Sculpting Prescott’s Cultural Heritage

Local artist William “Bill” Nebeker was commissioned to create this important piece. Bill is a renowned Western artist, and his works can be found all over the world, including right here in Prescott. In its long history, Prescott has many heroes, and individuals worthy of our admiration, including artists like Bill, who have graced our city with significant public sculptures. Here are three such sculptors who are represented in Prescott.

Solon Borglum

Solon Borglum created the famous “Roughrider” statue on the Courthouse Plaza in 1907.    His work “Cowboy at Rest” resides on the south side of the Plaza as well. He was the younger brother of Gutzon Borglum and uncle to Lincoln Borglum, the team responsible for the Mt. Rushmore presidential carvings. Solon’s works were renowned and appeared all over the world, including the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis in 1904.

George Phippen

George Phippen was a well-known Western artist who lived in the area for some time, and is the namesake for the Phippen Museum of Western Art. His famous work, “Cowboy In A Storm,” was unfinished at the time of his death in 1966 at his home in Skull Valley. The Phippen Museum was founded in 1975. The casting of “Cowboy in a Storm” was later completed and the 15-foot bronze figure resides on the State Route 89 roundabout directly outside of the museum.    Phippen grew up as a cowboy in Kansas. After serving in World War II, he taught himself to paint. He was a member of the Mountain Artists Guild and president and co-founder of Cowboy Artists of America. His paintings and sculptures are world renowned.

Bill Nebeker

Bill Nebeker was raised in Prescott from early childhood. He was inspired to begin sculpting in 1964 when he attended a show by George Phippen. In 1978, Bill joined the Cowboy Artists of America, the group Phippen co-founded. Perhaps Bill’s most prominent monument in the area is “Early Settlers,” located at the intersection of SR89 and SR69. Bill also sculpted the “Lest We Forget,” Yavapai County fallen officers’ memorial at the Plaza, as well as “If Horses Could Talk” at the SR 89 and Willowcreek Roundabout. Bill’s work can be found in galleries and museums throughout the West and beyond.

Indeed, Prescott is a city blessed with many talented artists, who, with their works of public art – from murals to memorials – have made our city a more beautiful place to live and visit. Many more artistic works can be found in the various galleries and collections here in Prescott.   

Thanks again to Bill Nebeker and to all of our local artists for their contribution to Prescott’s culture and heritage. Thanks also to the private donors whose contributions helped make the art available for the public to enjoy. To see more examples of the works of these three artists and many more talented Western artists, visit the Phippen Museum of Western Art and be sure to attend the Phippen Museum 50th Anniversary Western Art Show and Sale, Memorial Day weekend on the Courthouse Plaza. QCBN

By Phil Goode, QCBN

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.