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 Bruner and Founding Director/C.E.O. Mike Fox in particular. Their efforts, and the efforts of so many others, have placed Western Spirit in a strong position to move into its next phase as a key cultural institution, not only in Scottsdale, but in the greater American West, and beyond.
Part of the idea of “spirit” in Western Spirit has to do with the idea of giving back to the community. Accordingly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of those collectors who share their collections with us. Their generosity allows us to exhibit their superb objects, many of them acquired after years of careful study, and share them, in turn, with our visitors.
Special mention to collector and Board of Trustee member Tim Peterson, for sharing Light and Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward S. Curtis with us. I strongly encourage those who haven’t visited this unparalleled exhibition, the most comprehensive of its kind, to do so. To those who have seen it, I encourage you to make a return visit, knowing that seeing these incredible images and objects for a second—or even third or fourth time!- will only amplify your interest, and pay great dividends on your experience and memories of Curtis’ lifelong project and passion.
It is also important to extend heartfelt thanks to our members, Board of Trustees, and staff. Without their dedication and enthusiasm, none of what makes Western Spirit so wonderful would be possible.
And, speaking of passion, another aspect of “spirit” in the museum means that our commitment to reflect the incredible diversity of cultures within our extended multi-generational and multicultural community. This passion is central to our mission, and it is one we intend to build on in the coming years. Since its inception, Western Spirit has been, and will always be a museum of ideas—big ideas and big plans to put those ideas into action. Share your ideas! See you soon at Western Spirit!