DISCOVER THE WEST

Museums from coast to coast celebrate our Western heritage for all generations.

- CANDY MOULTON

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