Photos courtesy of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West offers an exciting lineup of summer programs. Titled “Western Spirit: The Cool Frontier,” these programs promise to immerse visitors in the rich history and culture of the American West. From classic movies to live artist demonstrations, and a fascinating exhibit on Western film history, there’s something for everyone.

Kicking off the summer program is “Western Movies, sponsored by Marcia and Hugh Ruddock. Free for members, this series features iconic Western films shown on a brand new state-of-the-art projector system.

Movie tickets are priced at $8 each or enjoy the film for free with paid museum admission. Screenings happen every Thursday and Sunday in June, July, and August. Among the films shown include “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “Tombstone,” “The Searchers,” “Unforgiven,” “3:10 to Yuma,” and more.
Coinciding with the summer Western movies is “The Dr. Rennard Strickland Collection of Western Film History” exhibit. Showcasing 16 Western movie posters, lobby cards, and advertisements from around the world from this renowned collection. This exhibit is presented within the Virginia G. Piper Auditorium and pays tribute to Dr. Strickland’s dedication to preserving Western Film History.
Meanwhile, every Tuesday in June, July, and August, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can witness local artists at work during “Artist Tuesdays.” This program allows guests to observe artists creating their masterpieces. Featured artists include Jerry Salinas, Milly Guthrie, Kathy Howard, Dustin Klassen, and more.

Also featured are regularly changing and permanent exhibits of Western and Native American art and artifacts, events, and informative programs that bring the West’s heritage, culture, and community to life. Current special exhibitions are “Waking Dream: Works by Navajo Artist Melanie Yazzie,” through July 14, “Inner Light: The Art of Tom Gilleon, through August, and “William Matthews: Decades,” through October.

Western Spirit is located at 3830 N. Marshall Way, in Scottsdale. For more information, visit scottsdalemuseumwest.org.