When Prescott artist Kuki Hargrave set out to honor the 50th anniversary of the movie “Junior Bonner,” filmed in Prescott in 1971, she wanted to create something distinctive, historically interesting — and most of all, reflective of the warmth and character that is “Purely Prescott.”
An Arizona resident for 27 years, Kuki and husband Tom moved to Prescott 12 years ago.
“The view from Elk Hill, looking west toward the Plaza is perhaps the most breathtaking and iconic vista here in town,” she says. “I knew I had to use it in the composition.”
Hargrave also captured the excitement of Prescott Frontier Days® and World’s Oldest Rodeo®, which served as backdrop to the movie.
“It was the summer of ‘71, it was Frontier Days, Hollywood was here filming a movie starring Steve McQueen, and many local residents were employed as extras to appear in the film. What an amazing time for our town!”
Yavapai County Constable and local historian Ron Williams was “cast” as the King of Cool, with a photo shoot at Courthouse Plaza. The poster was created and printed in Prescott. It’s available through the Ian Russell Gallery of Fine Art, Whiskey Row.
