[OKLAHOMA CITY, May 30, 2024] – Tomorrow, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum will open to the public its prestigious invitational art exhibit of nearly 300 Western paintings and sculptures by the finest contemporary Western artists in the nation.
The works in Prix de West, which will be on display May 31 through Aug. 4, 2024, range from historical pieces that reflect the early days of the West, to more contemporary and impressionist works of art.
“Prix de West is a signature event at The Cowboy,” said Seth Spillman, Chief Marketing Officer at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. “This event celebrates the American West’s rich heritage and showcases the remarkable talent of the artists who capture its essence. We invite art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in this extraordinary collection.”
The highly anticipated annual exhibition and sale is the Museum’s largest annual fundraiser that helps to fund Museum exhibitions and programming. In 2023, the Museum sold more than $3.3 million during the 51st Prix de West.
The special Art Sale Weekend will be held June 7-8, 2024, and will include both a live auction and a fixed-price art sale, as well as art seminars, workshops, cocktail receptions and an awards dinner on Saturday, June 8. Returning once again this year are virtual-viewing and proxy-bidding options for those who are unable to attend Prix de West in person.
Approximately 90 artists will be attendance, including new artists Tony Abeyta, Dan Friday, Abigail Gutting, Brett Allen Johnson, Jerry Jordan, Mary Whyte and Kim Wiggins.
In addition, George Carlson, a 40-year Prix de West artist, will join a rare group of Western masters when he receives the Prix de West Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor reserved for those exceptional artists who have made a deep and lasting impact on Western art. Only four artists have received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Prix de West’s history.
To be considered for the Prix de West Lifetime Achievement Award, an artist’s body of work must span decades, reflect creativity and sensitivity in subject matter, and exhibit continuous innovation and excellence in execution.
Artist T.D. Kelsey, who will return this year for his 11th Prix de West, was selected to design this year’s commemorative bolo, available for purchase at Persimmon Hill Store. This time-honored tradition is a favorite among attendees who proudly wear the bolo throughout the weekend.
Also available for purchase is the show catalog which includes art featured in the show and artist biographies.
For more information on the 52nd annual Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale, to make reservations, see a full schedule of events, or arrange to bid by proxy, please visit pdw.nationalcowboymuseum.org.