Enjoy Some Art At Country Christmas

The unique small town shopping experience is part of the well-loved American story. This week’s Country Christmas Holiday and Parade in Fayetteville is a much anticipated, special day for merchants and area ranchers and residents. Texas artist Cheryl Long brings her own magic, coming off a phenomenal year, receiving commissions from galleries throughout the West. She returns to her Pure Art Gallery on the Square for the 2022 holiday weekend, after success at the Round Top Art Revival show at Town Hall. This year, vintage western collectibles, cashmere scarves and embroidered jackets answer the call for unique, custom pieces that are truly works of art.

“People are stressed from work and they come to escape the chaos of the city,” says Long. “2023 brings many surprises in the gallery. I will be making this a very creative shopping experience, where guests can see vintage western wear dating back to the 1930s that I have collected for years. We are jampacked with turquoise, gorgeous antique collectibles and vintage fabrics I have been collecting for many years.

Collectors will discover museum quality fabrics, jewelry and vintage western clothing.

Long began more than 30 years ago as a wholesale design company, beginning with a custom skirt design with copyrighted fabrics designed in Italy. She sold to stores across the country that specialize in creative wearable art in handbags and clothing.

Long will show her mixed medium Disappearing Landscape series and richly textured landscapes as well as Native American jewelry, custom hats and handbags. “I have focused on skyscapes inspired by the Grand Tetons and Jenny Lake. I’ve had client requests for some larger abstract landscapes and brilliant sunsets. To see more of Cheryl Long’s art, visit PurewestbyCherylLong on Instagram and CherylLongartist.com website.

Images and the authenticity of the Old West permeates Long’s work. She remembers her first trip to Santa Fe shortly after college in the 70s. “I had received a grant to paint and I learned so much from leading artists there,” says Long. She plans a strong vintage show at her gallery on the Square in Fayetteville for appointments this winter.

Long’s vintage western coats for holiday are a nod to a time when women really dressed for events, and a much welcome return after months of Work From Home.

“My priority for our new gallery is art,” says Long. “I set art aside for 30 years while building my wholesale fashion company, Pure West. That stated, when I was doing photographic calendar work for the Western Horseman Magazine, a friend who noticed the spirit of my photographs told me I should put them on T-shirts. That started that with my cowboy photos... documenting historic ranches with proficiency and those that continue traditional cowboying to this day.

“The gallery is getting a new look, replete with unique antique collectibles, vintage fabrics and vintage western clothing dating back to 1930s. Our collectible embroidery clothing line will be a special limited holiday sale will be offered on clothing items this weekend only. All of my work is handmade in the United States – not mass produced in China,” she says.