This exhibition highlights the graphic artwork of Lon Megargee (1883-1960), Arizona’s original cowboy artist. It comprises the largest and most comprehensive survey ever mounted of the artist’s graphic work, all drawn from the collection of Abe and Lalla Hays of Paradise Valley, Arizona. The Grace Hudson Museum has added, for comparison, a selection of works by Grace Carpenter Hudson (1865-1937). Though the artists resided in very different areas of the West, their careers in Western Art overlapped substantially. They shared a practical knowledge and affection for their subjects. Lon Megargee left Philadelphia as a youth to embrace the cowboy life of the Southwest. He lived the cowboy experience but his career became the artistic depiction of that disappearing independent lifestyle. Grace, raised in frontier Mendocino County, also knew the outdoors. Though she didn’t pursue printmaking media, her graphic drawings are sensitive portrayals of her surroundings. Grace dedicated her life to painting portraits of the local Pomo People in an effort to preserve their culture.
"Navajo Horseman" By Lon Megargee
Oil on canvas, circa 1922
Megaree had a very advanced sense of design; his work, particularly in his use of line and form, is both simple and bold. His art stands out in his mastery of the gesture, or depiction of actions, originality and his mastery of drawing. Lon Megargee’s archetypical images of the Southwest, particularly as seen in his graphic work, secure its place in Western art history. There simply is nothing in quality, variety or quantity that matched his prints. At times, the quality of his prints is equaled by his finest paintings. Megargee’s fine art and commercial work brought him much success. The John B. Stetson Co. still uses the Lon Megargee image, “The Last Drop From His Stetson,” as the logo on the inside of their premium cowboy hats.
"The War Bonnet" By Lon Megargee
Woodblock Print, circa 1920 to 1933
From the origins of his career in art, Lon Megargee had a strong sense of the important contributions that had been made by Native Americans and Hispanics. Even when satirizing their actions and foibles, and those of his Anglo peers, Megargee in his art provided a fairness and balance to all creeds that was enlightened for its time. This dovetails with Grace Hudson’s respect and friendship towards the Pomo people. Both artists have left us a rich, truthful, portrait legacy of their respective regions of the West.
Local funding for this exhibition has been generously provided by the
Kathleen Kohn Fetzer Family Foundation and the Sun House Guild.
A special thank you goes to Abe and Lalla Hays for loaning this exhibition.
Marvin Schenck, Curator, Grace Hudson Museum
LECTURE: "Arizona's Original Cowboy Artist"
Saturday, February 21, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Abe Hays, Exhibition Curator and Western Art collector, will entertain the
audience with the story of Megargee's life and art. As owner of long
established Arizona West Galleries in Scottsdale, Arizona, Abe Hays is
considered a leading authority on Western Art and artifacts of the Old West.
A free Reception for Abe Hays and the exhibition will follow the lecture.
Tours: Call the Grace Hudson Museum to arrange group or school tours for
this exhibit, (707) 467-2836
Grace Hudson Museum - 431 S. Main Ukiah, CA - 95482 - 707.467.2836
