From book clubs to a photo journey through Native Americans on film, cool off this summer with a visit to Scottsdale’s finest museums.
Unknown artist, “Navajo Squash” blossom necklace (1915-1925), silver gift of Ms. Jacqueline Eidel, at Heard Museum. PHOTO BY CRAIG SMITH/COURTESY OF HEARD MUSEUM
HEARD MUSEUM
Don’t miss historic Southwestern silver exhibition Southwest Silverwork, 1850-1940 from the permanent collection at the Heard. Curated by Robert Bauver, it illustrates the evolution of Diné (Navajo), Pueblo and Zuni silver jewelry spanning nearly a century from its earliest years in the middle of the 19th century through the decades prior to World War II. With 150 unique silverworks, including concho belts, bridles, bracelets, bow guards, earrings and squash blossom necklaces, see firsthand how stylistic and technical advances in jewelry were made in the Southwest. Through Oct. 31, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, heard.org
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM
Right now, exclusively to MIM, visitors can see Treasures: Legendary Musical Instruments, an exhibition that celebrates the power of music across 6,000 years of history. Eighty exceptional instruments, including some of the finest from MIM’s collection and more than 20 loans from renowned museums, private collections and musicians around the world, are on display at the Target Gallery. Plus, stop by the Geographic Galleries with its wide array of instruments from several countries, including the Ireland exhibit that has allowed the public to see instruments from as far back as the 1700s. Begins Nov. 12, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, mim.org
Mark Bradford, “Isolation” (2009, mixed media collage on canvas) 60 inches by 48 inches, courtesy of Iris and Adam C. Singer at SMoCA. PHOTO COURTESY OF IRIS AND ADAM C. SINGER/COURTESY OF SMOCA
SCOTTSDALE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
With a focus on artists from the African diaspora—and Africa—who have varied approaches to painting, from figurative to abstract works, including influences from assemblage, collage and surrealism, In Our Time: Selections from the Singer Collection, was inspired by the incredible collection of Adam and Iris Singer. SMoCA invited celebrated curator Allison Glenn, currently senior curator at Public Art Fund in New York, to organize the exhibition with the Singers. “This exhibition features an exceptionally diverse array of important and compelling contemporary artists working today, from across the globe. Focused on paintings and works on paper, collectively these works demonstrate how artists reflect on the times we live in,” says Jennifer McCabe, director and chief curator of SMoCA. “One interesting feature of the exhibition is a standout room dedicated to an iconic Los Angeles-based artist Mark Bradford, whose works the Singers have passionately collected for many years. His influence on other artists is widespread, and exhibiting artist Derek Fordjour, for example, cites Bradford as one of his mentors and early influences.” Sept. 24-Feb. 12, 7374 E. Second St., smoca.org
Dale Chihuly, “Fire Amber Herons” (2021) at Taliesin West. PHOTO BY NATHANIEL WILLSON/ ©2021 CHIHULY STUDIO/COURTESY OF TALIESIN WEST
TALIESIN WEST
Enjoy engaging conversations about books that connect to art, design, architecture, and the life and times of Frank Lloyd Wright at the monthly Taliesin West Book Club. Gather in the Garden Room to explore a range of texts and topics and connect it to different architectural spaces found on Taliesin West’s expansive grounds. On Sept. 7, renowned architecture critic Ada Louise Huxtable’s Frank Lloyd Wright: A Life will be discussed. The gardens will also be used for a new wellness series starting this fall, providing serene pathways of Taliesin West to inspire and immerse yourself in guided activities such as yoga, tai chi, meditation and hiking. Find harmony and balance with yoga and meditation on Sept. 3 and mindfulness meditation on Sept. 20 with Harumi Maejima. 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., franklloydwright.org/taliesin-west
WESTERN SPIRIT MUSEUM
See the largest exhibition of its kind on display in North America, Light and Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward S. Curtis, which follows the visionary Seattle photographer on his 30-year grand adventure from the Mexican border to Canada and up into Alaska to honor Native Americans on film. View more than 900 objects, including a set of The North American Indian, a lavish, richly illustrated publication devoted to the more than 80 different Native American peoples Curtis visited. Be stunned by his photogravures, original copper plates from which the photogravures were printed, and goldtones—a process Curtis perfected—on display as well as hundreds of original photographs, including platinum prints, silver bromides, silver gelatins, cyanotypes and glass plate negatives. Take in the comprehensive nature of the exhibition and leave with an appreciation of depth of content and detail of Curtis’ efforts. Through April 30, 3830 N. Marshall Way, scottsdalemuseumwest.org
Edward S. Curtis, “Iron Breast” at Western Spirit Museum. PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTERN SPIRIT MUSEUM
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