The Phippen Museum is named in honor of local painter and sculptor, George Phippen. He was an extremely talented artist who created more than 3,000 pieces of artwork in his lifetime and was a co-founder and first president of the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America. Unfortunately, he passed away at the early age of 50 in 1966. But his friends and family were so enamored with his inspirational character, outstanding artistic talent and his wonderful sense of humor, that they pursued the creation of an institution in his name that would be dedicated to the preservation, promotion and presentation of the great art of the American West. And in October of 1984 the dream became a reality as the Phippen Museum opened its doors to the public for the very first time.