SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West announced today the opening of The Women of the Southwest: A Legacy of Painting, on July 2, 2024. This landmark exhibition features nearly 50 works by 25 influential women artists, generously donated by Fran and Edward Elliott in 2020. This collection represents one of the most significant donations of artwork by women to an American institution. It highlights the pivotal role women artists played in the development of modern Western art.
The Women of the Southwest: A Legacy of Painting showcases the contributions of trailblazing women artists active in Arizona from the late territorial period through the early twentieth century. These artists were drawn to Arizona by its dramatic landscapes, vibrant desert hues, unique light, and rich cultural history. Despite the challenges posed by the absence of major art centers and patrons, these women thrived and left an indelible mark on the art world.
Todd Bankofier, CEO and Executive Director of Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, expressed his enthusiasm for the exhibition: "Fran and Edward Elliott's remarkable gift has allowed us to bring to light the extraordinary contributions of these pioneering women artists. The Women of the Southwest celebrates their artistic achievements and tells the inspiring story of their resilience and passion. We are honored to share this important part of Arizona's artistic legacy with our community and visitors worldwide."
Highlights of the exhibition include works by Lillian Wilhelm Smith, the first woman to paint the Rainbow Bridge and illustrator of Zane Grey's novels; Kate Cory, the first resident artist to extensively paint and photograph the Hopi at the First and Third Mesas; Jessie Benton Evans, a catalyst behind the first art show at the Arizona State Fair in 1915; and Marjorie Thomas, who established the first artist studio in Scottsdale.
Betsy Fahlman, Professor of Art History at Arizona State University and Western Spirit Board Member added: "This exhibition is a testament to the formidable impact these women artists had on shaping the perception of the American Southwest. Their work, often created under challenging conditions, reveals their profound connection to the region's landscapes and cultures. The Women of the Southwest is a vital resource for understanding Arizona's rich and diverse history of art."
The Women of the Southwest: A Legacy of Painting promises to be an enlightening and inspiring experience for all who visit. For more information click here.
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 exhibition opening on July 17, 2024, Sled Dogs in America: Alaska & Beyond, by Western painter and sculptor Veryl Goodnight.
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
