In parts of rural Idaho, a traditional way of life continues as it has for centuries. This is the world of the “buckaroos” of the Great Basin, who ride, dress, and adorn their horses much as the first Mexican vaqueros did more than 300 years ago.
At the Sun Valley Center for the Arts, Hailey, an exhibition organized by photographer Andrea Scott, founder of the Idaho Buckaroo Project, explores buckaroo culture through photography and essays. An opening celebration on Thursday, October 11 from 5:30 to 7pm will feature a talk by Scott at 6pm and songs about the life of a buckaroo by Portland-based singer-songwriter Jill Miller. Bits and spurs, handwoven saddle blankets and other handmade horse gear crafted by Buckaroos who will be present at the opening will also be on display, and refreshments will be served.
The exhibition’s opening coincides with the annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival, held October 11–14 in Ketchum and Hailey.
Buckaroos (the word is thought to be a corruption of the Spanish word vaquero, meaning a cattle herder, but some buckaroos just call themselves cowboys or cowgirls) have adopted a style of dress and horsemanship that dates back to colonial Mexico. First embraced in California, then fanning out into Nevada, Oregon and Idaho in the early 1800s, the distinctive buckaroo style features lots of silver, flashy spurs, flat-topped hats and colorful scarves that are practical as well as fashionable.
Scott, an Idaho native who grew up on a large cattle ranch, says that her mission is to “promote understanding and preserve the Buckaroo way of life.” To find out more about the Idaho Buckaroo project, visit http://ascottwesternphotography.com.
The Sun Valley Center for the Arts, Hailey, is at Second Ave. S. and Pine St. Hours are Thursdays 2–5:30 pm or by appointment. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.sunvalleycenter.org or call 726.9491 ex 10.
