Upcoming Exhibits
Sacred Southwest: Hispanic Devotional Art
from the Collection of Dan Fout and Linda Scott
In the Kemper and Ethel Marley Gallery
Opening Reception: January 23, 2026 at 5:30 PM, Members FREE, Guests $20
Dates: January 24 – April 5, 2026
For more than three centuries, the American Southwest—spanning California, Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Colorado—stood as the remote frontier of the Spanish Empire. Life was harsh, and faith offered strength amid isolation, drought, and danger. The Catholic Church established missions in major towns, but in small villages, priests and sacred images were scarce. Santeros—“painters of saints”—filled this need, creating heartfelt retablos (painted saints) and bultos (carved figures) as objects of devotion and protection. Blending Spanish, Mexican, and regional traditions, these works expressed deep spirituality and community resilience. When mass-produced religious items arrived by rail in the late 1800s, many handmade pieces were lost.
The Phippen Museum is thrilled to share this exhibit of work from a single collection that honors these rare surviving objects, preserving their beauty and the enduring faith of the people who created and cherished them on the far edge of the Spanish frontier.
Northern Arizona Watercolor Society
March 22 – April 26
James Gallery
The Phippen Museum is delighted to welcome the Northern Arizona Watercolor Society (NAWS) to the Harold and Mitzie James Gallery for a special exhibition celebrating the vibrant artistry of its members.
Founded in 1980 by watercolorist Anna Mary Seyfert, NAWS began as a small group of artists in Sedona who shared a passion for watercolor painting. Originally established as the Northern Chapter of the Arizona Watercolor Association, the group flourished, drawing in talented artists from across the region. In 1995, they proudly declared their independence, forming the Northern Arizona Watercolor Society with 178 charter members.
Today, NAWS continues to nurture creativity and artistic excellence throughout the region. The Phippen is thrilled to showcase this legacy through a stunning collection of watercolors that capture the beauty, spirit, and diversity of northern Arizona’s landscapes and artists.
Northern Arizona Watercolor Society (NAWS), a 501(c)3 organization, was officially founded in
1995, but members were meeting as part of the Arizona Watercolor Association as early as
1980. Today, almost 100 members from Flagstaff, Sedona, the Verde Valley, and Prescott meet monthly at the Village Baptist Church, 55 Canyon Diablo Road, Sedona, Arizona. Our first exhibition was held in October of 1995 and in 2026 we are celebrating our 31st Juried Exhibition with the theme of “The Color of Light” at the Phippen Museum in Prescott, Arizona. Our exhibition will take place from March 22-April 26 and will be juried by acclaimed artist, Stephen Quiller.
As well as an annual juried exhibition and several library exhibitions, NAWS hosts monthly meetings with a strong educational component, workshops from local and national watercolor artists, beginners’ watercolor classes, library exhibitions, a bimonthly newsletter, critique groups, a DVD library, garage sales, plein air opportunities and much, much more. To learn about NAWS and our events go to: https://www.naws-az.org .
