Hard Twist: Western Ranch Women – Photographs by Barbara Van Cleve

May 17–October 28, 2012

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is pleased to present “Hard Twist: Western Ranch Women,” an exhibit by Master Photographer Barbara Van Cleve, a 1995 Honoree.

Van Cleve is nationally known for her photographs of the western range, ranchers, rodeos, cowboys and cattle women.  Van Cleve’s own heritage is rich with firsthand experience of the cowgirl life. She grew up on her family’s ranch, the Lazy K Bar, founded in 1880 in the Crazy Mountains of Montana. Her parents gave her a camera and home developing kit when she was 11.

“Hard Twist” refers to the old Manila-hemp, tightly twisted lariat rope = hard twisted. The term can also refer to a small, compact, physically strong person with resilience, rather like rawhide, which expands and stretches when wet or shrinks and tightens up when dry but rarely breaks. The ranch women in the photographs of Barbara Van Cleve are the embodiment of “Hard Twist” — tough and resilient, but above all an integral part of ranch life.

Van Cleve captures their strength with stunning beauty and simplicity in the more than 60 black and white photographs.

Additional Events:

May 18-September 19, 2012
Hard Twist Photo Contest

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is hosting a Photography Contest featuring traditional or innovative aspects of the western way of life to coincide with the temporary exhibit  Hard Twist: Western Ranch Women ~ Photographs by Barbara Van Cleve.

Click on this link to download the Rules and Guidelines to enter!  Hard Twist Photo Contest

Monday, June 18, 2012
Hard Twist: The Images of Cowgirls

This in-service program provides teachers with in-depth knowledge of the National Cowgirl Museum’s temporary exhibit, Hard Twist: Western Ranch Women. While the exhibit features photographs by Honoree Barbara Van Cleve, the exhibit name, “Hard Twist,”refers to the old Manila-hemp, tightly twisted lariat rope. The ranch women in the photographs of Barbara Van Cleve are the focus of “Hard Twist” — tough and resilient, but an integral part of ranch life. Join us as we learn about the stories of these women and others who display the same resilience.

Participants will receive resource materials, receive free parking and admission to the museum during the in-service, and three hours CPE credit. Class is from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Maximum number: 20. Cost: FREE. 

Prior registration is required. Click here to download a registration form.