Megan Wimberley Western and Wildlife Art

Megan Wimberley explores the authentic relationships between people and animals of the American West. From the moment she could cling to a saddle horn, her legs barely long enough to sit a horse, she was captivated by the wild and domestic animals that have shaped much of her life. A fascination with drawing and learning about these animals followed her wherever she went. Through her work, Wimberley contemplates our connection to, and partnerships with, the animals around us. She grew up riding and training horses alongside talented cowboys and cowgirls, drawing on those experiences of working with horses, dogs, and cattle, as well as years of closely observing the natural world.

Wimberley's work also brings a strong focus to the western ranch lifestyle, celebrating the dedication of ranchers while bringing greater visibility to the important role women play in these spaces. She is the founder of Cowgirl Artists of America, which strives to increase opportunities and recognition for female Western artists and makers through community, education, promotion, and collaboration. Her work has been exhibited in the Mountain Oyster Show, Cowgirl Up! at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, The Cowgirl Gathering, and Women's Work at the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art, among others. Her work and story have also been featured on PBS's Gallery America, in The Wall Street Journal, and in other regional and national publications and media.

Wimberley received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Wayland Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Art Education from Boston University. After beginning her professional career in 2016, she stepped away from her art practice due to a prolonged illness. Following a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and successful treatment, she devoted time to restoring her health before returning to the studio with renewed energy and perspective. She currently lives and works in Tulsa, Oklahoma.