Western Gallery curates distinct perspectives of the American West, from abstract to photorealistic and classic to contemporary. Our mission is to bring absolutely stellar work of the West to the fore of the art world, broadening the horizon of western art while connecting art lovers to the land, cultures and heritage of western North America.
A Note from the Director
George Irwin, Founding Director
I’ve always loved the Western landscape. Though I grew up in the North Texas suburbs, my parents took my sisters and I on numerous trips to New Mexico and Colorado, including hours spent in the galleries of Taos and Santa Fe and extended tours of national parks around the Four Corners. As a teenager, I began scheming my own way to the mountains to snowboard or camp with friends, and as a young adult, I found myself road tripping solo out through Tucson, up the West coast and back down through Montana and Wyoming. I’ve always felt the romance of the land.
Coming of age in Austin, Texas, I felt a similar romance of the West in the music of local country-rock bands or classics like the Byrds, countrified Neil Young and of course, Willie Nelson. As a budding musician, I started my own country-rock band, recorded and played shows around Texas, and ultimately moved to Nashville to write songs for radio.
But life happens, and winds change. My first son was born, and I traded my inherently loud guitar playing for a silent (read: conducive to baby’s sleep) deep dive into fine art, which quickly escalated into an passion.
I began surrounding myself with paintings and prints. First one piece, then two, then three… if you’re a collector, you know how it goes. Now artworks of landscapes, wildlife, cowboys and Native Americans hang on my walls, bringing the peace, drama and beauty of the open plains, deserts and mountains—as interpreted and expressed by talented artists—into my daily life.
I love collecting art, scouting for new voices and presenting exhibitions. Western Gallery is my vehicle for this—my goal is to bring the absolutely stellar work of the West to the fore of the wider art world, broadening the horizon of western art while connecting art lovers to the land, cultures and heritage of western North America. And to do it in a way that makes sense to the next generation of collectors—accessible both online and in-person.
After three years as an online-only gallery, Western Gallery has expanded into the physical world, exhibiting museum-quality works for in-person viewers in Austin, Texas. Representing national, regional and local artists, Western Gallery is the only place in central Texas to learn about the artists defining the new era of contemporary western art, to see their work and develop your collection.
Meanwhile, Western Gallery continues to grow our online programming, bringing more of the very best of the West to the rest of the world. Come say hello!
— George