For one unforgettable weekend each year, the Eiteljorg Museum becomes a meeting place for artists, collectors and admirers of Western American art. It is a rare opportunity to view and purchase original works while meeting the creative minds behind them.
The tradition continues Sept. 11–12 when the 21st annual Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale returns to Indianapolis. Recognized as one of the nation’s premier Western American art-sale events, the celebration will bring together 50 leading painters, printmakers, ceramic artists and sculptors from across the country.
Approximately 200 new works will be featured during two fixed-price, luck-of-the-draw sales. Guests can expect an impressive range of artistic styles and subjects, from sweeping landscapes and majestic wildlife to expressive portraits, sculpture and contemporary interpretations of Western life.
“Quest for the West® offers an experience unlike any other,” Eiteljorg President and CEO Kathryn Haigh said. “Collectors have the opportunity to meet extraordinary artists, hear the stories behind their works and purchase exceptional pieces that celebrate the enduring spirit, beauty and many cultures of the American West.”
Since its debut in September 2006, Quest for the West® has generated more than $20 million in art sales while helping elevate the profile of Western American art throughout the Midwest. Although the opening weekend attracts established collectors, Haigh emphasizes that the event is equally welcoming to those considering their first original art purchase.
“Whether you are an experienced collector or purchasing your first original work of art, Quest for the West® is the perfect opportunity to begin or grow your collection,” she said.
Meet the Artists
One of the qualities that makes Quest for the West® distinctive is the opportunity to connect directly with the artists. Nearly all 50 participating artists will attend the opening weekend, allowing collectors to ask questions, learn about creative techniques and discover the inspiration behind individual works.
Ten artists will make their Quest debut this year: Kevin Chupik, Maeve Eichelberger, Danny Galieote, Angie Haskall, Leon Loughbridge, Cody Oldham, Marlin Rotach, Nelson Tucker, Yun Wei and acclaimed sculptor Pahponee. A member of the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas and Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Pahponee is already a favorite among visitors to the Eiteljorg’s annual Indian Market & Festival.
Returning artists include celebrated painters and sculptors John Buxton, Robert Griffing, Donna Howell-Sickles, Mark Kelso, Krystii Melaine, Curt Mattson, P.A. Nisbet, Heide Presse and Stephanie Revennaugh. Preston Singletary, who is Tlingit, and Starr Hardridge, who is Muscogee Creek, also return to the event.
An Opening Weekend Filled With Art
Quest for the West® begins Friday, Sept. 11, with an artist reception and miniature art sale. The smaller-scale works are offered at more accessible price points, making the sale especially appealing to first-time buyers as well as longtime collectors who may no longer have room for larger pieces.
The signature main art sale takes place Saturday, Sept. 12. Instead of a traditional auction, each piece is offered at a fixed price through a luck-of-the-draw process. Interested collectors submit ballots for the artwork they hope to purchase. The person whose name is drawn first receives the option to buy it. If that collector declines, the opportunity passes to the next name selected.
The weekend concludes with an awards banquet celebrating outstanding achievement across several artistic categories. Among the most prestigious honors is the Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award. With support from the Western Art Society, the museum acquires the winning work for its permanent collection.
The Exhibition Continues
The experience does not end when the opening-weekend sales conclude. From Sept. 13 through Oct. 11, Quest for the West® remains on view as a monthlong exhibition included with regular museum admission. This gives visitors additional time to see the works before purchased pieces are shipped to their new homes.
Artwork that remains unsold after opening weekend will also continue to be available for purchase throughout the exhibition.
Eiteljorg Museum members can enjoy another special opportunity during Quest Last Look from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. The members-only evening offers guests a chance to revisit the exhibition and purchase available works before the show closes.
Celebrating Tim Cherry
This year’s event coincides with a special exhibition honoring Tim Cherry, the 2025 Quest Artist of Distinction. Known for his whimsical wildlife bronzes, Cherry brings personality, movement and a playful sense of character to his sculptural work.
His exhibition will be on view from Aug. 22 through Sept. 27 in the museum’s Ruth Lilly Community Art Gallery. Admission to the Tim Cherry exhibition is free to the public.
Whether you are searching for a statement piece, beginning an art collection or simply curious about contemporary visions of the American West, Quest for the West® offers a chance to engage with exceptional artwork—and the people who create it.
Registration, participating artist information, artwork previews and absentee-buyer details are available at quest.eiteljorg.org.
