Blog
Welcome to the archive of our Western Spirit Newsletter Blog! We’re thrilled to bring you updates, stories, and insights into the vibrant world of the Museum. As a cultural haven nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, we take pride in preserving and celebrating the rich heritage, art, and history of the Old and New West. Join us on this virtual journey as we explore fascinating exhibitions, upcoming events, educational programs, and the incredible stories that make our Western Spirit Museum a true treasure trove of discovery and inspiration.
Chairman’s Message – September 2022 Newsletter
It is an honor to write my first message as I gladly accept the position of Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Western Spirit. At this passing of the torch, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous achievements of my predecessors, former Chairman Jim...
SADDLE UP-DATE
Since we last Up-dated you…so much has unfolded: the invitations are in the mail – a touch late, but we kept adding some great partners who wished to be acknowledged to you, at least 8 additional items have been donated to our auction activities. Registration is ahead...
Conversation With Board Of Trustee & Chair, Of Saddle Up III, Stephanie Johnston
We catch up with Western Spirit Board Member Stephanie Johnston as she is leaving a meeting at the museum. During our conversation, Stephanie strolls through Western Spirit’s stunning Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Theater, taking in some of the movie posters from...
Old Town Scottsdale Community Profile – JoyRides AZ
As the Old Town Scottsdale community, especially the Arts District, is so intertwined amongst our businesses – on occasion, we will highlight one of the partners who we work with. JoyRidesAZ is a local family-owned business operating in Scottsdale since 2013. They...
Holiday Events
‘Tis the season to celebrate – from early November through the middle of January there are numerous holidays and events that bring family and friends together! Often these are held in the comfort of home but when that group gets bigger or if it is a corporate event –...
Coming This Fall
The Gather began as a conversation about a colophon (an emblematic device, or a note, especially one relating to the circumstances of production, as the printer's or scribe's names place, and date, put at the conclusion of a book or manuscript – or in this case a...
Inaugural Jim & Sandy Bruner Scholarship Program Winner Announced
In April 2022, when then-Chairman of the Western Spirit Board of Trustees, Jim Bruner, rotated into the Chairman Emeritus role after 16.5 years, fellow trustees and staff created a plan to honor Jim and his wife Sandy for their many years of dedication and...
A Message from the Executive Director – September 2022 Newsletter
Recently I had the privilege of serving as a judge for the Eiteljorg Museum’s 17th annual Quest for the West Art Show and Sale in Indianapolis. Wow, do they know how to ‘get it right!’ The artwork, the exhibition design, the activities, and the hospitality were all...
A Conversation with Board of Trustee Christine Mollring
Christine Mollring was born and educated in Santos, Brazil. Her parents, Henry and Mollie Usher, were both Londoners. At the age of 15, after the close of World War II, she traveled to London with her sister and paternal grandmother. Having danced ballet for 10 years,...
So, who is that guy? Many of you have asked, who has assisted in some of the museum’s writings? Let me introduce you to… the Life & Times of James Balestrieri
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jim Balestrieri earned a B.A. in East Asian Languages and Cultures from Columbia University, an M.A. in English from Marquette University, and an M.F.A. in Theater and Playwriting from Carnegie-Mellon University. He was also a...