The Thunderbird Foundation for the Arts will host an exhibition opening for the acclaimed art collective, Wild Women Paint the West, on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 6 PM to 8 PM. Founded a few years ago by a group of eight highly accomplished, nationally known women artists who are also close friends, the collective shares a deep love for capturing the beauty of America in all its forms. Following a successful September 2025 exhibition at Illume Gallery West in Philipsburg, Montana, the group has received widespread recognition and invitations from respected institutions across the country, including a planned exhibition at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas, in 2028.
Spokesperson Lori McNee explained that the collective brings both grit and grace to their work and lives. Their paintings—whether depicting landscapes, animals, relics, still life, or the human story—reflect their deep connection to the places they love and the life experiences that have shaped them as artists and women.
The exhibition opening at the Maynard Dixon Legacy Museum in Mt. Carmel, Utah, will feature a reception with the artists, hors d’oeuvres, and plenty of Western fun, with attendees encouraged to wear boots and western attire. On Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10 AM, interested patrons and artists are invited to the Thunderbird Gallery for a painting demonstration by a selected artist from the group. Additionally, local residents who spot the artists painting in the Mt. Carmel, Orderville, or Kanab area between September 6 and September 11 can submit photos or videos to receive either a Maynard Dixon Sunset Poster or a free tour of the historic Maynard Dixon property.
