The Charra and The Cowgirl
July 12 – September 7 | 2025
Opening Reception | 5pm
at the Charro Jerry Diaz & Family Horse Show + Sin Fronteras Concert
Two traditions. One spirit. Women in the arena.
Women have been part of the charrería and rodeo traditions for generations—but their stories are not always told. The Charra and The Cowgirl shines a light on these extraordinary women through the traditional costumes they wear for performance, the practical garments they choose for competing, and the powerful images of the Charra and the Cowgirl in action.
The Charra and The Cowgirl explores the role of women in the cultural traditions of the charreria of Mexico and the rodeo of the American West. Women have been part of these traditions for generations, but their stories are not always told. The Charra and The Cowgirl shines a light on these strong, skilled, graceful women through the traditional costumes they wear for performances, the practical garments they select for competing, and the powerful images that show the Charra and the Cowgirl in action.
From the silver conchos of a previous generation sewn into a traditional charra outfit to the pearl snaps of Western shirts and fancy boots, from graceful choreography to daring rides, these women have created a tradition all their own.
Inspiration for this exhibit comes from two women who are well known to the residents of Wabaunsee County:
STACI ANDERSON DIAZ from Texas, is remembered from previous performances at Volland for her stunning work with “at liberty” horses. Diaz is a 3rdgeneration horsewoman who started performing with her parents from the age of three and became a skilled trick rider, known for Roman Riding, Dancing Horses, and Liberty Horses. Since marrying Jerry Diaz, a fourth-generation Charro, Staci has embraced the Charro culture and traditions in their Mexican extravaganzas while complementing the equestrian performances with her traditional skills. She will appear for the third time at Volland on July 12 with her family, Charro Jerry Diaz and son Nicolas Diaz.
BROOKE WALLACE TERRAPIN is a talented young fashion designer of Western wear. Terrapin grew up as a Kansas cowgirl riding and showing horses. After earning a degree in fashion design at Kansas State University, she started her own fashion design business called Midwest Twist, specializing in designing and sewing Western wear, often for rodeo queen contestants across the country. No stranger to the rodeo queen culture, Brooke was Miss Rodeo Kansas in 2019 and Miss Rodeo USA in 2020. Now living in Alma, KS, she is a familiar face around town and is known for other artistic pursuits, including painting the first (and only) mural in Alma and leading children’s art workshops in the community.
