ow
in its 10th Year! The Western Design Conference is the
premier exhibition and educational forum of its kind
in the nation. The Conference offers a unique marketing
venue for crafts people to showcase their finest original
work in the realms of furniture, fashion, jewelry and
home accessories. The event is open to the public, but
also attracts a substantial amount of its audience from
the design industry. The seminar series is tailored
for professionals with programming that focuses on specific
design topics and the fashion show allows a sneak peak
into the hottest western couture collections of the
year.
Fashion
Show
- The Fashion Show entertains a cheering
crowd with collections from over twenty designers from
across North America. The runway models sport contemporary
and traditional designs ranging from detailed leather
frock coats to devastatingly beautiful turquoise jewelry.
High quality designers with large collections and those
who create one of a kind designs are represented on
the Western Design Conference Runway.
Awards
The
Cody Award for Western Design
Each year the Western Design Institute & Buffalo
Bill Historical Center recognize an individual or entity
for outstanding achievement in the field of western
design.
The
Switchback Ranch Purchase Award
a purchase award of up to $10,000, goes to the craftsman
whose work is judged superior among the exhibitors at
each year's conference. This award purchases the winning
piece or pieces for the permanent collection of the
Buffalo Bill Historical Center.
| Best
of Show |
| The
Best Woodworking Craftsmanship |
| The
Best Western Spirit |
| Best
Artist Metal |
| Best
Artist Leather |
| Best
Artist Fashion/Jewelry |
| Best
Artist Accents |
| Best
Adaptation of Materials |
| Exhibitor's
Choice |
| People's
Choice |
| |
| Fashion
Designer of the Year |
| Best
Collection - Fashion |
| Best
Adaptation of Materials - Fashion |
| Best
New Designer - Fashion |
Mission
and Beliefs
Our Mission
The Western
Design Conference exists to educate, to provide economic
opportunities and to allow for the exchange of ideas
which perpetuate the best traditions of Western design
and craft.
-
Basic Beliefs
- Western design is a
bona fide school of design.
- The role of education
is to promote an appreciation of the school of Western
design.
- Quality craftsmanship
is worthy of encouragement.
- Sharing of ideas, experiences
and knowledge creates a synergy that is beneficial
to Western design.
- The client is an important
partner in Western design
- An annual conference
is important in fostering a sense of community among
practitioners and enthusiasts of Western design.
- The opportunity for
sales is an essential element of the Western Design
Conference.
- The Western Design
Conference should be fun.
- The Western Design
Conference recognizes the historic traditions of Western
design.
- Change is an important
ingredient of the annual exhibition.
