The Phippen Museum will return with this year′s annual Western Art Show & Sale in Prescott, Arizona. The show will celebrate its 50th anniversary, and the museum its 40th anniversary. How can the host museum be younger than the event, you ask?
Visitors browse art at the Western Art Show & Sale in Prescott, Arizona.
“That’s the unique thing about our show. Originally the show was titled the George Phippen Memorial Art Show & Sale. That was in 1974 when the first show was held with the support of the community,” says executive director Edd Kellerman. “The proceeds from the first 10 years went directly into the museum that would become the Phippen. And right there with the show was Louise Phippen, George’s wife, who was promoting her late husband’s work and elevating the [Cowboy Artists of America]. Her goal was to have a venue to help buyers find the best Western artists.”
Fifty years later and the Western Art Show & Salecontinues to promote Western art and artists to new collectors. Like past years, the show will take place this year on Memorial Day weekend, May 25 through 27. Dozens of artists will be on hand at the booth-filled show, which takes place at the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza in the center of Prescott.
John Morey, If I’m Going Your Way, Then You’re Going Mine, limited-edition semi-gloss metal print, 30 x 20 in.
In addition to the booths, where collectors can buy artwork directly from the artists, the show will feature two quick-draws at 2 p.m. on both May 25 and 26. After each session will end with a live sale on the courthouse steps to offer the artwork to the highest bidder.
One of the artists participating in this year’s show is photographer John Morey.He will be showing his Western photographs, including images of horses and nature in the Southwest. “To stir the emotional responses I wish to cause in my artwork—bridging the gap towards eliciting a vulnerable connection with my viewers—I bring cohesion between the spirit of my subjects and other surrounding elements, creating relatability. My creations are love notes to Arizona and the West,” he says.
Sierra G. Sutton, The Pinecone is Minecone!, oil on cradled wood panel, 24 x 18 in.
Another artist is Sierra G. Sutton, who will offering her wildlife painting The Pinecone is Minecone! “The West has such uniquely inspiring wildlife, flora and landscapes. There are magical stories taking place around us all the time,” Sutton says. “From the time that I was a child, I saw and felt that magic and wanted to share it through my art. I hope to draw others into those often humorous, sometimes mysterious, and always beautiful places—to bring joy and a sense of the divine.”
John Morey, Wild Horse Wildness, limited-edition satin metal print, 20 x 40 in.
In addition to art, the museum will present the Hometown Hoedown event with music, food and performances at the Sam Hill Warehouse near the courthouse. That will take place on May 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. Earlier that day, from 10 a.m to 1:30 p.m., will also be an exclusive history revue with special guests Bob Boze Bell, Stuart Rosebrook, Marshall Trimble, Jim Hinckley and Danny Romero. That will take place at the nearby Elks Theatre.
Visit the museum website for the complete schedule. —
John Morey, Tribute to an Icon, limited-edition satin metal print, 24 x 48 in.
Western Art Show & Sale
May 25-27, 2024
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
120 S. Cortez Street, Prescott, AZ 86313
(928) 778-1385, www.phippenartmuseum.org
Powered by Froala Editor
