Prescott, AZ
Prescott Courthouse Plaza, May 26-28
Teal Blake, 06 String, watercolor, 10 x 10.
Memorial Day weekend in Prescott, AZ, is about much more than backyard barbeques. Here in “everybody’s hometown,” you can treat yourself to a visual feast of western art at the Phippen Museum’s 38th annual Western Art Show and Sale.
From May 26-28, artists and art enthusiasts flood the historic Prescott Courthouse Plaza for a weekend of art events and entertainment. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday. Admission to the event and the museum is free during the weekend.
The show features works for sale from more than 100 juried artists in oil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, pastels, sculpture, and drawing. The museum boasts that, “Not only will you be able to see some of the greatest examples of western art in America today, you will also be able to meet participating artists in an informal, outdoor setting and purchase pieces directly from the masters.”
Perhaps the most popular events are the Quick Draws, which challenge 15 to 20 artists to create a piece in just 45 minutes. Completed in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd, these pieces are then auctioned off to the highest bidders. The Quick Draws take place on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. on the north steps of the courthouse.
Many of the Western Art Show artists are also participating in the museum’s ninth annual Miniature Masterpieces Show & Sale. This invitational show features more than 75 miniature works by some of the biggest names in the world of western American art. The artwork is on view in the Harold James Gallery at the museum and on its website. Contact the museum between May 1 and the drawing date, May 28, to place an intent-to-purchase bid.
George Coll, High Lonesome Cattle Drive, oil, 30 x 40.
A full evening of fun takes place at the Denim to Diamonds Gala Dinner and Live Art Auction on Saturday, May 26, at the Hassayampa Inn. The event is put on by the museum to coincide with the Western Art Show and includes cocktails, live entertainment, dinner, rooftop dancing, and an art auction featuring works from the Miniature Masterpiece artists. Tickets are available through the museum.
The Western Art Show and Sale helps provide funding for the Phippen Museum. The museum opened in 1984 and is named after western artist George Phippen, the first president of the Cowboy Artists of America. Nearly 30 years later, the museum continues to present quality western art to visitors from across the nation and abroad. —Lindsay Mitchell
contact information
928.778.1385
www.phippenartmuseum.org