ArtExhibitionsGeorge Elbert Burr: The Desert Etchings
Installation

George Elbert Burr: The Desert Etchings

On View November 28, 2025 Located in James K. Ballinger Wing

Examine more than 50 prints by prolific American printmaker George Elbert Burr, an instrumental figure in the history of Phoenix Art Museum.

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ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Header Image: George Elbert Burr, Evening – Apache Trail Country – Arizona, 20th century (detail). Etching. Gift of the Estate of Carolann Smurthwaite
George Elbert Burr, Springtime-Paradise Valley-Arizona, 20th century. Etching. Gift of the Estate of Carolann Smurthwaite

Drawn from the Museum’s extensive collection of prints and drawings, George Elbert Burr: The Desert Etchings features more than 50 prints by the artist, who was instrumental in founding the Phoenix Fine Art Association and in the community-building efforts that led to the establishment of PhxArt in 1959. Burr was an American painter and printmaker best known for his depictions of high desert landscapes across Arizona, Colorado, and Southern California. Although less recognized than his European predecessors, his etchings of resolutely American subjects have been exhibited alongside those of revolutionary printmaker Albrecht Durër and revered Golden Age artist Rembrandt van Rijn.

EXHIBITION SPONSORS

The inaugural installation of the James K. Ballinger Wing, an initiative honoring the historic collections of Phoenix Art Museum and the visionary leadership of Director Emeritus James K. Ballinger, is organized by Phoenix Art Museum and made possible by generous gifts from the Virginia M. Ullman Foundation, the Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation, and Cathie Lemon. Additional support provided by Men’s Arts Council, Margaret T Morris Foundation, Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation, and Harry and Rose Papp.

George Elbert Burr: The Desert Etchings is organized by Phoenix Art Museum and curated by Olga Viso, the Selig Family Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs.

All exhibitions at Phoenix Art Museum are underwritten by the Phoenix Art Museum Exhibition Excellence Fund, founded by The Opatrny Family Foundation with additional major support provided by Joan Cremin.

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ARIZONA ARTIST AWARDS

Since 1986, Phoenix Art Museum has awarded more than $350,000 to over 200 Arizona-based artists through two annual artist awards opportunities.

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