National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, OK
June 2-August 7
Glenn Dean, The End of a Good Day, oil, 32 x 40.
Since 1973, western artists and art collectors have gathered at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for the Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale. This year marks the 50th annual celebration of the nation’s premier western art exhibition that showcases works by the finest western artists working today. Art is on exhibit from June 2 to August 7 in Oklahoma City, OK, while the art sale weekend takes place there on June 17-18.
- George Hallmark, Los Hermanos (The Brothers), oil, 36 x 36.
- John Coleman, The Healer, bronze, 34 x 13 x 10.
- Matt Smith, Pacific Grove Classic, oil, 20 x 26.
“Since its beginnings as the National Academy of Western Art in 1973, Prix de West artists have represented the American West through painting and sculpture,” says Natalie Shirley, the museum’s president and CEO. For this year’s half-century event, nearly 100 U.S. and international artists are expected to participate, bringing more than 300 original works. These pieces represent not only historical subject matter reflecting the early days of the American West but also more contemporary and impressionistic viewpoints.
“We invite the best artists, and they really put their best foot forward each year,” says Susan Patterson, the museum’s curator of special exhibits. “It’s exciting to watch the show come together, from the first images received by computer to the actual art installation on-site.”
- Terri Kelly Moyers, Glacial Gift—Lake O’Hara Region, oil, 40 x 50.
- Tim Cox, A Noble Breed, oil, 24 x 36.
- Ken Carlson, Sage Dog, oil, 30 x 36.
The art sale weekend offers collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to delve further into these impressive works. Artists Len Chmiel, Steve Kestrel, and Randal M. Dutra lead the seminar lineup on Friday, June 17, with a 9:45 a.m. discussion about their creative experiences. Following the seminar luncheon, Edward J. Fraughton, National Academy of Western Art founding member and current participating artist, talks about his decades-long invitational experiences at 1 p.m. Martin Grelle, two-time Prix de West Purchase Award Winner, shares insights about his artistic journey at 2 p.m. The day concludes with an art preview and cocktail reception at 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 18, begins with a talk at 10 a.m. by Greg Beecham, 2021 Prix de West Purchase Award Winner. After an early luncheon, the 2022 Prix de West Purchase Award is presented at noon. Afternoon activities continue from 1 to 2:30 p.m. with Prix de West artists’ demonstrations by Scott Burdick, Andrew Peters, Scott Tallman Powers, Sandy Scott, and Matt Smith. Evening events kick off with cocktails in the galleries at 5 p.m., followed by the fixed-price drawing at 6 p.m. The awards presentation, a live auction of select works donated by participating artists, and the closing celebration dinner follow an hour later. For collectors who are unable to attend in person, virtual viewing and proxy bidding options are available.
- D. LaRue Mahlke, Lifting Storm, pastel, 29 x 32.
- T.D. Kelsey, The Remnants, bronze, 15 x 29 x 20.
- Tom Browning, Frontier Symphony, oil, 30 x 42.
Newly invited to the Prix de West family this year are guest artists Grant Redden and D. LaRue Mahlke, each bringing two original works. They join a cadre of artists who have participated in the invitational multiple times. Sculptor Gerald Balciar, who was selected to design this year’s commemorative bolo, returns for his 40th Prix de West, while landscape painter Walt Gonske is on board for his 46th show.
“When you look at the number of years some artists have participated in Prix de West, it speaks volumes about the show and the artists’ loyalty to it,” Patterson says. “It’s a show that makes careers.” —Beth Williams
contact information
405.478.2250
www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
This story appeared in the June/July 2022 issue of Southwest Art magazine.