With beautiful weather, exceptional artwork and enthusiastic crowds, the Phippen Museum’s 36th Annual Western Art Show and Sale was another huge success. Presented over Memorial Day weekend, the event played host to sunny skies, scores of visitors and 120 extremely talented Western artists from across the country.
This extremely popular event showcases a diverse group of established and up-and-coming Western artists as they exhibit artwork in booths on Prescott’s historic Courthouse Plaza. It also happens to be one of the most highly anticipated premier outdoor western art shows in Arizona and offers an excellent opportunity for art collectors and enthusiasts to visit with the artists and purchase fine original art pieces directly from the source.
Cowboy Artists, from left: Dave Powell CA, Teal Blake, Carson Thomas, John Coleman CA and Bill Nebeker CA sharing a laugh at the Denim to Diamonds Gala.
“We’re very proud of this event and the great artists and visitors who come and participate,” said Kim Villalpando, the Phippen Museum’s Executive Director. “However, it’s the concentrated efforts of our staff, the tireless dedication of our outstanding volunteers and generous community contributions that continue to sustain the fun and prestige of this historic annual event!”
Thirty-six years ago a group of dedicated artists and supporters of the arts were inspired by the legacy of their friend and mentor, George Phippen, and established the first Phippen Memorial Western Art Show and Sale in Prescott, Arizona — the Cowboy Capital of the American West. This group included Don Polland, Jack Osmer, Bill and Merry Nebeker, Ray and Gary Swanson, Chuck Nicholas, Dorothy Chafin, Lois Smith, Fred Wakelin and Mary Scott, among others.
Each shared the dream of building a Western Art Museum in George’s honor, and after ten years of hard work and dedication, the Phippen Museum of Western Art opened its doors to the public in 1984. And while the Memorial Show and Sale was the catalyst for the Museum’s creation, it continues to be its signature fundraiser and, in some cases, has been the bridge for artists attempting to achieve national recognition and launch lucrative careers in Western Art.
This year’s event included two Quick Draw competitions that challenged 18-20 artists to create a work of art in only 45 minutes. Once completed, the artwork was hoisted above the crowd by the artist and auctioned off to the highest bidder on the steps of the Courthouse Plaza. And as a generous sign of support and thanks, all participating artists donated a portion of their proceeds from the Quick Draw to benefit the George Phippen Memorial Foundation.
Hyrum Joe in the Quick Draw: Hyrum Joe, Cowboys & Indians Magazine Award winner, competes in the Quick Draw competition while his daughter Aspynn models.
The Phippen Museum also celebrated another successful presentation of the annual Miniature Masterpieces Show & Sale. This year’s event included spectacular drawings, paintings and sculptures by some of the biggest names in Western Art. Each miniature masterpiece was available for viewing in the Museum’s Cultural Hall throughout the month of May, culminating with a sale by draw on Memorial Day.
More than 70 pieces of artwork were available, and despite the rough economy, a thoughtful group of outstanding bidders helped the Miniature Masterpiece event remain a success.
In addition to the exhibition on the Courthouse Plaza, the Phippen Museum hosted the Denim to Diamonds Gala fundraiser at the Prescott Resort, featuring dinner, a Live Art Auction, and an Awards Ceremony. Hundreds of guests enjoyed a gourmet meal while the Phippen Museum paid tribute to this year’s award-winning artists and auctioned off some outstanding pieces of Western art. Entertainment included the talents of emcee and auctioneer Carson Thomas and live music performed by Jim Dunham. In all, 20 fantastic works of miniature art were auctioned at the Gala.
Bob & Jean Gaeddert: Their thoughtful support and dedication to the Phippen Museum made them most-deserving recipients of the 2010 Louise Phippen Visionary Award
In addition to the fundraiser, this event honored and awarded artists in seven categories: acrylic, drawing, mixed media, oil, pastel, sculpture, water color. Also presented were special awards from: the George Phippen Memorial Foundation (selected by the Phippen Board of Trustees), the Phippen Family Award (chosen by George’s immediate family), the Joe Beeler Foundation Award (given to an outstanding emerging artist), the Cowboys and Indians magazine Award and the Montgomery Frames Award (presented to the artist recognized for their entire body of work. Thomas W. Lorimer from Sedona, Arizona, was named the 2010 Best in Show winner for his oil painting, Kayenta Trail.
Phippen Family Award winner: Sarah, Jessica, Annaliese, Thomas, Bethany, Jennie and Darrell Phippen with the Phippen Family Award winner, J.W. Segler and his painting, Balled Up.
In addition to all the fun downtown, the Museum also offered a complimentary shuttle from the Courthouse Plaza to the Museum and more than 400 people took advantage of free admission over the Memorial weekend.
The Phippen Museum Board of Trustees and Staff would like to thank the artists, our visitors and the community for their outstanding participation and support in presenting this exciting and well-established event!
We extend a special thanks to the extremely generous Sponsors of our 36th Annual Western Art Show and Sale:
