General Information

The newest and most distinctive Western art exhibition in the country makes its debut Friday, October 21, 2011, at Phoenix Art Museum. Presented by the Museum's Men's Arts Council, The West Select unites more than 30 of today's leading artists to present an expansive look at the American West. Featuring nearly 100 paintings, drawings, sculptures and photographs the selected works will reveal iconic landscapes, still-lifes and wildlife; historical genre scenes of cowboys, settlers and American Indians; and depictions of the modern, or "New West."

"Phoenix Art Museum has been at the forefront of Western American art for more than three decades," commented James Ballinger, The Sybil Harrington Director, Phoenix Art Museum. "In that time, Phoenix has become a vibrant metropolis, maintaining a sense of tradition while embracing a contemporary approach to life in the American West. The Museum's primary Western art exhibition should represent the breadth of this new environment."

On Friday, October 21 from 10am to 3pm, The West Select opens with a special viewing for ticketed Sale patrons only prior to the sale that evening. The sale will be held at 5:30pm. The Exhibition opens to Museum Members on Saturday, October 22 and the general public may view the exhibition on Sunday, October 23. The artwork will remain on exhibit through Sunday, November 20, 2011.

The West Select ticket holders are invited to attend the host of activities at the Museum on Friday including artist presentations, a trunk show of Western wearables at the Museum Store and the Awards Luncheon. Between the Museum's events and additional collecting opportunities to be found in nearby Western art galleries, it will be a weekend of activities to excite first-time buyers and keep even the most active collectors busy. This is the "Don't Miss" Western art event of the season!

Chris Gooch, President of the Men's Arts Council, concludes that "As an organization, the Men's Arts Council has more than 40 years of experience with hosting, organizing and presenting world-class Western Art sales and is thrilled with the opportunity to assist in the creation of what will be, from its first year, the major event on the national Western art calendar. This Sale Weekend has the potential to revitalize Arizona's commitment to Western American art."