Our Mission
The Stamford Art Foundation’s purpose is two-fold – first, to promote and record a history of unique Americana, the West, and its culture, through the talented eyes and hands of Western artists; and second, to dedicate all the time, efforts and profits of the annual Stamford Art Show to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center - where the spirit of the American West is demonstrated each day to improve the quality of life of those they provide services, including physical, occupational, speech, and hearing therapy regardless of their ability to pay.
Our History
The Stamford Art Foundation was started in 1974 by community and business leaders and ranchers, all who shared an interest in promoting and preserving our Western heritage and culture. Those early members of the Foundation whose interests in the culture of our great West has underlined this annual event. Early visionaries, including Dr. Ike Hudson, Western artist Tom Ryan, Western actor Rex Allen, Governor Dolph Briscoe, H. C. Zachary, Amon G. Carter, Jr., Watt Matthews, actor Slim Pickins, Bruce Swenson, Rob Brown, Ted Strauss and many others saw Western art as capturing the flavor of the early West.
In 2023, the Art Foundation celebrates 50 years of the Art Show & Sale being held.
Supporters throughout the 50 years of the show have included Western movie stars, Texas governors, and many personalities enshrined in the ProRodeo, National and Texas Cowboy Halls of Fame.
Meet the Board of Directors
The SAF Board of Directors consists of ranchers, business owners, and lovers of the Western culture.
The 2023 board includes:
President
Connie Decker
Vice President
James Decker
Treasurer/Secretary
Jim Astin
Directors:
- Jim Astin
- Connie Decker
- James Decker
- Dorothy Doan
- W. B. Harrison, III
- Jamie Jordan
- Michael Marugg
- Joe McMeans
- Wendy Nicholson
- Rochie Underwood
- Luci Wedeking
Honorary Directors:
- Donna Albus
- Ann Kinney
The Show could not go on without the dedication of nearly 100 volunteers who, without fail, year after year, give of their time and energy to preserve our American West.
Membership in the Stamford Art Foundation is open to stockholders who have a passion for our heritage and its culture.