Artist Biography Monte Flagg

Monte Flagg, was a quiet but talented artist, selling his works through the prestigious O’Brien Art Emporium. His series of Indian children paintings is truly spectacular. His artistic skill and popularity earned Monte the nickname “Cowboy Rembrandt”.

The Old Town Scottsdale Cowboy that welcomed folks to town was originally created by Monte Flagg. The original was replaced with a more durable model which is the source of identity rumors these days - recent newspaper articles have chronicled a current restoration of this most famous Scottsdale landmark.

Another Scottsdale Cowboy landmark was also created by Monte. The familiar cowpoke that graced the cover of the first Parada del Sol program in 1956 was his work, and came to be the standard bearer for the event.

Monte Flagg also was instrumental in forming the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and was one of its founding members. This affiliation lead to yet another Scottsdale Cowboy landmark as Monte produced the initial artwork used by the Chamber for its business sign; a tall, lean cowboy image with western town backdrop that became the Chamber’s signature piece.

Monte Flagg passed away in 1985 at the age of 56.