Prescott, AZ, June 29, 2006 On Saturday, May 27 The Phippen Museum presented awards to 24 artists in 12 categories for the 32nd Annual Phippen Museum Western Art Show and Sale. Over 130 artists from all over the country participated in the Show and Sale making it the premiere outdoor Western fine art festival in the country. Don Hedgpeth, legendary Cowboy Poet, author, and honorary member of the Cowboy Artists of America presided over the award ceremony held at the Hassayampa Inn.
In the Acrylic category first place went to Rock Newcomb for "Southwest Gathering"; second place to Bob Quick for "Purple & Gold II"; and third place went to Paul Cunningham for "Outside of Tucson".
In the Drawing category first place went to Dick Mueller for "Old Charlie"; second place to Teresa Schleigh for "The Eye of the Storm"; and third place to Cindy Long for "Early Morning Riser".
In the Sculpture category first place went to Martha Pettigrew for "Al Mercado"; second place went to Korry Bird for "Alaskan Moose"; third place went to Curt Mattson for "Short End of a Long Rope".
Only first place was awarded in the Mixed Media category, and it went to Marilyn Salomon for "I Dance to My Grandmother's Song".
Watercolor winners were Jan P. Rons, first place for "Morning Drive"; Larry Veeder, second place for "Juniper Patterns"; and Mark Kohler, third place for "Texas High Gear".
Oil painting awards went to Jane Bradley, first place for "Red Shoes"; to Doug Hall, second place for "Down the Cumberland"; and to Denis Milhomme, third place for "Desert Memories".
This year for the first time there was a substantial entry in the pastel category. The winners were Deb Gengler-Copple, first place for "On the Edge"; Don Rantz, second place for "Desert Vista"; and Mary Ann Cherry, third place for "Fort Pow Wow Dancer".
The award for Best of Show went to Jane Bradley for "Red Shoes".
Along with the media categories there were also 4 special award categories each with its own special judges:
The George Phippen Memorial Foundation Award was presented by members of the Foundation Board to Rick McCumber for his sculpture, "Custody Battle".
The Phippen Family Award was presented by members of the George Phippen family to James Van Fossan for his drawing, "Anticipation".
A Representative from Southwest Art Magazine awarded Randy Keedah, Sr. the Southwest Art Magazine Award for his entire body of work, represented at the show by his oil painting, "Wild Horses at Balakai Mesa".
Members of The Cowboy Artists of America presented the Founders' Award and a check for one thousand dollars to Curt Mattson for his sculpture, "Short End of a Long Rope".
All of the winning images may be seen on the Museum's website.
Named for Cowboy Artists of America's founding president, George Phippen, the Phippen Museum opened its doors in the scenic Granite Dells just north of Prescott in 1984. Funded for 10 years prior to opening by the George Phippen Memorial Foundation, the Museum contains an outstanding collection of historic art and artifacts from some of the countryıs most important Western artists, together with contemporary art of the American West. A nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, the Phippen Museum is dedicated to perpetuating the unique heritage, mythology, and influence of American Western Art. For more information regarding exhibits, events, donations and volunteer opportunities, call 928-778-1385, or visit http://www.phippenartmuseum.org.