More than 50 artists brought major new work to the Quest for the West exhibition on September 11 and 12 at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis. The show, now in its 21st year, brought out more than 325 art collectors who generated $1.15 million in sales.
Dean Mitchell with his painting Yellowstone, winner of the Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award at the 2026 Quest for the West.
“Twenty-one years of Quest for the West is a remarkable milestone, and this year’s exhibition demonstrates why this event has become such an important gathering for artists, collectors and audiences who care deeply about the art of the American West,” says Kathryn Haigh, Eiteljorg president and CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome 10 new artists to the Quest for the West family alongside the accomplished artists whose work and commitment have helped shape this exhibition for decades. Together, they reflect the richness and evolution of the field, honoring the traditions of Western art while embracing the artists who are defining where it goes next.”
Pahponee (Kickapoo Tribe of Indians of the Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas), Buffalo in Blizzard, bronze, 11 x 10 x 10 in. Winner of the Cyrus Dallin Award for Best Sculpture.
The exhibition included the main by-draw sale and also an opening night miniature sale, which brought out a record number of visitors who wanted to bid on the small works.
Starr Hardridge (Muscogee/Creek), Autumn Trail, acrylic, 40 x 30 in. Winner of the Henry Farny Award for Best Painting.
The top award winner was Dean Mitchell, who won the Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award for his acrylic painting Yellowstone. Other winners were Tim Cherry, Victor Higgins Award of Distinction; Pahponee, Cyrus Dallin Award for Best Sculpture; Starr Hardridge, Henry Farny Award for Best Painting and also Patrons’ Choice Award; Daniel Smith, Artists’ Choice Award; and Mikel Donahue, Miniature Art Show Patrons’ Choice Award. —
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