Rediscovering Mac Schweitzer by Ann Lane Hedlund

Join us for another look at the artist Mac Schweitzer with a distinguished panel that includes author, and retired University of Arizona Professor, Ann Lane Hedlund, author and researcher Mark Bahti, and ASU Professor Betsy Fahlman. Mingle with the members of the panel and fellow attendees during the reception in the Sculpture Garden following the presentation.

Mac Schweitzer was born Mary Alice Cox near Cleveland, Ohio and was enamored by horses, cowboy culture, and art from an early age. Following her marriage to fellow Cleveland School of Art student John Schweitzer, she adopted her maiden name’s initials (M.A.C.) as her artistic moniker. Mac, her husband, and son moved to Tucson in 1946 where she became a free-wheeling Arizona artist traveling the state across the Sonoran Desert, Colorado Plateau, Navajo and Hopi reservations and outlying areas. She created a compelling body of work in the American Southwest with subjects ranging from naturalistic studies of desert animals, birds, and plants to expressive Native American family scenes, to stylized works and moody abstractions, and moving landscapes. An exhibit of Mac Schweitzer’s art will open at Western Spirit on October 18, 2025 showcasing some of the almost 500 items, including paintings, sketches, and prints that were donated by Ann Hedlund to the museum in memory of her late husband and Mac’s son, Kit Schweitzer.

Ann Lane Hedlund’s book Mac Schweitzer: A Southwest Maverick and Her Art will be available for purchase with a book signing during the reception.

Ann Lane Hedlund, PhD, is a cultural anthropologist, retired professor of anthropology from the University of Arizona, and retired curator of ethnology, Arizona State Museum.

Mark Bahti is a Tucson-based researcher and author of books on American Indian art, jewelry, weaving, silversmiths and more. He has also been significantly involved with American Indian-run organizations that address education, health and employment issues.

Betsy Fahlman, PhD, is a professor of art history at Arizona State University and retired Adjunct Curator of American Art at Phoenix Art Museum.

Program Info:

Thursday, November 20
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FREE for Museum Members (Members, log-in first to reserve tickets)
FREE with Museum Admission
$10 for just the program