Nominate an Outstanding Western Artist for an Award
Know someone whose 2025 work deserves recognition? Nominate them for one or more of the 71 awards offered by the Academy of Western Artists. Our revised award process allows anyone to nominate. The Academy will reach out to all nominees to request submissions of information for consideration (voting and judging). Completed submissions and Academy professional membership are required in order for a nomination to move forward to the voting stage.
Self-nomination is allowed, and anyone who submitted information for 2025 work under our former process will be considered to have self-nominated.
Matt Robertson, musician
Matt Robertson has been writing and playing music for over 20 years, inspired by his life as a cowboy and horseman. His music tells stories of the American West and the people who live there. He has released several albums: Too Pretty for the Wagon (2026), Arizona (2024), Bronc Scholar (2022), The Dusty Ones (2022), Bronc Star (2019), Just Cowboyin' (2018), Makin' History (2017), and The Voice (2017).
Arizona was named 2024 Western/Cowboy Album by the Academy of Western Artists, and "The Letter" was named 2024 Western/Cowboy Song. Matt was also awarded 2024 Western/Cowboy Male Vocalist by the Academy. He has been a featured artist at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada; played the Ahern Hotel in Las Vegas as part of the Ahern Goes Country event; performed at the 2026 and 2025 Dusty Vaquero Days; performed at the 2026 Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Alpine, Texas; and travels extensively performing in the Mountain West.
To understand his appeal, check out his Dusty Vaquero YouTube performances of "Arizona," "Charlie Gould," and "Shipping Silence."
Erin Dawson, silversmith & engraver
Erin Dawson is a silversmith and engraver who is the creator and owner at Sandhills Silver Company in western Nebraska. Growing up in a small Colorado town, she always had a passion for horses (barrel racing and showing), and loved collecting western tack. Her fair projects usually involved creating jewelry. In 2020, a friend organized an engraving class, and she found herself captivated.
She sells both completed jewelry and buckles, and a wide variety of buckle blanks. She also teaches via videos on Patreon.
Western Event Calendar
Our colorful, mobile-friendly Western Event Calendar is now online, courtesy of West7. Please let us know if your favorite event is missing. We'll pass your tip along.
Try our directory
The Academy of Western Artists directory includes a short bio, photo, and website link, and has a contact form for each member whose listing includes an email address. Search by name, location, or category of work.
Professional Members
Professional membership is open to those with five years as a paid professional in a genre or craft covered by the Academy, including Western/Cowboy music & poetry, Western Swing music, Western Country music, Western art, Western media, the Western culture industry, and Chuckwagon. Professional members are eligible to receive an award from the Academy if nominated. See the awards process for full details.
Associate Members
Associate membership is open to those who work in a genre or craft covered by the Academy, but who lack five years of paid experience. Associate members are not eligible to receive an award.
Join now - pay monthly
Membership can now be paid over 12 months. Join as a Professional for as little as $15 per month, or lock in a 3-year Professional membership for 12 payments of $36.