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.
REMARKABLE PRESENCE
As of July 2022, nearly 31,000 people in Arizona have died of COVID-19. They were people with family, friends, children, and pets. People who mentored others and changed lives. They are gone. Their belongings and memories are left with the people involved in their...
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
The U.N. General Assembly created International Day of the World’s Indigenous People on December 23, 1994. August 9 was chosen as it was the day of the first meeting held by the U.N. Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and...
The Color of Care
“At the height of the pandemic, I read something that stopped me in my tracks. I read a story about Gary Fowler, a Black man that died in his home because no hospital would treat him despite his COVID-19 symptoms. As we continued to hear how the racial disparities in...
A Message from the Executive Director
Western Spirit fosters relationships with colleges and universities across Arizona and beyond. Recently, a fund was started to honor the legacy of one of our founding couples, Sandy and Jim Bruner. The mission of the Bruner Scholars Fund is to provide students in...
A Message from the Executive Director
Expressing one’s thoughts and feelings about the world is easier than ever in our high-tech society. Social media platforms and other means of electronic communication make it possible for us to share so much information in so little time. But how much are we truly...
“We are the change we want to see in the world: Walking that prayer forward with Chief Henry Red Cloud”
Inspired by the words and work of Chief Henry Red Cloud at a talk given with John Graybill, the great-grandson of Edward Curtis, at Western Spirit on March 31, Education Director Wade Weber heeded the call to action and pledged to volunteer his time over Memorial Day...
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....