Western Artist Tracy Stuckey Joins Big Red Showcase

Recently, Ucross Foundation announced Tracy Stuckey is the latest artist featured in the Big Red Showcase, a rotating exhibition series that highlights a former artist-in-residence at the Ucross Art Gallery.

“My paintings operate in a fictitious world that utilizes the mythologies and realities of the modern American West,” said Stuckey. “I grew up watching Western films and idolizing their characters and longing for the wild open spaces in which they roamed. Only after living in the West and immersing myself in the region and its culture did I grasp its complex reality — a reality not only infused with romantic iconography but also with the contemporary issues such as the human impact on the frontier and a continued exploitation of an imagined culture.”

A contemporary oil painter based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Stuckey draws inspiration from common Western themes, coupled with pop culture depictions of the region to reflect his interpretations of the West. Western films, literature, music, art and fashion denote something uniquely American and iconic to Stuckey. He has observed how the western United States is more than just a location: It is a label, a persona and a cultural identity.

“Exploring Western iconography through contemporary subjects, Tracy Stuckey’s paintings are right at home in our 144-year-old barn housing a state-of-the-art gallery, said Ucross President and Executive Director Caitlin Addlesperger. “We invite the community to visit us this fall to explore Tracy’s work in the Big Red Showcase.”

Stuckey received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from Florida State University in 2002 and his Master of Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico in 2005. Stuckey has received numerous grants and awards, including a residency at Ucross in 2023. He has exhibited his work extensively throughout the United States, with numerous solo and group exhibitions. His work has been included in “New American Paintings,” as well as several other publications. He lives with his wife and fellow artist, Erika Osborne, and their two children. As well as working as a practicing artist, Stuckey occasionally teaches painting, drawing and other art classes at several universities.

During the Ucross Gala on September 24, Stuckey engaged with many attendees while he finished his painting “Drugstore Cowboy” live on the lawn of the Koehler Performing Arts Center. The painting was later auctioned off in support of Ucross.

The Big Red Showcase is a rotating exhibition series that champions former Ucross artists-in-residence by offering an intimate platform for an individual’s collectible work, providing direct support to the artists and creating moments of connection between creator and viewer. All available for sale, Stuckey’s work will be on view throughout the Big Red Barn through February 20, 2027.

For more information, visit ucross.org.