From the grand opening of the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the pairing of art, wine, and beef in Alpine, Texas.
Through June 12
Judy Chicago: Dry Ice, Smoke, and Fireworks Archive
Beginning in 1968, influential artist Judy Chicago embarked on a series of ephemeral Atmospheres performances in the deserts of the American West, using colored smoke and fireworks to “soften that macho Land Art scene.” This exhibition presents 175 vintage photographs of Chicago’s performances and events. Other materials on view include preparatory drawings and plans, models, video compilations, press documentation, and fireworks test information. Nevada Museum of Art, 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
Through June 16
Murillo: Picturing the Prodigal Son
In this sole U.S. venue, the Meadows Museum presents the rare and recently restored series of six paintings on the prodigal son by Sevillian artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. Still intact as a group centuries after their creation, the paintings travel from the National Gallery of Ireland. Also included in the exhibition are paintings and works on paper from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the Hispanic Society of America, the Kimbell Art Museum, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Meadows Museum, SMU, Dallas, 214.768.2516, meadowsmuseumdallas.org
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, The Return of the Prodigal Son, c. 1660, oil on canvas, 41” x 53”. Courtesy of National Gallery of Ireland
Through July 21
Birds: Spiritual Messengers of the Skies
This exhibition explores the past and present importance of birds in Native culture and in the study of archaeology. Birds are portrayed in many varied artistic expressions—as painted images, as shaped vessels, and as a resource for tools, feathers, and food—with some items dating back to as early as A.D. 600. Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Santa Fe, 505.476.1269, miaclab.org
Ulysses Reid (Zia), Traditional Zia water vase with painted roadrunner image, 2010, polychrome basalt clay pottery. Collections of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Santa Fe
Through July 24
If Horses Could Talk: The Art of Bill Nebeker CA
Longtime member of Cowboy Artists of America, award-winning artist Bill Nebeker found inspiration in the works of George Phippen. This retrospective of 100-plus 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 full-color catalog is available. Phippen Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.778.1385, phippenartmuseum.org
Bill Nebeker, High Tailin’ It, bronze, 27” x 43” x 16”. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist
May 7
Settlers West Summer Show
This invitation-only show features roughly 75 paintings and sculptures by about 50 premier and emerging artists, including William Acheff, Mark Boedges, Robert Duncan, Robert Griffing, Kevin Peloke, R.S. Riddick, and Albin Veselka. All works are sold by intent-to-purchase draw. Settlers West Galleries, Tucson, Arizona, 520.299.2607, settlerswest.com
Albin Veselka, Well Fed, oil on linen, 8” x 10”. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist
Grand Opening May 10 (Ongoing)
Bob Dylan Center
Dedicated to the study and appreciation of renowned American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan and his cultural significance, this new center comprises 100-plus items spanning Dylan’s career. It includes handwritten manuscripts, notebooks, and correspondence; films, videos, photographs, and artwork; memorabilia and ephemera; personal documents and effects, unreleased studio and concert recordings; musical instruments; and many other elements. U.S. poet laureate and internationally renowned performer and writer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Joy Harjo is the center’s first artist-in-residence. Tulsa Arts District, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 918.392.3483, bobdylancenter.com
May 27 – 29
Spirits of the West: Wine & Beef Fest
This inaugural event showcases West Texas artists, beef producers, winemakers, distillers, and signature chefs in celebration of the area’s unique cattle-ranching heritage. Artists will display jewelry, painting, ceramics, blacksmithing, and more, while beef bites prepared by local producers and chefs will be paired with select Texas wines, cheeses, and chocolates. Activities include Friday VIP Night, Saturday morning 5K Fun Run, and a street festival on Saturday and Sunday. Alpine, Texas, 432.294.1071, spiritsofthewestfest.com
Featured artist Todd Elrod, Ornamental gate, 2017, hand-forged iron, 7’ x 4’. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist
May 27 – 29
Texas Masters of Fine Art and Craft Show
This group of award-winning Texas master artists and craftspeople returns this year with its treasure trove of superb artwork and with 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 view also includes photography, gourd art, weaving, fabric art, furniture, rock art, and glass. Y.O. Ranch Hotel, Kerrville, Texas, 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
The Sons of Charlie Russell: The Cowboy Artists of America
Showcasing the foundation, 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 traditional Western art looks like. It includes 70 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper dating from 1890 to the present day from 40 artists. Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio, 210.299.4499, briscoemuseum.org
Frederic Remington, Hunters’ Supper, 1909, oil on canvas, 27” x 30”. Image courtesy of National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
May 28 – 30
Native Treasures: A MIAC Art Market
Highlighting innovative Cochiti Pueblo potter, multitalented artist, and 2022 Living Treasure Virgil Ortiz, this show features jewelry, pottery, sculpture, two-dimensional art, fashion, carvings, basketry, beadwork, and textiles. The 200-plus 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 May 28. Museum of Indian Arts & 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 (wild spinach) paint; 27” x 14.75” x 11.75”. Collection of Cyndy and Bob Gallegos. Photo credit: Chad Tanner
May 28 – 30
Western Art Show & Sale
Outstanding Western artists set up their work around Prescott, Arizona’s historic courthouse plaza for this Memorial Day weekend tradition. Artwork includes oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. A miniature-masterpiece show and sale, and an artist award ceremony on Sunday are among the special events. Phippen Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.778.1385, phippenartmuseum.org
Sarah Phippen; A Mixed Bunch; 2021; oil on linen; 18” x 24”; Best of Show, 2021 Phippen Western Art Show. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist
Featured image: Frederic Remington, Hunters’ Supper, 1909, oil on canvas, 27” x 30”. Image courtesy of National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
