Phoenix Art Museum Annual Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition (original) (raw)

Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix, Arizona

The Authentic West Endures at Museum's Annual Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition

A tribute to its enduring appeal and dedication of the Museum's Men's Arts Council, the 32nd Annual Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition will be on view at the Phoenix Art Museum, October 18 (opens at 12:00 Noon) through November 23, 1997. The most anticipated western fine art event in the world, the exhibition presents a depiction of the West only the Cowboy Artists of America can capture with such realistic skill and spirit. The 32nd Annual Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition is organized by the Men's Arts Council of the Phoenix Art Museum. It is supported by Wells Fargo, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Norris and the Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Foundation. Exhibition admission is 5adults;5 adults; 5adults;4 senior citizens; $2 full-time students and children 6 and older; free to Museum members and children under 6; and free to all on Thursday evenings, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

More than 125 new works by the 26 active members of the Cowboy Artists of America (CAA), as well as some of the group's distinguished emeritus members, will be unveiled to the public for the first time in this exhibition. Included are sculptures in bronze and stone, paintings, and drawings. The art works, by such artists as James Reynolds and Howard Terpning, define the traditional West, depicting the people and wildlife of the West of this century and the last with an authenticity and sensitivity that captures the essence of a way of life. Many of CAA's sculptors and painters have found their inspiration and subject matter in their personal experiences busting broncs, riding herd and branding cattle. Others have honed their talent through a deep appreciation of the rich history and colorful folklore of the untamed West.

The 32nd Annual Cowboy Artists of America Sale, a specially-ticketed event, will be held on the evening of October 17 prior to the public opening of the CAA Exhibition at 12:00 Noon on October 18. It is one of the most prestigious western art sales in the country. The works which are sold that night remain on view to the public in the CAA Exhibition.

The Phoenix Art Museum's Men's Arts Council (MAC) is a stand-out among arts support organizations, growing from fewer than 50 members in the early years to more than 125 active members today. It joined forces with the Cowboy Artistsof America to bring the first CAA Exhibition and Sale to the Phoenix Art Museum in October of 1973. The CAA Sale was the first major fundraiser to be organized by MAC. This year, MAC marks its 25th year to coordinate the CAA Exhibition and Sale, which has, through their efforts, become the premiere western art event in the world. "To pull together an event of this size just once takes dedication and stamina," said James K. Ballinger, director of the Phoenix Art Museum. "To do it 25 years in a row is nothing short of brilliance."

Jim Ballinger, the director of the Phoenix Art Museum, will present an overview of the 32nd Annual Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition on Thursday, October 23, in the exhibition gallery at 12:15 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. Exhibition admission fee is required for the 12:15 p.m. talk only; the exhibition is free to all on Thursday evenings until 9:00 p.m. The Museum Store will offer merchandise related to the CAA exhibition.

Search for more articles and essays on American art in Resource Library. See America's Distinguished Artistsfor biographical information on historic artists.

This page was originally published in 1997 in Resource Library Magazine. Please see Resource Library's Overview section for more information.