Every year, the Phippen Museum celebrates the skill and creativity among the nation’s top Western artists with the Miniature Masterpieces Show & Sale. This year will be no different, as more than 60 artists showcase phenomenal works in a small-scale format. Collectors are invited to participate in a fixed-price, by-draw sale to acquire a small beauty (or two), making it an exciting and accessible way to acquire original Western art.
Tom Perkinson, Lone Rider with Pack Mule, pastel, 14 x 7 in.
“The show primarily features traditional Western realism, depicting landscapes, wildlife, ranch life and Native American culture,” describes Jeannette Holverson, assistant director and curator. “However, visitors will also find pieces that incorporate impressionistic or contemporary Western styles, offering a fresh interpretation of the West. The mediums showcased include oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastel paintings. We also include charcoal, pencil drawings, and sculptures in stone and bronze. Each piece, regardless of medium, maintains an incredible level of detail and artistry, making the Miniature Masterpiece Show & Sale a must-see for fine art enthusiasts.”
Mikel Donahue, Gathering the Mavericks, acrylic, 9 x 12 in.
Spectacular examples include returning artist Mikel Donahue’s Gathering the Mavericks, a 9-by-12-inch painting that depicts a true cowboy at work. “I visit the Babbitt Ranch, north of Flagstaff, Arizona, annually,” says Donahue. “Spending time and riding with the hands during gatherings, branding, shipping and gathering material for my work. The gentleman featured in Gathering the Mavericks is the Babbitt’s (third-generation) ranch manager, Clay Rodgers. He is tracking a momma and calf that have wandered off and is easing them back in the direction of the main herd.”
Bud Heiss, Midday Hike, acrylic, 11 x 11 in.
Returning for his second year, Tom Perkinson features his vibrant 14-by-7-inch pastel landscape painting Lone Rider with Pack Mule. “This vertical painting is a good example of my style of romantic realism, considering the beautiful blue and blue-green colors and the drama of the time of day. [Also], the drama of the small figure, the human element set against the massive canyon, adds the element of mystery. I imagine that this rider has an agenda, which adds to the mystery and narrative. I added the two ducks in the foreground to activate a different visual response from the viewer. They are a secondary subject matter, and I enjoy adding images that aren’t noticed at the initial viewing of the painting.”
Lisa Danielle, Lightning Strike, acrylic, 12 x 9 in.
In addition to these talented artists, the show will also include highlights by Karen Clarkson, Lisa Danielle, Bud Heiss, Jean Hildebrant, Derek Harrison, June Dudley, Doyle Hostetler, Don Weller, Phil Beck, Heather Johnson, David Dorsey, Steve Atkinson, and so many more.
While the show and sale officially opens May 1, the opening reception kicks off May 2 at 5:30 p.m., where guests will experience a lively evening of food, cash bar and the opportunity to mingle with participating artists. Purchases can be made through the by-draw sale in-person or over the phone, through the close of the show on May 26. The show will hang through June 1. Also catch the Phippen Museum’s joint venture, the 51st Annual Western Art Show and Sale from May 24 through 26 at Prescott’s Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza. —
Miniature Masterpieces Show & Sale
May 1-June 1, 2025
Phippen Museum
4701 Highway 89 North Prescott, AZ 86301, (928) 778-1385, www.phippenartmuseum.org
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