This year will mark the Phippen Museum’s 39th Annual Western Art Show and Sale in Prescott, Arizona, and outstanding artists from across the country are making plans to be here on Memorial weekend, May 25–27, 2013. This signature event not only attracts talented artists to Prescott’s historic courthouse plaza, it also draws art enthusiasts, western devotees and the general public; all gathering for this very special presentation of western art.
From the successful Miniature Masterpieces Art Show & Sale to a live art auction, there are many opportunities to keep attendees entertained and involved, including the ever popular Quick Draw events, the fun-filled Denim to Diamonds Gala, a public artist award ceremony and free admission to the museum all weekend long.
This annual juried show features established and up-and-coming Western artists who create ‘Art of the American West’ in oil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, pastels, sculpture and drawing. And many of today’s most well-known western artists got their start as a juried participant. So not only will guests see some of the greatest examples of Western art in America today, they will also be able to meet participating artists in an informal, outdoor setting and purchase pieces directly from the masters.
The Quick Draw art demonstrations offer 15 to 20 artists the challenge of creating a piece of artwork in only 60 minutes. Completed in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd, these pieces are then auctioned off to the onlookers. The Quick Draw events take place on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. on the north steps of the courthouse . . . but get there early to get a good viewing spot.
Beginning May 1, the Phippen Museum’s Miniature Masterpieces Art Show & Sale, featuring 70 of the biggest names in the world of American Western Art, will be on display at the museum and also on its web site. And everyone at the Phippen Museum is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this unique sale-by-draw event, presented in their newly expanded facilities. To place an intent-to-purchase, visit or contact the museum between Wednesday, May 1 and the drawing date on Memorial Day, May 27 at 11 a.m.
A full evening of fun takes place at the Denim to Diamonds Gala Dinner/Live Art Auction on Saturday, May 25 at the Hassayampa Inn. After enjoying cocktails and live entertainment, Phippen guests will sit down to a delicious dinner prepared by the hotel, and a live art auction hosted by renowned auctioneer, Carson Thomas. Tickets for the Gala are $100 each, $1,000 for a Denim Table or $1,500 for a Diamond Table, and can be reserved by calling the museum.
The artist Award Ceremony, held on Sunday, May 26 at 11 a.m., will take place on the historic courthouse steps in downtown Prescott, with awards being presented in 10 different categories, including The George Phippen Memorial Foundation Award and the Phippen Family Award. The public is encouraged to attend and help the museum celebrate the tremendous skill and effort of the show’s outstanding participating artists.
Event hours for the Courthouse show and sale are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday. Admission to the event and the museum is free during the Memorial Day weekend.
For additional information on this event, or to make reservations for the Gala, please contact the museum at 928-778-1385.
Kim Villalpando, Phippen Museum Executive Director, with pastel artist, Dale Martin, the 2012 Phippen Foundation Award winner for his piece, Hungry Moon, which is now an outstanding addition to the museum's Permanent Collection.
Artist Hyrum Joe at work during the Quick Draw competition.