

Closed Sundays and Mondays

ADMISSION: Free (although I am sure they would appreciate a donation if you are so inclined)

THE WITTLIFF COLLECTIONS

After these two exhibits of Wittliff’s photographs, my “wish-list” now includes a visit to The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University. I am sure I will write about that visit as soon as I check it off my wish-list.

YOUR TURN

If you get the chance to visit the Vaquero exhibit listed here, come back and leave a comment telling us about your favorite work. Also, if you have seen other exhibits of Wittliff’s work, let us know about them and when/where you saw them.

Lastly, let us know if you have suggestions for exhibits in your area that we should put on our list(s) to visit.