Throughout Memorial Day weekend, the Phippen Museum takes over the plaza around the Yavapai County Courthouse in Prescott, Arizona, for the 49th edition of the Western Art Show & Sale. This annual tradition includes an impressive array of Western artworks and additional festivities that ensue throughout the holiday weekend in a beautiful, outdoor setting.
“This special event offers visitors the perfect occasion to see some of the best examples of Western fine art in America today while providing the opportunity to meet and purchase pieces directly from the masters,” explains Edd Kellerman, Phippen Museum executive director. “In addition, this popular show also features two exciting Quick Draw Challenges, live art auctions and an artist award ceremony.”
The 2022 Best of Show oil painting Quartet by Gary Ward.
At this year’s show and sale, viewers will find artists like the talented Carolyn Parker, who will showcase impressive landscapes, seen in pieces like Zion’s Gate, pictured here. “Having lived nearly my entire life in Prescott, Arizona, I developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of our country and the Southwest,” she says. Parker enjoys traveling and photographing nature, and it is her desire to share with others through her paintings the beauty and splendor of God’s creation.
Artworks on view at the Phippen Museum in Prescott, Arizona.
Additional participating artists include Meg Harper, Dale Martin, Ian Russell, Debra Bruner, Karen Clarkson, J. Howard, James Tunell, Susan Hemm Zivic, Diana Simpson and many more.
During the opening day on Saturday, May 27, and on Sunday, May 28, artists are challenged to create a finished piece of artwork in only 60 minutes for the Quick Draw Challenge. “These amazing pieces are then immediately auctioned off to the anxious onlookers while the paint’s still wet,” says Kellerman. “But these special art events are very well attended, so get there early to find a good spot to watch the artistic spectacle of artists ‘under the gun.’”
Visitors shop the booths at the 2022 Western Art Show & Sale.
Following the close of the first day, is the Artist Meet ‘n Greet Dinner at 5:30 p.m. on museum grounds. The evening will be full of Western-inspired food and entertainment, and allows guests to mingle with participating artists while exploring the museum’s current exhibitions.
On Sunday, May 28, at 11 a.m., an artist award ceremony is offered to “recognize and celebrate the tremendous skill and effort of the show’s outstanding participating artists with awards in eight different mediums and special honors, including the George Phippen Memorial Foundation Award, Phippen Family Award, People’s Choice Award and Best of Show,” Kellerman notes.
Carolyn Parker, Zion’s Gate, pastel, 16 x 12”
Rounding out the long weekend, is an extraordinary by-draw sales event surrounding the 20th annual Miniature Masterpiece Show & Sale, to occur on Monday, May 29, at 11 a.m., when winning buyers will be announced. “This unique and very successful sale-by-draw features some of the biggest names in the world of American Western art today,” Kellerman says. “And the outstanding fine art on display is offered at fixed prices and will also be available to view on the museum’s website.”
The entirety of the Western Art Show & Sale, held at the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza, is free and open to the public. The Meet ‘n Greet Dinner is a ticketed event, so please see the museum website for details and call to make reservations. —
Western Art Show & Sale
May 27-29, 2023
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza, Prescott, AZ
www.phippenartmuseum.org
Powered by Froala Editor
