HOLD YOUR HORSES! RIDES AGAIN AT THE PHIPPEN MUSEUM July 26th-September 28th, 2025

For thousands of years, the horse has played a pivotal role in shaping civilizations across the globe. Entire empires have risen and fallen on their backs, and traces of their influence can still be found in nearly every corner of human history. Yet, with the rapid onset of mechanization in the 20th century, we have all but forgotten how deeply our progress was tied to the domestication of this powerful and resilient animal.

And since mobility is a cornerstone of human advancement, enabling trade, communication, conquest, and cultural exchange, the story of the horse is, in many ways, the story of civilization itself. So, in keeping with this impressive and honorable legacy, the Phippen Museum in Prescott, Arizona, is proud to once again present its acclaimed Hold Your Horses! Show & Sale, running from July 26th through September 28th, 2025, in their Kemper & Ethel Marley Western Art Gallery. This popular and highly anticipated invitational exhibition showcases the remarkable work of distinguished western artists celebrated for their exceptional equine art. And each piece on display is not only a tribute to the horse’s enduring legacy but is also available for purchase. This year’s collection of artwork features western artist, Marlin Rotach, who won the Hold Your Horses! People’s Choice award in 2024 for his 24”x18” watercolor, A Splash of Color. Born the son of a commercial artist who was also a stock horse trainer in Kansas, Rotach grew up with cowboys, horses, billboard layouts, type books, paint and brushes. These beginnings instilled in him an interest in fine art, art history and a passion for the American West.

His work explores nature, animals, and the West. And he is particularly interested in emphasizing the dynamic qualities of light and shadow to create dramatic impact in his watercolor paintings. The transparent aspect of the watercolor medium particularly suits this desire. Participating with Rotach this year are 34 more talented western artists also known for their ‘Art of the Horse’. Each will display several pieces of fine art for sale during the show and dedicated horse lovers, western art enthusiasts and art collectors from far and wide are continually drawn to this exhibit’s popular theme.

Participating artists include:

JaNeil Anderson, James Andrews, Phil Beck, Lia Bardin Barmor, Nancee Bussee, Gary Byrd, Sonja Caywood, Mary Ann Cherry, Valerie Coe, June Dudley, Elena Erős, Scott Ewen, Al Glann, Valeriy Kagounkin, Leslie Kirchner, Dan Knepper, Cheryl Koen, Tamara Magdalina, Anne Martin, Vickie McMillan-Hayes, Barbara Meikle, Bill Nebeker CA, Julie Nighswonger, Christine Obers, Vicki Pedersen, Beverly Pettit, Sarah Phippen, Richard Rodriguez, Lee Rue, Naomi Shachar, Diana Simpson, Russell Smith, WeiTai, Gary Ward, Val Warner, Kimbal Warren, Don Weller, and K.W. Whitley.

A special Opening Reception & Members’ Preview for Hold Your Horses! is scheduled on Friday, July 25th at 5:30PM, with museum members admitted FREE of charge and guests for $20 each. A cash bar and tasty appetizers will be provided.

So come join the Phippen Museum in celebrating that great icon of the American West…the faithful and majestic horse. The museum is located just a few minutes north of downtown Prescott, Arizona, at 4701 Highway 89 North. For additional information on this exhibition or any other event at the Phippen, please call (928)778-1385, or visit their website at www.phippenartmuseum.or

To purchase a piece of artwork from this gallery,
please contact Jeannette Holverson, Curator at 928-778-1385
or email jeannette@phippenartmuseum.org.