Show Preview | Phippen Western Art Show

Prescott, AZ

Courthouse Plaza, May 26-28

Mikel Donahue, Movin’ Along, acrylic, 9 x 12.

Mikel Donahue, Movin’ Along, acrylic, 9 x 12.

This story was featured in the April 2018 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art May 2018 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

On Saturday, May 26, the Phippen Museum kicks off its 44th annual outdoor western art show and sale at the historic courthouse plaza in downtown Prescott, AZ, where more than 90 juried fine artists from around the country showcase their latest works in seven different mediums, including oil painting, mixed media, drawing, and sculpture. The Memorial Day weekend tradition also includes Quick Draw competitions, live auctions, and more.

In a relaxed, parklike setting, visitors can peruse artworks by nationally recognized artists such as Dane H. Chinnock, Bill Cramer, Bill Nebeker, John Saunders, and Wei Tai. The sunny outdoor ambiance attracts visitors to the show year after year, says marketing and communications manager Edd Kellerman. “Prescott’s tagline is ‘Everybody’s Hometown,’ and you can certainly feel that when you’re in downtown Prescott,” he adds. “It’s just like Mayberry.”

The friendly festivities continue at a ticketed Meet and Greet barbecue dinner on Saturday evening at the museum, where art lovers can mingle with the artists while enjoying cocktails, live music, and views of the ancient rock formations at nearby Granite Dells. The following morning, award-winning artists are honored in a public ceremony on the Yavapai County Courthouse steps. And on both Saturday and Sunday, the popular Quick Draw gets underway at 2 p.m. on the north courthouse steps. In just one hour, 20 artists create original works of art that are immediately auctioned off when the time is up. The lively weekend affair coincides with the Miniature Masterpieces Show & Sale, an exhibition of small-scale artworks by more than 60 established western artists. The works are sold by draw on Monday at 11 a.m., and proceeds benefit the museum.

Visitors also won’t want to miss the unveiling of an enlarged replica of COWBOY IN A STORM, a sculpture by the museum’s namesake, George Phippen, featuring a cowboy astride a bucking horse that’s straddling a calf. Recreated by sculptor Deb Gessner and cast at Bronzesmith Fine Art Foundry, the 15-foot-tall bronze monument will be placed in the new roundabout at the museum’s entrance. “This was the last bronze George was working on when he died in 1966,” says Kellerman. “It speaks to the heritage and history of the ranching community here, and we thought it would be appropriate to unveil it at the show. When it goes up, I think our entire community will be very proud.” —Kim Agricola

contact information
928.778.1385
www.phippenartmuseum.org

This story was featured in the April 2018 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art May 2018 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

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