On Memorial Day weekend, for the 42nd year, 90 artists from across the country will convene at Courthouse Square in Prescott for Phippen Museum’s Western Art Show & Sale. Art collectors will meander through booths brimming with paintings, drawings and sculptures. The juried show features established artists as well as up-and-comers whose subject matter is the American West, says Edd Kellerman, spokesman for the museum. But the show actually kicks off weeks earlier with its Miniature Masterpiece Show & Sale. The 13th annual event features more than 60 artists whose artwork will be on display at the museum and on the museum’s website beginning May 1. A catered reception will be held May 27 at 7 p.m. at the museum. Reservations are required and tickets are $10 each. Those interested in purchasing a miniature can fill out an intent-to-purchase form online or at the museum. Winners will be drawn on May 30 at 11 a.m.
The main show over Memorial Day weekend includes popular quick-draw demonstrations on May 28 and 29 at 2 p.m. on the courthouse steps. Twenty artists will be challenged to create a finished piece of artwork in 60 minutes. The artwork will be immediately auctioned off “while the paint’s still wet,” says Edd. There’s also the Denim to Diamonds Gala Dinner/Live Art Auction on May 28 at Hassayampa Inn. Tickets for the gala are $100 per person.
The show wraps up on May 30 at 11 a.m. during the awards ceremony on the courthouse steps. This year’s judges are artists Bill Anton, Russell Houston and Sedona’s own Ken Rowe. Awards will be presented in 10 different categories including The George Phippen Memorial Foundation Award. George Phippen was a co-founder and the first president of the Cowboy Artists of America organization. The Phippen Museum opened its doors in 1984.
Edd says it’s the interaction with the artists that he looks forward to the most. “There’s a camaraderie among the artists – some who have been participating since the 1970s,” he says. “Up-and-coming artists tell me some of their most influential advice comes from speaking to other artists at this show.” – Erika Ayn Finch. Photo courtesy of Phippen Museum.
MORE SEDONA ART GALLERIES: Shows, exhibitions and happenings
