Quest for the West 2025: Eiteljorg Museum Celebrates 20 Years of Western Art in Indianapolis

One of the nation’s premier showcases of Western American art returns to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art this fall. The 20th annual Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale takes place September 5–6, bringing together 48 of the country’s leading painters and sculptors for an unforgettable weekend of art, culture, and community.

Since its debut in 2006, Quest has generated more than $19.5 million in art sales, becoming a landmark event for seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the two-day celebration allows guests to mingle with artists, enjoy fine dining, and participate in the excitement of fixed-price, luck-of-the-draw art sales.

This year’s Quest features an impressive lineup of artists, including six newcomers: Starr Hardridge (Muscogee Creek), David Jonason, Z.S. Liang, Bonnie Maris, Preston Singletary (Tlingit), and Jill Soukup. Singletary is especially well-known to Eiteljorg audiences for his acclaimed glass sculpture exhibition Raven and the Box of Daylight in 2024. Returning favorites include Tim Cherry, Robert Griffing, Donna Howell-Sickles, Krystii Melaine, Mark Kelso, and more.

The weekend begins Friday, September 5, with the Miniature Art Sale and Reception, where artists present smaller works ideal for both first-time buyers and seasoned collectors. On Saturday, September 6, the Main Sale takes center stage with three thrilling bidding sessions. Unlike an auction, Quest uses a ballot draw system, where the first selected buyer has the right to purchase a chosen piece. Both evenings also include gourmet dining by Kahn’s Catering and live music, creating an elegant, celebratory atmosphere.

Adding to the weekend’s depth, guests will hear from keynote speaker Dr. Mindy Besaw, director of the Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University. A respected scholar of American art, Dr. Besaw will present Reframing the West, a talk exploring how contemporary scholarship redefines Western art and culture.

Art lovers who cannot attend the opening weekend can still enjoy the Quest for the West® exhibition from September 7 through October 5. The gallery will display all featured works, offering museum visitors a chance to admire the remarkable landscapes, portraits, still-lifes, and sculptures before purchased pieces are delivered to their new owners. Unsold works remain available for purchase throughout the exhibition’s run.

“Art and popular culture inspired by the American West are truly having a moment,” said Eiteljorg President and CEO Kathryn Haigh. “Now celebrating its 20th year, Quest for the West® connects with everyone—from those who find inspiration in the grandeur of Western national parks, to fans of shows like Yellowstone, to individuals who embrace the spirit of the West in their style. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply an admirer of exceptional art, Quest offers an experience that is both timeless and unforgettable.”

Presented by The Western Art Society and Avis Foundation, Inc., Quest for the West® continues to solidify its place as one of the country’s most prestigious Western art events—right here in the heart of Indianapolis.