For this year’s edition of the Women Artists of the West’s National Exhibition and Sale, titled Dreamweavers,attendees can expect “a feast for the eyes and an inspiration for the soul,” says show chair Nori Thorne. Hosted at the Phippen Museum in Prescott, Arizona, this highly anticipated event features 144 paintings and sculpture in a variety of Western subject matter, created by 108 female artists—a mix of WAOW Master, Associate and Signature members.
Bonnie Brentz, Ghost Towers, oil on panel, 24 x 30”
“Dreamweavers is a celebration of women artists across the country and the globe,” Thorne explains. “Appropriately, the opening of the show coincides with the first day of Women’s History Month and honors the legacy of women artists through special events.” Phippen representatives add that “the common thread of WAOW artists is the passion for their work and a desire to express the joy and beauty of the world around them. During the organization’s existence, WAOW members have collectively made their mark on the art world while supporting and promoting each other in a spirit of unity.”
Special programming and events include the award banquet keynote speaker, Jana Bommersbach, author of Hellraisers and Trailblazers: The Real Women of the Wild West, along with a “gallery walk” and discussion of legacy members, led by Mary Ann Cherry, a Master Emeritus Member. Awards judge Jessica Garrett Lawrence will perform a painting demonstration for Phippen visitors, and Syri Hall, one of WAOW’s award-winning sculptors, will demonstrate three-dimensional techniques followed by a visit to her foundry.
Deanne McKeown, Dreamscape, bronze, 24 x 14 x 8”
Thorne shares that each work in the exhibition evokes the artist’s own interpretation of the title and theme, Dreamweavers. For example, L. McLaughlin’s Grandmother’s Blanket depicts a Navajo woman in Canyon de Chelly. McLoughlin explains, “I wanted to capture her serene and quiet spirit. She epitomizes the title [of the show].”
“Deanne McKeown chose to interpret the theme with her bronze sculpture, Dreamscape,” says Thorne, “and believes that ‘numinous dreams are often a nexus that can transport us into magical realms or possibly assist in working through a difficult conundrum.’” McKeown continues, “Ravens have long been associated with omens and dreams or depicted as message bearers between worlds. This piece speaks of Raven as the bearer of dreams.”
L. McLaughlin, Grandmother’s Blanket, acrylic on Masonite, 16 x 12”
Another exhibition highlight is the oil painting Morning Training, by WAOW co-president Mejo Okon, who illustrates her 30-plus years of experience working with people and horses. “For weeks this summer, I shadowed one of the premier horse and rider trainers, Michelle DeCanditis, in New Mexico,” says the artist. Morning Training was inspired during a training session in Las Placitas, New Mexico.
As for her style and technique, Okon aims for abundant color in her work. “At a glance, the West can simply look hot, dry and bleached of color,” she says. “Upon closer examination, it is anything but. The skies are simply dramatic. The animals offer dazzling spots of color and glimpses to their personalities. I want to share this experience with the viewer.”
Mejo Okon, Morning Training, oil, 16 x 20”
While the exhibition is open for viewing beginning March 1, the awards reception and banquet kicks off the festivities on Saturday, March 9, at 5:30 p.m. The ticketed event is open to the public and will feature “hors d’oeuvres, fabulous artwork, the celebration of award winners and a brass quintet providing musical entertainment,” says Thorne. For additional information, including ticket prices, please visit the Phippen Museum website. —
Women Artists of the West’s 54th National Exhibition and Sale: Dreamweavers
March 1-June 23, 2024
Phippen Museum, 4701 Highway 89 North, Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 778-1385
www.phippenartmuseum.org
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