SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is thrilled to announce its exciting lineup of summer programs 2024. Titled "Western Spirit: The Cool Frontier," these programs promise to immerse visitors in the rich history and culture of the American West. From classic movies to live artist demonstrations, a fascinating exhibit on Western film history, and free admission to military families there's something for everyone.
Western Movies
Kicking off the summer program is "Western Movies," generously sponsored by Marcia & Hugh Ruddock. Free for Members, this series will feature iconic Western films shown on a brand-new state-of-the-art projector system. Movie tickets are priced at $8.00 each or enjoy the film for free with paid museum admission. Plus, indulge in popcorn and a water bottle for just $2.00. Screenings happen every Thursday and Sunday in June, July, and August 2024, starting at 2:00 p.m. Here's the schedule for the first month:
- Sunday, June 2nd - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford & Paul Newman), Rated PG
- Thursday, June 6th - Tombstone (Kurt Russell & Val Kilmer), Rated R
- Sunday, June 9th - The Searchers (John Wayne), Unrated
- Thursday, June 13th - Unforgiven (Clint Eastwood & Morgan Freeman), Rated R
- Sunday, June 16th - 3:10 to Yuma (Glen Ford & Van Heflin), Rated R
- Thursday, June 20th - The Magnificent Seven (original version) (Steve McQueen), Rated PG13
- Sunday, June 23rd - True Grit (John Wayne), Rated PG13
- Thursday, June 27th - Open Range (Kevin Costner & Robert Duvall), Rated R
- Sunday, June 30th - Once Upon a Time in the West (Claudia Cardinale & Henry Fonda), Rated PG12
…AND MORE!
Artist Tuesdays
Every Tuesday in June, July, and August from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., visitors can witness local artists at work during "Artist Tuesdays." This unique program allows guests to observe artists creating their masterpieces in Western Spirit. Here's the schedule of featured artists:
- June 4, 11, 18, & 25: Jerry Salinas, Milly Guthrie, & Anton Nowels
- July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30: Kathy Howard
- July 30, August 6: Ashwini Bharathula
- August 13, 20, & 27: Dustin Klassen
- August 6, 13, 20, & 27: Timothy Rees & Mike Garcia
The Dr. Rennard Strickland Collection of Western Film History
Also not to miss is The Dr. Rennard Strickland Collection of Western Film History to coincide with our summer Western movies. This captivating exhibit showcases 16 Western movie posters, lobby cards, and advertisements from around the world from Dr. Strickland's renowned larger collection. This exhibit is presented within the Virginia G. Piper Auditorium and pays tribute to Dr. Strickland's dedication to preserving Western film history.
Blue Star Museums Program
Finally, Western Spirit will participate as museums nationwide provide free admission to military families this summer from May 18 - September 2, 2024. Blue Star Museums is a National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families program, in collaboration with the Department of Defense. Participating museums can be found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additional information and a complete list of participating museums are available at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums.
"It’s cool in here! We're excited to offer visitors an unforgettable experience this summer with our diverse lineup of programs," said Todd Bankofier, CEO and Executive Director of Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. "Whether you're a fan of classic Western movies, a lover of art, or interested in the history of Western cinema, there's something here for the whole family."
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 Waking Dream: Works by Navajo Artist Melanie Yazzie, through July 14, 2024; 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.
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 Scottsdalemuseumwest.org.
About Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Western Spirit is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Within months of opening in January 2015, Western Spirit qualified as a Smithsonian Affiliate. The museum has also received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, enjoys a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on both TripAdvisor and Yelp, and is continually recognized as one of the “Nation’s Best Western Museums” by True West magazine, most recently named the #1 Western Museum in the United States for 2023. Also, named to Phoenix Magazine’s 2022 Best of The Valley Readers' Choice, Arizona Foothill’s Best of Our Valley: “Best Museum” & “Best Annual Charity Event: Saddle Up” and the winner of Your Valley’s “East Valley Favorites” for the museum category. For more information, visit www.scottsdalemuseumwest.org
Social Media: Instagram @smowest, Facebook @scottsdalemuseumwest.
Media Contact: Alison Rose
alison@48westagency.com
602-300-3433
