From the grand opening of the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the Art, Wine and Beef Association in Alpine, Texas.
Until June 12
Judy Chicago: Dry Ice, Smoke, and Fireworks Archives
Beginning in 1968, influential artist Judy Chicago embarked on a series of ephemeral works Atmospheres performances in the deserts of the American West, using colored smoke and fireworks to “soften that macho scene of Land Art”. This exhibit features 175 vintage photographs of Chicago performances and events. Other materials on display include preparatory drawings and plans, models, video compilations, press materials and fireworks test information. Nevada Art Museum, Reno, Nevada, 775.329.3333, nevadaart.org
Judy Chicago, A butterfly for Pomona, 2012 Fireworks and flares Performed at Pomona College, Claremont, CA in collaboration with Pyro Spectaculars (Rialto, CA) as part of the Getty Pacific Standard Time Performance Festival © Judy Chicago/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Photo © Donald Woodman /ARS, New York Courtesy of the artist; Salon 94, New York; and Jessica Silverman Gallery, San Francisco
By June 16
Murillo: the image of the prodigal son
In this unique location in the United States, the Meadows Museum presents the recently restored rare series of six paintings on the prodigal son of the Sevillian artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. Still intact as a group centuries after their creation, the paintings travel from the National Gallery of Ireland. The exhibit also includes paintings and works on paper from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, the Hispanic Society of America, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Meadows Museum, SMU, Dallas, 214.768.2516, meadowsmuseumdallas.org
Bartolome Esteban Murillo, The return of the prodigal son, ch. 1660, oil on canvas, 41″ x 53″. Courtesy of the National Gallery of Ireland
Until July 21
Birds: spiritual messengers from the heavens
This exhibit explores the past and showcases importance of birds in Aboriginal culture and in the study of archaeology. Birds are depicted in many varied artistic expressions, as painted images, shaped vessels, and resources for tools, feathers, and food, with some artefacts dating back to AD 600. Museum of Arts and Culture Indian culture, Santa Fe, 505.476.1269, miaclab.org
Ulysses Reid (Zia), Traditional Zia Water Vase with Painted Roadrunner Image, 2010, pottery in polychrome basalt earth. Collections of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Santa Fe
Until July 24
If Horses Could Talk: The Art of Bill Nebeker CA
Longtime member of the Cowboy Artists of America, award-winning artist Bill Nebeker was inspired by the works of George Phippen. This retrospective of over 100 sculptures demonstrates Nebeker’s subtle humor and wry observations in his honest and authentic portrayals of the historic American West and contemporary ranch life. A color catalog is available. Phippen Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.778.1385, phippenartmuseum.org
Bill Nebeker, High Tailin’ Itbronze, 27″ x 43″ x 16″. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist
May 7
Settlers of the West Summer Show
This invitation-only exhibition features approximately 75 paintings and sculptures by approximately 50 prominent and emerging artists, including William Aceff, Mark Boedges, Robert Duncan, Robert Griffing, Kevin Peloke, RS Riddick and Albin Veselka. All works are sold by lottery. Colons West Galleries, Tucson, Arizona, 520.299.2607, colonswest.com
Albin Veselka, Well fed, oil on linen, 8” x 10”. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist
Grand opening on May 10 (in progress)
Bob Dylan Center
Dedicated to the study and appreciation of famed American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan and his cultural significance, this new center includes over 100 articles spanning Dylan’s career. It includes handwritten manuscripts, notebooks and correspondence; films, videos, photographs and works of art; memories and ephemera; documents and personal effects, unpublished studio recordings and concerts; musical instruments; and many other elements. Joy Harjo, American Poet Laureate, internationally acclaimed performer and writer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is the center’s first Artist-in-Residence. Tulsa Arts District, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 918.392.3483, bodylancenter.com
May 27 – 29
Western Spirits: Wine and Beef Festival
This inaugural event features artists, beef producers, winemakers, distillers and chefs from across West Texas to celebrate the region’s unique cattle ranching heritage. Artists will display jewelry, painting, ceramics, blacksmithing and more, while bites of beef prepared by local producers and chefs will be paired with a selection of Texas wines, cheeses and chocolates. Activities include Friday’s VIP party, Saturday morning’s fun 5K run, and a Saturday and Sunday street festival. Alpine, TX, 432.294.1071, spiritsofthewestfest.com
Featured artist Todd Elrod, ornamental portal, 2017, hand forged iron, 7′ x 4′. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist
May 27 – 29
Texas Fine Arts and Crafts Masters Fair
This group of award-winning master artists and artisans from Texas returns this year with its treasure trove of stunning artwork and new artists, including Kerrville pastel artist Carol Arnold, Austin wood furniture maker Michael Montgomery and Corpus Christi glass artists Kathy and Rolf Wagner. From jewelry and pottery to painting, drawing and sculpture, the art on display also includes photography, gourd art, weaving, fabric art, furniture, rock art and glass. YO Ranch Hotel, Kerrville, TX, 469.223.4162, texasmasters.com
Carol Arnold, Prickly pear, pastel on panel, 9” x 12”. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist
May 27 – September 5
Charlie Russell’s Sons: America’s Cowboy Artists
Showcasing the foundations, traditions and ideals established in the works of Frederic Remington, Edward Borein and Charlie Russell, this exhibition illustrates the evolution of contemporary Western art, demonstrating how the Cowboy Artists of America provide a set of criteria for what that traditional western art looks like. It includes 70 paintings, sculptures and works on paper dating from 1890 to the present day by 40 artists. Briscoe Museum of Western Art, San Antonio, 210.299.4499, briscoemuseum.org
Frederic Remington, hunters supper, 1909, oil on canvas, 27” x 30”. Image courtesy of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
May 28 – 30
Indigenous Treasures: A MIAC Art Market
Highlighting innovative potter Cochiti Pueblo, multi-talented artist and living treasure 2022 Virgil Ortiz, this exhibition features jewelry, pottery, sculpture, two-dimensional art, fashion, sculptures, basketry, beadwork and textiles. The more than 200 participating artists represent many tribes and pueblos, as well as a wide range of art forms, from traditional to contemporary and from emerging artists to masters. A new night market kicks off the event on May 28. Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Santa Fe, 505.476.1269, miac.eventbrite.com
Virgil Ortiz; Master & 2 Tics; 2002; Cochiti Red Clay, White Clay Slip, Red Clay Slip, Black Paint (Wild Spinach); 27″ x 14.75″ x 11.75″. Collection of Cyndy and Bob Gallegos. Photo credit: Chad Tanner
May 28 – 30
Exhibition and sale of Western art
Outstanding Western artists have set up their work around the historic courthouse plaza in Prescott, Arizona for this Memorial Day weekend tradition. Artwork includes oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. An exhibition and sale of miniature masterpieces and an artist awards ceremony on Sunday are among the special events. Phippen Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.778.1385, phippenartmuseum.org
Sarah Phippen; A mixed group; 2021; oil on linen; 18″x24″; Best of Show, Phippen Western Art Show 2021. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist
Featured Image: Frederic Remington, hunters supper, 1909, oil on canvas, 27” x 30”. Image courtesy of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
