SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is proud to announce the appointment of Andrew Patrick Nelson as its Chief Curator. Nelson brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a deep passion for the American West, reflected in his extensive academic and professional background.
Nelson joins Western Spirit from the University of Utah, where he is currently the Chair of the Department of Film & Media Arts and an Associate Professor of Film Studies. He holds a Ph.D. in English with a Film Studies Concentration from the University of Exeter, an M.A. in Film Studies from Carleton University, and a B.A. with distinction in Cinema Studies and English from the University of Toronto.
"We are thrilled to welcome Andrew to our team,” said Todd Bankofier, CEO and Executive Director of Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. His impressive background in film and media studies combined with his expertise in the history and culture of the American West make him an ideal fit for our museum. I am confident his vision will take us into the future, enhancing our exhibits and programs, while bringing our community and visitors new insights and highly engaging experiences."
His professional experience is equally distinguished, having served as a guest curator for the exhibition Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western, and as a guest film curator at the Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas. He was also a guest film curator at The Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles, CA. He held multiple positions at Montana State University including Assistant Professor of Film History and Critical Studies, Film Option Coordinator for the School of Film & Photography, and Associate Professor of Film History and Critical Studies. He was a Visiting Scholar at Stanford University's Bill Lane Center for the American West, and has designed and taught film studies courses at the University of Utah, Montana State University, the University of Calgary, and more.
His numerous publications and presentations reflect Nelson's scholarly work and curatorial capacity. He co-hosts the popular podcast How the West was ‘Cast with entertainment journalist Matthew Chernov, and appears as a regular guest on the History Channel, NPR, INSP, Fox News and other outlets. He has authored essays such as "Wagon Mistress", Women in the Western, 2020, and "John Wayne", Warhol and the West, 2019, and has contributed his expertise to encyclopedias and magazines. Nelson’s public speaking engagements, which include nearly 40 talks at various prestigious institutions, demonstrate his commitment to sharing his proficiency in the Western genre with a broad audience. He has authored book reviews and has served as an Advisory board member for PBS Utah from 2022 to the present, as well as the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum.
In his new role as Chief Curator, Nelson will oversee the museum's exhibitions and collections, bringing his unique perspective to Western Spirit's mission of celebrating the art, history, and culture of the American West.
"I'm honored to join Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West," said Nelson. "This museum has a remarkable collection and a strong dedication to preserving and interpreting the important stories of the American West. I look forward to working with the talented team here to create dynamic and thought-provoking exhibitions to inspire and educate."
With Nelson's leadership and ongoing contributions to both academic and public history, the museum is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and provide thought-provoking experiences for all.
Western Spirit features regularly changing and permanent exhibits of Western and Native American art and artifacts, entertaining events, and informative programs that bring the West’s heritage, culture, and community to life. Current special exhibitions are Inner Light: The Art of Tom Gilleon, through August of 2024; William Matthews: Decades, through October, 2024; Kids in Focus: Focus on Western Spirit by local youth through August 2024, and Dazzling Array: The Richard A. Gates Collection of Native American Jewelry, currently on display. New exhibitions include Women of the Southwest: A Painting Legacy, generously sponsored by Jennifer E. and Charles F. Sands, opening on July 2, 2024, and Sled Dogs in America: Alaska & Beyond, by Western painter and sculptor Veryl Goodnight, opening on July 17, 2024,
This summer Western Spirit presents “The Cool Frontier”, an exciting lineup of programs for 2024. From classic movies to live artist demonstrations and a fascinating exhibit on Western film history, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The programs promise to immerse visitors in the rich history and culture of the American West.
Permanent exhibitions continuously on display include Canvas of Clay: Hopi Pottery Masterworks from The Allan and Judith Cooke Collection, featuring 65 of the finest examples of Hopi pottery spanning six centuries; the Frankie and Howard Alper Collection of John Coleman Bronzes; and The Abe Hays Family Spirit of the West Collection, a showcase of more than 1,400 saddles, spurs, cowboy gear and other Old West objects.
For more information on Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, go to westernspirit.org.
About Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Western Spirit, located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale has quickly become a distinguished cultural destination since its opening in January 2015. Within months, it qualified as a Smithsonian Affiliate. The museum boasts a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and maintains an impressive 4.5-star rating on both TripAdvisor and Yelp. True West magazine consistently recognizes Western Spirit as one of the “Nation’s Best Western Museums”, most recently naming it the #1 Western Museum in the United States. Also, celebrated locally in the following publications: Arizona Foothill’s Best of Our Valley: 2024, “Best Museum”, 2023 “Best Museum” & “Best Annual Charity Event: Saddle Up”, Scottsdale Progress’ “Reader Recommended Museum”, Phoenix Magazine’s 2022 Best of The Valley Readers' Choice: “Best Museum You Probably Don’t Know About”, and the winner of Your Valley’s “East Valley Favorites” for the museum category.
In October 2023, the Basha family announced a generous gift to Western Spirit: the majority of the Eddie Basha Collection of American Indian and Western American fine art. Additionally, Western Spirit recently received a $12 million charitable gift from Louis "Buzz" Sands IV, facilitating the construction of nearly 12,000 square feet of new space - named the Louis Sands IV Center which will include two galleries. As Western Spirit approaches its 10th anniversary in January 2025, it continues to enrich the cultural landscape with its dynamic exhibitions and community events. For more information, visit westernspirit.org.
For more information, visit www.scottsdalemuseumwest.org
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Media Contact: Alison Rose
alison@48westagency.com
602-300-3433
