“Thanks to Phippen Museum for this great exhibit that brings so many visitors to town.”
An estimated 300 people came on opening day to view more than 100 selected pieces. “I envision thousands coming to this show over the coming weeks,” said Kellerman. “Nebeker is one of the most respected and well-known Western artists in the nation. His art captivates people. Because the exhibit is up through Prescott Frontier Days and the annual rodeo, we’ll have people from all over the country coming to see it.”
New Prescott residents Ken and Diane Fidyk have been Nebeker fans since they saw his bronze sculpture at the roundabout near the Prescott Airport. “We were awed.”
They referred to the larger-than-life bronze sculpture featuring a cowboy with binoculars sitting on a ledge searching for elk, while his horse is looking the other way at an elk crouched under the ledge. The show is named after that award-winning sculpture.
“Even when he was a kid, Bill was always carving and creating things,” said Nebeker’s friend since childhood, Jim Riley. “And look at him now – world-famous.”
Nebeker was the first president of a now-prestigious national organization, Cowboy Artists of America, founded 57 years ago by several Southwestern artists (not including Nebeker) when they were sitting in the Oak Creek Tavern in Sedona.
Merry Nebeker, Bill’s wife, started planning the exhibit with museum staff members more than two years ago. “Bill is such a legend that we all thought a 50-year retrospective would be terrific.”
“Having Bill Nebeker use his tremendous talent in keeping the history and tradition of Prescott and the American West alive – we are blessed,” said Prescott Mayor Phil Goode. “Thanks to Phippen Museum for this great exhibit that brings so many visitors to town.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
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