44th ANNUAL WESTERN ART SHOW & SALE SET FOR MAY 26, 27 & 28
by Edd Kellerman, Marketing & Communications, Phippen Museum
George Phippen never saw the museum that bears his name, but being a man dedicated to his Western art and supportive of others in like pursuit, he would no doubt be proud of the role the Phippen Museum plays today in the continued preservation and promotion of art of the American West.
When the plan for a Western museum was first initiated in 1974, it was George’s friends, family and fellow artists who raised public support and the funds necessary for the project. With their enthusiastic backing, the community’s heartfelt generosity and funds raised through an annual Western art show and sale, the museum was finished and opened to visitors in 1984. (See sidebar for the schedule of events at this year’s 44th annual Western Art Show & Sale.)
Situated on 5 acres of the old Deep Well Ranch in Arizona’s central highlands, the museum is enhanced by spectacular views created by the magnificent boulder formations in Granite Dells, an area silent-film and cowboy star Tom Mix used in the 1920s to make his popular Westerns.
Naming the museum after George Phippen was a natural choice because of his inspirational character, artistic talent and influence on art of the West. His recognition as a co-founder and first president of the Cowboy Artists of America were also contributing factors. But the fact is, George was a born Western artist.
From the earliest age, he could be found creating scenes of cattle drives on the chalkboard of his one-room schoolhouse or molding livestock from the clay he scrounged from the banks of a nearby creek. Later, after serving in the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, George was inducted into the Army as a photographer and cartographer for Coast Artillery Corps. But his passion for art was unwavering and he sought to become a combat artist, submitting his illustrations to the Army’s “Yank Magazine.”
By the time World War II ended, George had married Louise Goble and was raising young sons. The fledging family bounced around the Southwest for a time, but soon found Prescott, Arizona to be the best fit. Louise made a deal with George that as long as they could keep a one-month supply of food in the cupboard, he could pursue art as a full-time career.
That was all he needed to hear. George soon secured a contract with a gallery in Houston for his oil paintings, but continued to supplement his small income by illustrating cards, stationery, calendars and articles for wildlife and horse magazines. Depicting real-life situations required him to research the facts and pay extremely close attention to detail. This was incredibly important to George, who once noted that the compliments he appreciated the most throughout his career came from those who knew the details, and said he got it right.
In addition to his unwavering commitment to accuracy, he also developed the ability to capture just the right moment in a story with crisp action and a perspective that would bring a smile to the observer.
Ultimately, it was George’s keen sense of humor and lighthearted nature that endeared him to others. He brought that aspect of his personality to his artwork, which transcended the Western art genre and illustrated a basic commonality among men. He provided an everyman perspective that lets viewers share the humor in an otherwise bad situation and see a side of the American West that is both accurate and relatable.
When George passed away in 1966 at the age of 50, he was in the process of finishing a sculpture he called “Cowboy in a Storm.” This complicated bronze figure has all of the trademarks of a George Phippen piece. It’s accurate and funny and, just like George, it will soon be larger than life. With the support of the local art community, including the Prescott Area Art Trust, Ed & Kathy Reilly of Bronzesmith Fine Art Foundry and artist Debbie Gessner and generous contributions provided by The Harold James Family Trust, Jim Chamberlain of Sun State Builders and the City of Prescott, this very special piece is being reproduced in a monumental bronze for placement in the new roundabout at the Phippen Museum’s entrance.
Serving as a gateway to Granite Dells and Prescott and a heartfelt welcome to visitors from far and wide, this permanent tribute to George Phippen is most appropriate and well-deserved. And while we’d all like to think that he would be very humbled and extremely proud of the recognition, George would surely be even more grateful for the continuous encouragement, support and dedication his devoted wife and partner, Louise, contributed to his life and enduring legacy.
PHIPPEN MUSEUM’S 44TH ANNUAL WESTERN ART SHOW & SALE
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2018
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
BOOTH OPERATION HOURS
9AM-5PM
PUBLIC UNVEILING CEREMONY FOR COWBOY IN A STORM BY GEORGE PHIPPEN
East Courthouse Steps
11AM
QUICK DRAW CHALLENGE & AUCTION
North Courthouse Steps
2PM
ARTIST MEET ‘N GREET DINNER
Phippen Museum
5:30PM
A special evening with the show’s participating artists. Enjoy live entertainment by Sky Daddy & Lonesome Valley plus a delicious ranch-style dinner by Big Daddy E’s. Also see the current exhibit, Cool, Cool Water, the Miniature Masterpiece Show & Sale and PAWs to Celebrate: Phippen Award Winners Art to Go. The cost for guests is $30, but reservations are requested. 928-778-1385
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2018
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
BOOTH OPERATION HOURS
9AM-5PM
ARTIST AWARD CEREMONY
North Courthouse Steps
11AM
QUICK DRAW CHALLENGE & AUCTION
North Courthouse Steps
2PM
MONDAY, MAY 28TH, 2018
Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
BOOTH OPERATION HOURS
9AM-3PM
