About the Western Art Show and Sale

Thirty-five years ago a group of dedicated artists and art enthusiasts, who looked to George Phippen as their friend and mentor, established the first ever 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. They all shared the dream of building a Western Art Museum right here in Prescott in honor of George Phippen and his legacy. Ten years later the Phippen Museum of Western Art opened its doors to the public. The Phippen Memorial Western Art Show and Sale continues to be the Phippen Museum’s principal fundraiser.

On May 28–30, 2011, the George Phippen Memorial Foundation and the Phippen Museum will celebrate the 37th Annual Phippen Memorial Western Art Show and Sale on the grounds of the historic Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott. This highly anticipated event continues to be Arizona’s premier outdoor Western Art show. It features over 120 of the very best western artists from all over North America presenting Art of the American West in oil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, pastels, sculpture, and drawings. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Memorial Day. Admission is free.

In addition to the Show and Sale on the Courthouse Plaza, the Phippen Museum plans a number of other events to round out the holiday weekend both on and off the Courthouse Plaza. Two popular events are the Saturday and Sunday “Quick Draw” art demonstrations where professional artists create works of art in only 45 minutes and then auction them to the crowd.

An evening full of events takes place at the Denim to Diamonds Gala Dinner and Live Art Auction on May 28 at the Hassayampa Inn. After live music and cocktails, Phippen guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by the staff at the Hassayampa Inn and a live art auction of 10–12 amazing works of art hosted by renowned Western saddle maker and auctioneer, Carson Thomas. Admission to the Gala is $100 per person and must be paid in advance by calling the Museum. Tables of 10 can be reserved for $1,000. Special Diamond Tables are $1,500. For more information or to reserve a seat, please contact the Phippen Museum.

Throughout the month of May, the Phippen Museum will again host the 8th anniversary of our very successful Miniature Masterpieces Show & Sale. This special art sale-by-draw for the Phippen Museum features spectacular drawings, paintings and sculptures by some of the biggest names in Western Art — in smaller, more affordable sizes. The Miniature Masterpieces Show & Sale begins on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at the Phippen Museum and will run the entire month of May. Come by anytime during May to view these masterpieces and, if you see one you like, you can fill out an Intent-To-Purchase form. During the Phippen Memorial Show and Sale weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) admission to the Museum will be free. The actual Sale-By-Draw will be held at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, at the Phippen Museum.