On April 22, 2023, FWA hosted 180 attendees and raised over $36,000 net income at our Annual BBQ at the Casitas at Smokey Springs ranch. These net proceeds will go to support FWA’s Teacher Art Supply Grant program that impacts thousands of students who might not otherwise be introduce to Western Art. Thanks to all who were a part of our event’s success. Click here to see more photos and our recognition page.
FWA’s First Tuesdays will resume after summer hiatus on October 3, 2023. Meanwhile, you can watch our previsouly-filmed lectures on FWA’s YouTube channel. Click Here!
In 1981, a group of Tucsonans, who shared an excitement about the depth and diversity of the Art of the American West, formed Friends of Western Art (FWA), a non-profit organization. In the 40 years since its inception, FWA has sponsored a legacy of artists and events that has enriched…
We are a focused, energetic, and fun group. Members enjoy the camaraderie of fellow FWA members in a variety of activities that promote Western Art. There are trips to museums, art auctions, educational programs, monthly dinners and our annual Western BBQ…
Over the past 18 years, FWA has raised and donated over $660,000 to support our mission.
Major categories of funding include…
On the first Tuesday of most months, join us for a fun and entertaining evening with a well-known western artist! Artists and artisans typically share insights…
Yearly events include BBQ Fundraiser, participation at the Tucson Festival of Books, Artist Spotlight & more…
Melvin C. Warren “Up the Goodnight Trail,” 1964.
Since our funding assistance with Amerind Museum’s Fulton-Hayden Memorial Art Gallery revitalization….
FWA’s programs change, but the theme remains the same. Western Art is a journey that describes art through time. As a member, you will help shape and influence the contemporary rendition of Western Art for future generations. We hope you will consider joining and be a part of the future of Western Art.
I want to sincerely thank you for your support of the Santa Cruz County 4H Fine Arts Program. In a day and age where art is being taken out of public school curriculum… it is a huge blessing for children to be able to find an outlet for their creativity…
An artist friend informed me of Friends of Western Art. They believed in the fact that our youth need art in their lives. The support that I have received made the difference in the lives of the local youth. the greatest gift a teacher can get is when the light of comprehension comes on in a young persons life…
Since the Altar Valley School District art program was first launched following the generous donation from Friends of Western Art, our students have shown significant growth. Not only have they developed art-based skills and knowledge, but have expanded their ability to think creatively and willingness to take steps outside of their comfort zones…
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the Friends of Western Art’s support throughout the start of my academic career. It is through the scholarships awarded to me by FWA that I was able to attend university without the additional weight of undertaking significant amounts of student loans. In 2009, when I was a senior attending Ironwood Ridge High School, I was awarded a scholarship for an oil painting I created of my late Grandpa…..Read More