Scottsdale's Museum of the West

This year's Ladies Day Out adventure was in Scottsdale at the newly opened Museum of the West.

wagon wheels on the ceiling

well hidden restroom doors

bronze life-sized statue in the ticket area

This is the focus of the museum,

The Story of Lewis & Clark

through the paintings of Charles Fritz

This was one of my favorite paintings by Fritz.

There is a place along highway 1804 and the Missouri River 

near where I was born that reminded me of this scene. 

This scene is actually south of Pierre along the Missouri River.

The really cool and amazing thing about Fritz's paintings is he traveled the very same journey of Lewis and Clark, wintering where they wintered, struggling through the mountains, camping by the riverbanks. Fritz used the journals and sketches of Lewis and Clark to retrace their journey, taking photographs and painting the landscapes. Along with journal entries on place cards, I had a much better understanding of their undertaking.

and sculptures of various artists, such as this one

by Harry Jackson

Sacajewa and Packhorse

egg/oil tempra on bronze

which sold for $17,550

same statue in bronze only, same artist

not quite a pretty

Toussaint Charbonneau Family, 1806

by Richard Greeves

There were sculptures of many other subjects displayed with Charles Fritz's paintings, but these really captured my interest and were the best of the photos taken.

This little piece of information was news to me:

Sacagawea's child was named Jean Baptiste.

a display of saddles

I am guessing this is a side-saddle

Also on display were a collection of stirrups, lariats, hats, crops & whips, barbwire, mementos of famous characters of the wild west, and much much more.

What do you see?

This painting is by the same artist who paints the horses hidden in the rocks and birch trees. The 3 of us had quite a discussion of what do we see? Nancy pointed out the 3, possibly 4 eyes and thought they were all eagles. It wasn't until I had my photo on the computer that I saw the man on the left, and then the three eagles. Fun painting. No one else was talking about the hidden pictures. It was placed next to the elevator, a probable waiting place. 

Another bronze work by an artist we have seen

in other Scottsdale galleries: Dave McGary

you can see some of his work here

look at the detail of the feathers

keep in mind, this is bronze, not clay

the intricate beadwork detail is amazing

Another Dave McGray

a perfect ending to an awesome day

detail on the back of the buffalo robe

beadwork of the moccasins

glass archway in the rear of the museum

not all the groundwork is complete

Well worth the trip and the achy joints! It is a beautiful building with a variety of artifacts showing the history of the American West, its people and the way they lived. Thanks Nancy & Anne!