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.
Eight questions with Board of Trustees member – Harold Piazza Jr.
Q: How did you become interested in the American West, and how did you come to reside in Scottsdale? Even though I’m originally from New Jersey, I’ve always had an interest in the West. My wife Kathleen’s great-grandfather was an Army scout who handled confidential...
TELL ME MORE ABOUT EDWARD S. CURTIS: Beth Curtis – Edward S. Curtis’ daughter
At 17, Edward Curtis brought his daughter Beth in as an assistant to Ella McBride in his Seattle studio. Beth inherited her father’s eye for composition but also had the acumen to handle the business side of the enterprise. In 1927, Beth accompanied her father on his...
A TASTE FOR ART – PART II
Scott Baxter shared the stories of people, place, struggle, and success behind the images of his 100 Years 100 Ranchers project at June’s A Taste for Art supper club. Baxter, a celebrated fine art photographer, adorned the walls of famed Cattle Track Arts Compound...
Riding off into the Sunset – Bruner Reception Surprises at Western Spirit
Once outgoing Chairman of Western Spirit’s Board, Jim Bruner, handed the reins to Bill Ridenour and became Chairman Emeritus, the Annual Meeting moved to the Scottsdale Artists’ School and transformed into a splendid surprise—a reception honoring Sandy and Jim Bruner....
Have you thanked a “Docent” today?
Gracious volunteers are the face of the museum and the voice of the art within… Volunteers are giving people by nature, and many of them are so gracious and selfless that they are fine doing their work without any real recognition. Their true satisfaction comes from...
And the winner is…
There are numerous contests and award shows. Phoenix has its share - this one created by Phoenix Magazine, a very well-respected publication, with a distribution of in excess of 75,000, across the city and an audited readership of over 350,000 – MONTHLY. We were...
A Taste for Art
Mystique and scandal where the ways of Lon Megargee—a name he stole, to make a new life for himself out West, as we learned from the laudable Dr. Betsy Fahlman. Speaking to a sold-out crowd of A Taste for Art a summer supper club series created in a partnership with...
Conversation with David Sherf, newly appointed, Vice-Chair, Board of Trustees
“Once, in 1955,” David Sherf says, “I was riding with my grandfather on his tractor, discing old wheat, when we heard a ‘clunk.’ We got out and dug and pulled out a rusty pistol. My grandfather turned it over in his hand and said, ‘I lost that pistol in 1921.’” When...
Upcoming Exhibit – Rails Building America
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is proud to announce The Railroad Opening Up the West, a new exhibition sponsored by Frankie and Howie Alper that tells how the transcontinental railroad transformed the American West. Western Spirit contracted with...
NASA LANDS AT WESTERN SPIRIT IN MAY!
“Thanks to the collaboration between NASA and Scottsdale’s Western Spirit museum, kids and their families will be able to take part in hands-on experiences that will hopefully inspire the next generation of space explorers and continue Arizona’s legacy in our...