Show Preview | Western Art Show

Prescott, AZ
Phippen Museum, May 28-30

Don Weller, Splint Boots, watercolor, 13 x 17.

This story was featured in the May 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art May 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

Every Memorial Day weekend for 42 years, the Phippen Museum in Prescott, AZ, has gathered a selection of western artists to showcase their fine art in Prescott’s courthouse plaza. Established artists, such as Bill Nebeker, Bill Cramer, and Hyrum Joe, present their work in booths alongside up-and-coming artists in the western genre. This year’s event opens on Saturday, May 28, and continues through Monday, May 30. Art lovers can find works from 90 artists in oil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, and pastel as well as sculpture and drawings.

Weekend events include Quick Draws on both Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. with 18 to 20 artists completing artworks in 60 minutes. The works are then auctioned on the north courthouse steps. On Saturday evening, the Denim to Diamonds Gala begins at 6 p.m. at the historic Hassayampa Inn. The ticketed event includes cocktails, appetizers, a gourmet dinner, and a live auction.

One of the best parts of the show, according to the museum’s marketing and communications manager, Edd Kellerman, is the broad spectrum of talent, and this is as true for art collectors as it is for the artists. “One of the greatest aspects of the show is the camaraderie,” Kellerman says. Not only do collectors get to meet and talk to the artists, but “the up-and-coming artists get to mingle with well-established artists and get great information.”

Josh Elliott, Echo Cliffs, Backlit, oil, 9 x 12.

Also on view and open to the public during the weekend is the Miniature Masterpiece Show & Sale, which is unveiled on May 1 in the museum and wraps up with a sale by draw on Monday, May 30, at 11 a.m. The show includes works from 60 artists, such as Doug Hyde, Wei Tai, Kathryn Stats, Ken Rowe, and Donna Howell-Sickles. A special ticketed preview and reception, with some of the artists in attendance, takes place on Friday, May 27, at 7 p.m.

“Our guests continue to show their enthusiasm for the outstanding artwork displayed by our participating artists,” says Kellerman. “But they also appreciate the heritage of the West that is still alive and well in Prescott.” —Laura Rintala

contact information
928.778.1385
www.phippenartmuseum.org

Featured in the May 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art May 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.