ArizonaRealCountry.com 9 July 2018 I would like to do something here that we all do on Facebook. When we run across something we really like, we share it. Well, with the Prescott Rodeo coming up, I wanted to write something about Prescott. But there is really so much there. Then on Memorial Day weekend, I attended the unveiling ceremony for the statue," Cowboy in a Storm” by George Phippen, to be placed in the new roundabout at the Phippen Museum. I knew this was that something. I went to see Edd Ketterman at the Phippen Museum. What a treasure of history he is. So I'm sharing his, "George Phippen, The Phippen Museum & Cowboy in a Storm". Read it, enjoy it, and share it, I did. After years of planning and preparation and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, George Phippen's monumental bronze has arrived in all it's glory at the roundabout entrance to the Phippen Museum. This intricate piece of community artwork grew from an individual vision into the larger than life figure that now greets visitors entering Granite Dells and the Prescott area from north Highway 89. Yes, “Cowboy in a Storm” is a tribute to an incredible, local artist whose artwork, character and keen sense of humor inspired others and the institution that now bears his name. But it also reminds us of our local ranching history and heritage and the countless families who dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to this risky and hazardous venture. It was their enduring tenacity and dogged vigilance that established a way of life that for most would have been miserable, at best. However, like the rider depicted in “Cowboy in a Storm,” these rugged individuals hung on to the reins of adversity, weathered the oncoming 'storm' and triumphed over unimpeded chaos and calamity. All of this while raising families and cattle in an environment that was most remote and inhospitable at the time. Today it's easy to forget how convenient life has become for us. Everything is instantaneous and easily accessible, including information and resources. But it wasn't so long ago that a lack of pre-planning in spring could mean utter disaster in winter. By Bob Roloff, “The Arizona Duuude” You can follow Bob Roloff on Facebook. THE ARIZONA DUUUDE GEORGE PHIPPEN, THE PHIPPEN MUSEUM & COWBOY IN A STORM Edd Ketterman was born and raised in Prescott, Arizona as the last of 11 children. Edd is a skilled marketing and public relations professional with more than 20 years' experience in local non-profits. He graduated with honors from Northern Arizona University and has been married to his beautiful wife and soulmate, Mardi, for 25 years. When not promoting the great art and heritage of the West, he enjoys reading American history, gardening in granite, exploring local trails and pretending to golf. So while “Cowboy in a Storm” offers an everyman perspective that shares the humor in an otherwise bad situation, it also transcends the western art genre and provides a glimpse of our local ranching community that is both accurate and relatable. Again, special thanks go out to Ron & Laura James with the Harold James Family Trust, Jim Chamberlain of Sun State Builders, Ed & Kathy Reilly and their associates at Bronzesmith Fine Art Foundry, artists Loren Phippen & Debbie Gessner, the City of Prescott and an entire community of outstanding local artists. Additional appreciation goes to Prescott City Council & Mayor Pro-Tem Billie Orr, Darrell Phippen and local rancher & cowboy poet Gail Gardener for speaking at the unveiling ceremony. The historical event was well attended and a fitting tribute to George Phippen, the Phippen Museum and our local ranching history and heritage. Left: Co-founders of the Cowboy Artists of America: (From L to R) Joe Beeler, Charlie Dye, John Hampton & George Phippen with western writer Robert MacLeod on June 23rd, 1965 at Bird’s Oak Creek Tavern in Sedona, AZ. Right and Below: George Phippen, The Phippen Museum & Cowboy in a Storm