Two
well‑known “big guys” are Frederic Remington
and Charlie Russell. The museum has a number of
works by these famous artists including “The Vaquero”
by Remington and “The Navajos” by Russell, one of
only four paintings of the Southwest ever done by
the artist.
Almost
never seen together, but also on exhibit are the
works of brothers Thomas and Peter Moran. The pairing
offers a rare opportunity to compare the styles
of the two renowned western painters. Visitors can
also see some of the Taos Society artist friends
grouped together including many well‑known
names.
Extending
the exhibit are the works of Cowboy Artists of America
members, including the late Joe Beeler. This popular
artist’s monumental statue, “Thanks for the Rain,”
stands at the entrance to the museum’s park and
is a well‑recognized Wickenburg symbol.
Completing
the circle are the works of the museum’s contemporary
artists including the Molnar family, sculptor Cynthia
Rigden and painter Lon Megargee.
In
the history galleries of the 20,000‑square‑foot
museum are miniature saddles created by Wickenburg
saddle maker Carson Thomas.
These
collectible miniatures are known as half‑size
saddles and were originally made as salesman samples.
Instead of carrying a full‑sized saddle around,
the miniatures made it much easier for a salesman
to show people back east the handiwork of the western
saddle makers.
The
exhibit is called “Art of the Saddle–A Leather Canvas
in Miniature,” and it runs through Sept. 2.
More
local history and lore can be found in the Museum’s
“Out on the Ranch” exhibit and in its Victorian
rooms as well as along an old‑fashioned street
scene which takes visitors back to life in Wickenburg
at the turn of the 20th century.
The
Desert Caballeros Western Museum is located at 21
N. Frontier Street in Wickenburg and is open from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and from noon to 4 p.m.
on Sunday. The Museum is closed on Mondays during
June, July and August.
During
May, the museum is offering a 2‑for‑1
discount to celebrate National Museum Month. The
discount coupon is available on the museum’s Web
site. For more information, call (928) 684‑2272.
Or visit westernmuseum.org
