Saturday kicked off the 42nd Annual Western Art Show & Sale, Prescott’s premiere outdoor art event on the historic courthouse plaza, and artists from all over the country for a Memorial Day weekend tradition that has entertained and inspired visitors for more than 40 years.
Watson Bumblebees a bobbin’
Ida and I were able to attend the show on Sunday before a lovely hike at Watson Lake. The local weather is amazing. If you have time to see the Phippen Show yourself, Monday the 30th of May is the final day of this annual show.
The event starts with a bang with the miniature show unveiling/reception at the museum. The artists then have to show their talents with the quick draw on Saturday morning. Always a fun event to watch. Magic happens within the minds of a practiced artist. At one of these events it always fun to see how each artist approaches their projects. Many locals awed the crowd. 
This year some of these locals did awesome at the show. One taking first place overall. One taking first in pastels. Another making best newcomer, who was recognized by Southwest Art in doing so. Many of the artists were very pleased by the collector turnout and many artists made sales.
Sabino Canyon Color by Don Rantz
Yes! Don Rantz overwelmed the competition in this pastel category and his new pastels are just so attractive we had to make time to see his entire offerings. One word……. spectacular!
I have always enjoyed his landscapes (I even own one of them) but I have to say, his new raven pieces capture the beautiful reflective quality of these birds that many do not understand how to capture. You have to see these new pieces just for even the differences they show between his landscape. Talented in so many ways. His booth was so busy, we thought it better to let the other attendees see his new pieces so we stepped aside. I recommend to make some time to see them in person. Please remember that Don also teaches at the Art Store on Tuesdays. June’s classes are offered through our calendar scheduler as well you can call, 443-0749 to reserve your space.
Catching Colors by Dane Chinnock
Local newcomer, Dane Chinnock also made a big splash that attracted others to turn their heads. Making some of the locals and AZ critics wonder who this artist is? Southwest Art was so impressed that they honored him with the “Award of Excellence” for his piece “Catching Colors”. Dane took the tutelage of Robert Knudson (his mentor) to heart. Capturing the sun he has worked in for years on canvas. Truly understanding how light works and that compositions are not just lines and shapes of just the positives you see. Dane truly understands that negative shapes and contrasts of value are so much more important than color.
Of the locals showing this, was the fourth artist that we viewed that had paid attention to Mr. Knudson’s Art Store demos and attention to detail and value within color. A master painter that when he speaks, people listen. His workshop at the Art Store is slated to start on this Wednesday the 1st of June. There is still time & space to sign-up and learn from a successful painter of nearly 55 years of experience. Feel free to register by clicking the button below even as the Art Store is closed on Monday the 30th of May. We will be checking on the online registration on Tuesday morning. If needed, we will take reservations for this workshop until noon on Tuesday the 31st of May. Mr. Knudson has also added more incentive to attend this workshop by offering a chance to win an original from Robert Knudson since all registered attendees will be part of the drawing for this painting.
The Frame & I’s Russell Johnson (again an apprentice to Mr. Knudson) also had a great show this year. He was able to bring his assistants (beautiful wife Denise & their children as well) to the show for support. A talented local who loves Prescott and this southwest way of life.
If you have time to register for next year as an artist, there is no better time than now. If you want to make a bid on a miniature at the Phippen Museum, there is an invitation to do so at 11am on the 30th of May. 
In addition to the hardworking volunteers and staff at the Phippen Museum, we’d like to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation as always for their recognition of our stores (The Art Store and The Frame & I) and our donations to the local events and the local museums every year. Many of the locals know we support the art community, we have a long history of being part of the local arts and loving doing so.
~~Keith K.~~
