Museums across the country are expanding their collections and broadening the stories they tell as they continue to grow and reimagine their presentations. Stories of the land and how people connect with it are enhanced by the artwork from myriad creators-both historic practitioners like Alfred Jacob Miller and contemporary image masters.
This year's roundup of the best collections, interpretations and experiences in museums includes exhibits that range from ancient pottery to modern-day cartoons. Ranching, American Indians, trails and geography are part of the smorgasbord.
1 WESTERN SPIRIT: SCOTTSDALE'S MUSEUM OF THE WEST
Scottsdale, Arizona
"Dazzling Array: The Richard A. Gates Collection of Native American Jewelry" includes belts, necklaces and cuffs among other pieces of contemporary jewelry by Native makers. And in the theme of pop culture this year the museum has exhibitions of works by Andy Warhol and Billy Schenk. Warhol's "Cowboys & Indians" calls attention to the cultural significance of both Indians and cowboys, while "Myth of the West" is a different take on those same subjects by Schenk, a cowboy inspired by Warhol's work. On exhibit for the first time are more than 65 pieces of Hopi pottery from the Allan and Judith Cooke Collection. And the museum features the photography exhibit "The Gather-A Portrait of the American West" by Scott T. Baxter. The museum is also in new hands. In May, highly experienced local business and community leader Todd Bankofier was named the new chief executive officer and executive director. He will be at the forefront of Western Spirit's crucial next phase of growth and development.
scottsdalemuseumwest.org
2 NATIONAL RANCHING HERITAGE CENTER
Lubbock, Texas
This story is from the September 2023 edition of True West.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2023 edition of True West.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WESTERN ART MUSEUMS OF THE YEAR
Visionary museums from coast to coast showcase the West's best artists and artwork.
DISCOVER THE WEST
Museums from coast to coast celebrate our Western heritage for all generations.
Amber Waves of Grain and Flowers
Kansas is still the breadbasket of America.
In Search of Hugh Glass
Travel the Rocky Mountain West to discover the truth about the legendary mountain man.
SPUR TALK
The day Bill McDonald rode over the hill leading the Appaloosa, Slim and I were repairing the corrals. Slim was running Pete Coleman's little ranch about three miles south of Cow Springs, New Mexico. I was just a snotty-nosed, freckle-faced kid at the time.
THE LEGENDARY FOUR SIXES
The ranch was founded 155 years ago by men and women who are as mythical as they are real.
YELLOWSTONE COWBOYS
THE REAL STORY OF TEDDY BLUE AND HOW HE BECAME MONTANA'S GREATEST COWBOY
Under Western Skies
The annual Scottsdale Art Auction was a tour de force of classic and contemporary art of the West.
If You Thought Dude Ranching Days Were Over....
Montana's original wants to set you straight.
The Indians and the Jesuit
Father de Smet built the first permanent settlement in Montana.