“If Horses Could Talk,” featuring art of Prescott artist Bill Nebeker is “One of our popular recent exhibits, for sure,” said Edd Kellerman, executive director, Phippen Museum.
He was talking about Nebeker’s 50 years of sculpting and casting western life in bronze that opened March 18 and continues through July 24.
Because the exhibit is up through Prescott Frontier Days® and the annual rodeo in late June through July 4, “We’ll have people from all over the country coming to see it,” Kellerman said. “I envision thousands coming to this show over coming weeks. Nebeker is one of the most respected and well-known western artists in the nation. His art captivates people.”
Ken and Diane Fidyk, who recently moved to Prescott from Southern California, said, “We had heard of Nebeker’s realistic sculptures. When we saw the one at the roundabout near the Prescott Airport, we were awed. That compelled us to come to this exhibit.”
They were referring to the larger than life-size bronze featuring a cowboy with binoculars sitting on a ledge searching for a buck, while his horse is looking down the other way at a deer crouched under the ledge. The show is named after that award-winning sculpture.
Merry Nebeker, Bill’s wife, suggested the exhibit to museum staff members more than two years ago. “Bill is such a legend that we all thought a 50-year retrospective would be terrific,” she said.
Prescott Mayor Phil Goode agreed: “Having Bill Nebeker use his tremendous talent in keeping the history and tradition of Prescott and the American West alive — we are blessed. Thanks to Phippen Museum for this great exhibit that brings so many visitors to town.”
Tennies for Tots Benefits Kids
At the end of May, a local organization — Tennies for Tots — collected shoes, socks and other necessary items for preschoolers throughout the Central and Northern Arizona Head Start Programs.
Paula Sedillo, president of Tennies for Tots, said the nonprofit charity participated in a Fire-Fighter Angel Foundation Car Show at the StoneRidge Golf Course in Prescott Valley May 21, where donors contributed.
The organization also will request help from local businesses and individuals throughout the summer to gather donations for back-to-school distributions, she said.
A $20 donation provides a child with shoes, socks, a book bag and a story book.
Since 2019, the charity has provided not just shoes and socks but also clothing and winter wear. In 2020 and again in 2021, more than 3,000 pairs of shoes and socks were distributed among Head Start programs for children.
The organization also has donated to local school districts and to Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as helped families who have suffered losses through fires, floods or other traumatic events.
Lisa Sahady, regional philanthropic adviser for the Arizona Community Foundation Yavapai County, praised the organization for its dedication. “Within the last five years, they’ve grown from giving 150 pairs of shoes to now, more than 3,000 a year in Yavapai and Coconino counties and the Hopi and Navajo nations.”
Donations can be made through AZGives.org, Facebook, or PayPal by using tenniesfortots@gmail.com or by mail addressed to Tennies for Tots, 425 E. Pittsburgh Road, Paulden, AZ, 86334.
(Photo by Ray Newton)
