August 28-30 - HWWS attends the Annual South Dakota Artist Ride. Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop had the rare opportunity to exhibit their restored Deadwood stagecoach at a special event; The Artist Ride. The Artist Ride is an exclusive South Dakota event for artists to gather for historically accurate scenes of the 19th century. Started up in 1984 the Artist Ride began as a trail ride of participants in era dress, but the photography became overwhelming. Due to this in 1987 they decided to hold the photo session annually.

 
This affair is held on the Shearer family ranch on the Cheyenne River 20 miles north of the Badlands. Only 50 artists a year have the privilege to photograph these period correct models and props. The models are knowledgeable in history and horses and some have even appeared in movies and documentaries of the Old West. At the event you can come across anything from cowboys, mountain men, Native Americans, the US Calvary, and horse drawn vehicles. Before hand the artists get to request reenactments so the models come prepared to act out their artistic needs. Doug Hansen arrived in 19th century attire and his four up team of stagecoach horses sported a historical harness created by Samson Harness Shop. Doug and his 4-up team created reenactment scenarios, crossing the Cheyenne River and driving across various prairie terrain, giving the artists the shots they asked for to provide content for their next work of art. Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop would like to thank the Shearer family and the director of the artist ride; Jim Hatzell for the invitation to this select event.

If you are interested in attending the Artist Ride contact Jim at (605) 341-0620 or jhatzell@rap.midco.net

Pictures of Doug & the Stagecoach coming soon!