A Salute to Cowboy Artists of America
Fifty years ago, four prominent Arizona artists who shared a fervent desire to authentically preserve and perpetuate the culture of Western life in fine art formed the Cowboy Artists of America (CAA).
To mark the CAA’s golden anniversary and the contributions of its artists, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West will present the exhibition “A Salute to Cowboy Artists of America and a Patron, the Late Eddie Basha: 50 Years of Amazing Contributions to the American West.” It opens to the public at 9:30 a.m., Sat., Nov. 7 and will remain on view through Tues., May 31, 2016.
In addition to showcasing one painting or sculpture by each of the 77 artists who have ever been a member of CAA, the exhibition will pay tribute to the late Eddie Basha. The well-known grocer and community leader was a passionate art collector who took as much joy in getting to know the artists as in acquiring their artworks. His legacy includes the largest privately owned collection of contemporary Western American and American Indian art in the country.
The 50th anniversary exhibition will include numerous pieces on loan from the Eddie Basha Collection, as well as loaned works from CAA artists and private and public collections.
An exhibition preview and reception for museum members and special guests of the museum will take place Fri., Nov. 6.
On Sat., Nov. 7, Valley residents and visitors will have a rare opportunity to meet and mingle with Cowboy Artists of America members attending the opening day. Cowboy Artists John Coleman, Martin Grelle, Bruce Greene and Oreland Joe Sr. will participate in painting and sculpting demonstrations between 11:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. on opening day.
PHOTO AT TOP: ALCHESAY-WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE, BY ROY ANDERSEN, 1995, OIL, ON LOAN FROM THE EDDIE BASHA COLLECTION
A Salute to Cowboy Artists of America and a Patron, the Late Eddie Basha: 50 Years of Amazing Contributions to the American West
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Nov. 7, 2015 – May 31, 2016
