“Portraits of the West: The Kenneth M. Freeman Legacy Collection,” a traveling exhibition of more than 70 oil paintings, sculptures, illustrations and studio artifacts, will premiere at the Phippen Museum on June 26 and remain on view through October 24.
Subject matter includes working cowboys and cowgirls, rodeo heroes, Native American elders and children, mountain men and Western landscapes. “Portraits of the West” pays tribute to Kenneth Freeman, a Western artist and illustrator.
A temporary studio replica of Freeman’s own workspace serves as the centerpiece of this exhibition, providing intimate insight to the artist’s creative process. The unfinished “Impending Decision IV,” the final piece Freeman was painting at the time of his passing, will be on display to illustrate his painting technique.
“Ken Freeman appreciated the art and the heritage of the American West, which is the mission of the Phippen. We are so proud to host this world premiere,” said curator and collections manager Deb Bentlage. “The exhibit features Freeman pieces from the Legacy archives, some of which have never been exhibited. We also have an illustration Ken did for Coca-Cola along with book covers for Will James and J.P.S. Brown.”
“Ken’s ‘Old Masters’ technique was very time consuming but the outcome is extraordinary. It is the only way to achieve the depth of colors and warm layers of content that will pass the test of time. This painting technique will last for hundreds of years,” said Edward Holmes, president of Western Artists of America, which presented Freeman with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The museum is at 4701 Highway 89 North. For more information, 928-778-1385 or www.phippenartmuseum.org .
