Show Preview | Western Art Show & Sale

Tucson, AZ
Mountain Oyster Club, November 24

Chauncey Homer, Silver Bits, oil, 14 x 24.

This story was featured in the November 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art November 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

NOVEMBER IS often considered a time to reflect on all there is to be thankful for in our lives. And on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the hun-dreds of western art enthusiasts gathered at Tucson’s historic Mountain Oyster Club are sure to have much to appreciate. The club’s annual Western Art Show has become one of the most popular art events in the Southwest and is known for featuring works by top contemporary western artists in a festive and beautiful environment. “Each year, the show brings together a vibrant community of patrons and artists who all share a deep appreciation for the art and lifestyle of the West,” says Karen Young, the chairperson of the art committee.

: Tom Murray, Red Sky Tucson, oil, 12 x 12.

: Raymond Gibby, Great Blue Heron, bronze, 21 x 15 x 14.

: John Fawcett, Tuckered Out, oil, 10 x 12.

This month the event marks its 50th year and features a total of 300 pieces by 200 artists, which were selected by a jury from approximately 1,300 submissions by 400 artists. “This year’s show is sure to be legendary—not only because we’re celebrating our 50th anniversary but also because of what this long, rich history has done for the quality of the show,” says Young. “We have such outstanding artists—many of them are among the club’s nearly 100 Honorary Artist Members, and several have participated in the show for numerous years,” she adds.

This year’s roster boasts an array of prominent painters and sculptors including Robert “Shoofly” Shufelt, Howard Post, Darcie Peet, Phil Starke, William Suys Jr., Bruce Cheever, John Fawcett, Deborah Copenhaver Fellows, Buck McCain, Bill Nebeker, and this year’s new Honorary Artist Member, Raymond Gibby. Subjects on display include everything from cowboys, horses, cattle, and Native American images to landscape, figura-tive, and wildlife works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, bronze, wood, and more.

: Deborah Copenhaver Fellows, Never Touch a Cowboy’s Hat, bronze, 10 x 16 x 9.

: William Suys Jr., Evening Tranquility, oil, 12 x 24.

: Bruce Cheever, Of the Earth, oil, 19 x 25.

Like the show it birthed, the Mountain Oyster Club itself has a rich history in the West. The club was founded in 1948 by a group of six men who wanted a place for ranchers, cowboys, and other “regular folk” and their families to get together, eat, drink, share stories, relax, and soak up the western lifestyle in a comfortable and communal environment. While the location changed a few times over the years, the mission, values, and traditions instilled by the original members remained. Today it’s a private club in a stunning building that provides a sanctuary for western art and lifestyle enthusiasts.

On Sunday, November 24, the club opens its doors to the public for this special one-day event. All attendees must make reservations in advance by visiting the club’s website and requesting an invitation. The show opens at 3 p.m., and buyers submit their intent-to-purchase forms before the sale closes at 5:30 p.m. A drawing for all pieces that have more than one form is held at that time. Works remain on view and for sale at the club for members (and online for the public) through January. —Lindsay Mitchell

contact information
www.mountainoysterclub.com