PrintObserve and Preserve
EnlargeTrue appreciators of the American West owe a great debt to the artists who have helped conserve the essence and beauty of that sacred region. But a debt is also owed to those who labor to preserve the works of these artisan guardians of Western heritage. George Phippen‚ artist and cofounder of the Cowboy Artists of America‚ fits into both categories.
It was in the spirit of George Phippen and his efforts that several Western art conservationists joined together in 1974, eight years after Phippen’s death, to organize the first Phippen Memorial Western Art Show and Sale in Prescott, Arizona. Within a decade, the annual event had led to the creation of the Phippen Museum. Now, more than three decades since the first show, the annual art show and sale is still going strong and remains the Phippen Museum’s primary fundraiser.
On Memorial Day weekend, about 130 Western artists will flock to Prescott for the 36th annual show, where they will display their art in the historic Courthouse Plaza. Also in attendance will be even more Western art aficio-nados, supporting artists both blossoming and highly accomplished, and doing their part to help protect the legacy of the American West.
• Info: May 29-31, 2010. Event hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday & Sunday and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Monday, Memorial Day. Admission is free. 928.778.1385, www.phippenartmuseum.org.
Issue: April 2010
