2023 Steel Dust Award, Presented by Art of the West Magazine

Bill Nebeker of Prescott, Arizona, won the prestigious Steel Dust Award, presented by Art of the West magazine, on August 12 during the opening reception of the 15th annual America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo.

Nebeker was recognized for his superior quality work with his bronze, “Waltzing Across Texas.” The 2023 Steel dust Award was selected by a panel of judges, and the award is based on artistic merit and recognizes the artist in a "best of show" competition. Nebeker received a specially designed plaque and full-page advertisement in Art of the West, valued at $3,075, courtesy of Art of the West.

Raised in Prescott, Arizona, since early boyhood, Nebeker’s heart is with ranchers and outdoorsmen of all cultures past and present. His childhood hobby of whittling horses, dogs, other animals and toys developed without formal instruction into the God-given talent he shares today with admirers all over the world.

Nebeker’s art has been featured in various Arizona cities memorializing the rich history and traditions of his community and western heritage. He became a member of the Cowboy Artists of America in 1978 and was honored by the Arizona Historical Society and Marshall Trimble, Arizona’s state historian, with the Arizona Culturekeeper Award, for his outstanding contributions to the history, art, civic leadership and entrepreneurial spirit in 2009.

America’s Horse in Art
The America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale is a fundraiser for the American Quarter Horse Foundation and is an invitation-only art show focusing on works that showcase the western and ranching lifestyle and the role the American Quarter Horse plays. Relevant works may also include landscapes, tack, gear, chuckwagons, etc. Artwork is submitted in various mediums, such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, charcoal and bronze.

As the signature art exhibition of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, a portion of the proceeds benefit the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum. The Hall of Fame celebrates and preserves the history of the American Quarter Horse and develops a variety of educational and outreach programs to enrich the lives of members and the Panhandle community. The pieces that were not sold on August 12 are still available for purchase through October 14. To view the collection, visit www.americashorseinart.com

America's Horse in Art is underwritten by the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Bureau -, the Fairly Group, Ingram Quarter Horses and the Dorothy and Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Historic Preservation Fund.

For more information on the America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale, visit www.aqha.com/artshow.

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