Collectors purchased more than .1 million in paintings and sculptures inspired by the American West during the 21st annual Quest for the West Art Show and Sale at the Eiteljorg Museum.

Held Sept. 11–12, the two-night fundraising event attracted more than 325 art lovers to downtown Indianapolis, where they could purchase original works and meet many of the 50 participating artists. The opening night set a sales record for the event’s miniature art category.

“Twenty-one years of Quest for the West is a remarkable milestone, and this year’s exhibition demonstrates why this event has become such an important gathering for artists, collectors and audiences who care deeply about the art of the American West,” Eiteljorg President and CEO Kathryn Haigh said.

Haigh noted that the 2026 show welcomed 10 new artists alongside longtime participants who have helped shape the exhibition during the past two decades.

“Together, they reflect the richness and evolution of the field, honoring the traditions of Western art while embracing the artists who are defining where it goes next,” she said.

The opening weekend featured two fixed-price, luck-of-the-draw sales and an awards banquet. Sales have reached $1.15 million and continue to grow, including purchases from the miniature art sale on Sept. 11, the main sale on Sept. 12 and transactions completed since the event.

The miniature sale generated $112,325, establishing a new record for the category.

Quest for the West serves as an annual fundraiser for the Eiteljorg Museum. Participating artists receive 75 percent of the proceeds from their sales, while the remainder benefits the museum. Since the event began in September 2006, more than $21 million in artwork has been sold.

Honoring the artists

Several participating artists received awards during the Sept. 12 banquet.

Dean Mitchell of Tampa, Florida, received the Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award for his painting “Yellowstone.” Presented by the Western Art Society, the award included the acquisition of Mitchell’s painting for the Eiteljorg Museum’s permanent collection.

Tim Cherry of Branson, Missouri, received the Victor Higgins Award of Distinction for the strongest overall body of work presented at the show. His collection included the bronze sculpture “Creek Mystique” and three additional works. Catherine Turner sponsored the award.

The Cyrus Dallin Award for Best Sculpture went to Pahponee, a member of the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas and Citizen Potawatomi Nation, for her bronze sculpture “Buffalo in Blizzard.” The Sidney, Nebraska, artist has participated in the Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival for many years, but 2026 marked her first appearance at Quest for the West. Michael and Carla Leppert sponsored the award.

Starr Hardridge, a Muscogee artist from Knoxville, Tennessee, received the Henry Farny Award for Best Painting for “Autumn Trail.” Stephen and Jane Marmon sponsored the honor.

“Autumn Trail” also shared the Patrons’ Choice Award following a tie in voting by Quest attendees. The other recipient was Bruce Lawes of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, for his painting “On Top of Her Game.” Tom and Patty Gibbs sponsored the award.

The Artists’ Choice Award went to Daniel Smith of Bigfork, Montana, for “A Time to Feast.” Quest artists selected the winner, and Phyllis Cockerill sponsored the award.

Mikel Donahue of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, received the Miniature Art Show Patrons’ Choice Award for his painting “Winter Colors.” Sponsored by David and Giselle Found, the award recognizes the smaller and more affordable works created for the opening night sale.

More opportunities to experience Quest

The Quest for the West exhibition remains on view at the Eiteljorg through Oct. 11, giving visitors an opportunity to see the paintings and sculptures before purchased works are shipped to their new owners.

Available works, including paintings and additional casts of sculptures, may be purchased during the Quest Last Look event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24. Purchases can also be made through the exhibition’s closing date.

Admission to the exhibition is included with regular museum admission, and Eiteljorg members receive free admission.

Visitors can also see a related exhibition featuring the whimsical wildlife sculptures of Tim Cherry, the 2025 Quest Artist of Distinction. Showcasing bronze works from across Cherry’s career, the exhibition remains on view in the museum’s Ruth Lilly Community Art Gallery through Sept. 27.

The 21st annual Quest for the West Art Show and Sale was presented by the Western Art Society and Avis Foundation Inc. Additional support was provided by Western Art Society members, individual donors, Art of the West magazine, Southwest Art magazine and Kahn’s Catering. Sophisticated Living magazine served as an in-kind sponsor.

For additional information about the exhibition and available artwork, visit quest.eiteljorg.org.