The WWGA will offer what is left of it’s specially commissioned art work entitled “Range Royalty” by noted Wyoming artist Mary Cunningham of Kaycee, WY during the State Ram Sale festivities September 13-14 in Douglas, WY. The work was unveiled in a special limited edition print of only 150 just in time for the 75th Anniversary Sale last year.

The work features the heads of three full curl Rambouillet rams. Wyoming is noted for it’s range sheep industry, and is in fact the largest range sheep state in the nation. The Rambouillet breed of sheep has been instrumental in developing the type of sheep which Wyoming is noted for. Bred specifically for Wyoming’s harsh climate, and wonderfully adapted to be able to withstand the 140-150 degrees of variation in temperature from one season to another and the arid landscape that makes up much of Wyoming, the “western range ewe” which usually contains some Rambouillet breeding is much sought after and recognized around the world.

Portrayed along the lower part of “Range Royalty” are three scenes depicting sheep activities typical of the Wyoming industry. In one, sheep are seen trailing across the landscape, with desert-type rocks in the background reminiscent of the Red Desert country of southwestern Wyoming or the badlands between Johnson and Campbell counties. In another scene, a herder is depicted with his two most trusted companions, his border collie dog and his sheep wagon, which is home to he and his friend for most of the year. In the final scene, ewes typical of the type that are found in Wyoming are waiting for the arrival of the “Range Royalty”.

Cunningham is a noted artist who has received formal training from some of the most prestigious schools in the U.S. In addition, she has been active in the raising and breeding of sheep herself, so she “speaks from that which she knows”. Mary and her husband Greg reside in Kaycee where they are involved in several business ventures besides her painting.

Plans are already underway for the second work, which should be available sometime next year. For more information, contact the WWGA in Casper, WY at 307-265-5250.



Left: (Range Royalty- full): Three majestic full curl Rambouillet rams look down from the WWGA commissioned work by noted Kaycee, WY artist Mary Cunningham entitled “Range Royalty”. The work is the first in a series commissioned by the
Wyoming Wool Growers Association which will depict and memorialize the Wyoming sheep industry.

Right (Range Royalty- trailing5): A close up from the WWGA commissioned work by noted Kaycee, WY artist Mary Cunningham entitled “Range Royalty” depicting sheep trailing across the
Wyoming landscape. The work is the first in a series commissioned by the Wyoming Wool Growers
Association which will depict and memorialize the Wyoming sheep industry.