Come Into the Cool: Museum-Hopping in the Valley

By Annabel V Sclippa

Summer is a different world here in the Phoenix Region. Many wake in the wee hours to catch any glimpse of a moment of “cool” air, and others avoid the outdoors completely. Well, I give you reason to brave a passage to one, or more, of your closest museums. Here you will truly be transported to other times and places, days and ages, mindsets and expressive creatives, all within the magic of cool (in all meanings of the word) spaces.

Other added benefits of Summer Museum Hopping: the Gift Shops are prime for early ‘Christmas in July’ pickings; with the reduced number of tourists you have to vie less hard for almost private collection viewings; and, in many cases, the Museums are offering extra special entry fee reductions or BOGO, and other incentives.

Here is my breakdown of four of my Valley favorites. I have a bit of a personal connection with them, so I invite you to come along with me on my journey. I’ll kick off with Western Spirit where my bias reigns strong, as I am a Founding Member of the museum’s Western Spirit Council.

**Western Spirit**

Discover the Western Spirit Museum in Scottsdale: Your Cool Summer Escape Into the Heart of the American West

If you are looking for an engaging, educational, and downright fun way to wrap yourself in Western culture and beat the summer heat, look no further than the Western Spirit Museum in Scottsdale, AZ. The Western Spirit Museum, formerly known as the Museum of the West, stands out as a proud Smithsonian affiliate, ensuring top-tier exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural artefacts. It’s gold-standard shown bright earlier this year when the museum kicked off its 10-year anniversary celebrations with an in-person appearance by the charismatic and handsome Kevin Costner, as seen on this issue’s cover image.

More on this special evening here:
https://westernspirit.org/western-spirit-award-2025/

A Smithsonian Gem Celebrating Western Heritage

Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale’s Art District, this Smithsonian-affiliate is a true architectural and collections treasure. As an emblem of the American West’s rich history, culture, and art, this museum offers an immersive journey that’s perfect for visitors of all ages. The museum celebrates the diverse stories and iconic figures that shaped the West—
from legendary cowboys and Native American tribes to pioneering explorers and contemporary artists. More Old Town Scottsdale info: https://oldtownscottsdaleaz.com/

With their vibrant summer programs, it’s the ultimate destination to stay cool and inspired this season, and now is the time to catch the action with the museum’s Summer Promotion: “It’s Cool in Here, and Even Cooler with Our BOGO (Buy One Get One) Admission Offer.” Visit https://westernspirit.org/cool-frontier/ and use code BOGODP.

It’s Cool in Here, and Even Cooler with Our BOGO Admission Offer!

Take a trip through the galleries and experience the West from every corner of your imagination. Now through September 30, bring a partner for FREE with their BOGO (Buy One Get One) admission special. It’s cool in here, and even cooler with this exclusive offer. Use code BOGODP to redeem your free adult or senior admission and immerse yourself in the stunning exhibits currently on view:

• A Decade of Western Spirit
• A Fistful of Colors
• Women of the Southwest: A Legacy of Painting
• People, Places, Predicaments: John Clymer’s West
• Collecting Stories: John Coleman Bronzes from the Collection of Frankie and Howard Alper
• Canvas of Clay: Hopi Pottery Masterworks from The Allan and Judith Cooke Collection
• Courage & Crossroads: A Visual Journey through the American West
• The Abe Hays Family Spirit of the West Collection

Find details on each of the current exhibits here:
https://westernspirit.org/visit/exhibitions/

Artist Tuesdays Are Back!

This summer, the galleries become extra alive with creativity and inspiration. Every Tuesday in July and August, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., a talented group of local artists set up shop inside the museum. They’ll be painting, drawing, and creating art right before your eyes, offering visitors a chance to witness the artistic process firsthand. It’s a vibrant, interactive way to experience the West through the eyes of local and regional artists, many associated with the nearby Scottsdale Artists School.
https://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/

A Fistful of Colors: On View through December 2025

Embark on a vibrant journey through the American West with A Fistful of Colors, an exhibition running until December 2025. This captivating showcase celebrates how Western artists have harnessed the rainbow to portray majestic landscapes, bold personalities, and thrilling stories from the frontier. From impressionist sun-drenched scenes to the dazzling jewelry of indigenous tribes, the exhibition highlights a stunning spectrum of Western art traditions. Don’t miss this colorful exploration of the West’s bold hues and vivid narratives. As the spectrum of light colors change, find yourself immersed in this experience.
https://westernspirit.org/project/fistful-of-colors

The Western Spirit Gift Shop

As with all the museums’ gift shops, I am on the lookout each visit for the perfect something to surprise family and friends while also supporting the arts. I have never been disappointed in this museum’s fine array of gifts for all ages. From Western-themed perfume scents, to art replicate tree trimmings, and fine art puzzles, Old Town Scottsdale monopoly, one-of-a-kind water bottles and fine jewelry, you will find something for everyone.

Become a Western Spirit Member

Enhance your experience by joining the Western Spirit Museum as a member. Members enjoy free annual admission, exclusive invitations to new exhibitions and special events, discounts on programs, and a front-row seat to all things Western. It’s the perfect way to stay connected to the stories and art that make the West truly unforgettable.
https://westernspirit.org/membership

We’re a Proud Blue Star Museum!

Military families, rejoice! The Western Spirit Museum is proud to be a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families. This special program runs from Armed Forces Day (May 17) through Labor Day (September 1, 2025). Show your military ID—such as a Geneva Convention access card or dependent ID—and enjoy a day exploring the West’s stories completely free of charge.
https://westernspirit.org/news/blue-star-museum-2023/

Plan Your Visit

This summer, come in to the COOL—where history, art, and adventure collide at the Western Spirit Museum. Whether you’re here to witness live art, enjoy stunning exhibitions, or take advantage of special offers, the West’s vibrant spirit awaits you.

The museum is located at 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ. Summer hours and programs may vary, so be sure to check their website or contact them for details before planning your trip.
https://westernspirit.org/visit/directions-parking-hours

**Heard Museum**

Heard Museum: A Deep Dive into Native Heritage

When I enter the Heard Museum, I feel an immediate sense of reverence. This institution is not just a museum; it’s a cultural sanctuary dedicated to Native American art, history, and storytelling. It’s significance is reflected in its ability to withstand the test of time. As it’s website states, “Five brief lines in the Arizona Republican newspaper announced the opening of the Heard Museum on December 26, 1929.” Now as it approaches its 100th anniversary, current Curator Ann Marshall will be presenting a brief history of the “decades that led the museum to the present.” One of many of their Summer calendar offerings: https://heard.org/experience/events-and-classes

The Weave of Culture and Tradition

My visits to The Heard revolve around their compelling exhibits, such as the Boarding School Experience, a poignant installation that sheds light on a complex chapter of Native history with sensitivity and honesty. Consistently, one of the Museum’s highlights for me is the collection of Hopi Kachina dolls: each one intricately carved and painted, embodying spiritual stories passed down through generations. Moving through these galleries, I feel a profound respect for the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind each piece. In more recent years, I have been deeply inspired by the younger, and newer, contemporary artists being represented. Their work is often bold and bright, and shouting their stories. Bob Haozous: A Retrospective View, is one such currently showing. His pieces and their use of space is captivating and thought-provoking. I found myself transported directly into desiring living in New Mexico and delighting in a hacienda lifestyle.To see current displays, visit the Museum’s website:
https://heard.org

Famous Frida, and not-so-famous Family

The Heard also holds a couple of extra special places in my heart. 1-Frida Kahlo. My favorite visit to the Heard was during the Frida Kahlo interactive display some seasons ago. We dressed the part, my dear friend Jeremiah and myself; both of us artists who struggle with disabilities and feel, like so many woman, a kinship with Frida. 2- When the Museum displayed Objects of Myth & Memory, a massive collection lent by the Brooklyn Museum of Art, where my Great Uncle Stewart Culin was once Curator.

The items lent were a small part of the masses Stewart had collected, when he made numerous trips out to the Wild West in covered wagons. I’ve read gossip articles in the old East Coast newspapers about how he lost (more than one) wife to divorce, while he was gone on such long journeys. What strikes me most though, and makes me most proud to be part of his family, is that he offered fair-trade to the Natives for their treasures. The Brooklyn Museum considers his detailed notebooks their greatest valued items. His illustrator and stenographer detailed the families’ names, foods they ate, home settings, all things, with such a grace and true admiration for their way of life. In a time of thieves, his heart was all integrity and respect.

International to Ethereal

Heard Museum is an international treasure, recognised for its commitment to authentic representation and educational outreach. To properly comprehend the content, the museum’s guided tours are invaluable. They transform static displays into stories I can connect with. A current favorite exhibition fully envelops you, “Substance of Stars: Experience light, sound and 360-degree video that takes you on a journey of Indigenous storytelling.” Other exhibitions can be found here:
https://heard.org/exhibitions

I like to pause at the cafe after and sip a glass by the sculpture garden outside, weather permitting. It serves as a peaceful oasis, ideal for reflection on the resilience and artistry of Native peoples’ experience and expression just witnessed.

Workshops and Demos

For those interested in further discovery, the Heard Museum offers workshops, educational programs, and live demonstrations throughout the year, making each visit a new opportunity to learn. Whether you’re a native Arizonan or a visitor from afar, the Heard Museum is a vital stop for understanding the deep roots of the Southwest.

FREE EVENTS, PERFORMANCES & DEMOS include the Free Family Summer Saturday: Drive and Shine on July 19, 2025, and the Curator Talk | Majestic Figures: Contemporary Sculptures by Native American Artists on August 7th, plus more dates. Visit: https://heard.org/experience/events-and-classes

The HEARD Museum Gift Shop

The Heard Museum Gift Shop has won Best of Phoenix, so you can get your Holiday Shopping game on, any time of year. As should be, their items are as well-curated as the Museum displays themselves. The gift shop offers beautifully crafted jewelry, pottery, and textiles, allowing visitors to take home a piece of this rich heritage. If you are reading this and can’t make it in, have no fear, the museum also offers an online shopping gallery:
https://www.heardmuseumshop.com

Museum and Gift Shop Hours may vary. Visit website for details. https://heard.org
Summer Hours for Jun 1 – Aug 31 are Tue through Sun, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m..

**PHOENIX ART MUSEUM**

Unlock Your Summer of Art: Introducing PhxArt + Sol!
Exhibit Photography by: La Belle Social Media

The Phoenix Art Museum prides itself on “being the place to discover and experience art, even during record-breaking summers,” which is why they’ve created the new, limited-time PhxArt + Sol Pass!

For just $75, unlock unlimited* general admission access to Phoenix Art Museum for two adults + youth under 17 beginning today through August 31, 2025. Wander the exhibitions from old art to new, explore the diversity of their collections, and stay cool all season long.
https://phxart.org/summer-access-pass/

FEATURED EXHIBITION: THE WORLD OF ANNA SUI

Let it not be said the kids won’t enjoy and understand. We recently attended the Anna Sui exhibition, and from fashion to faux jewels, makeup to shoes – she is an iconic influencer of the past few decades. In this exhibition, her closet has been opened to us. Stroll room to room, or take a Birdseye view of the gallery from a quick ride up the studio-sized elevator to the second floor. You will recognise her imprint from the covers of Burberry to the Kurt Cobain-printed wallpaper. Experience the rock-and-roll-inspired fashions of Anna Sui from the personal archive of the iconic American designer. See more here:
https://phxart.org/exhibition/the-world-of-anna-sui/

Years ago, in this same hall, my dear friend artist Amanda Adkins and I, along with our partners Shaun Chan Shulman and Greg Bernstein, explored the equally larger than life and modern street stories represented in another way, by “Mr.” From the museum’s website: “Mr.: You Can Hear the Song of This Town … (showcases) the imaginative and
visually complex works of contemporary Japanese artist Mr. A self-described member of the otaku subculture—characterised by obsessive interests in anime, manga, and reclusion into virtual fantasy worlds—Mr. creates feverish, graffiti-inspired paintings and cartoon-like sculptures, installations, and video works that combine high and low culture to examine themes of desire, fantasy, and trauma within Japanese society and among a global audience obsessed with social media.” For the virtual museum-wanderer, you can still see snippets of the show in its online archive:
https://phxart.org/exhibition/mr/

And for more virtual art gazing visit Amanda’s work:
https://www.amandaadkinsart.com/

Other Current Exhibitions

Inspired by the annual migration of monarch butterflies from Canada to Mexico, Black Cloud features a “swarm” of paper moths that take over museum spaces, rising to envelop the viewer. This installation by Carlos Amorales has varied affects on museum visitors. I’ve enjoyed it as much this time as I did the last time it was installed, about a decade ago, but some say it makes them feel “a bit scared, a bit uneasy.” I enjoy the flow of the little black-winged creatures, as they give me a sense of flight and exhilaration.

Among the exhibits that will be wrapping up at the end of July is The Collection: Dutch Art Expanded. This is a magical melange of Dutch art from its Golden Age of the 1600s, seen alongside modern interpretations of the 2015s. Dutch art is a style that is known for its realism and intimacy. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer may be the most famous piece of this style. The collection is in an intimate gallery on the second floor.

The PAM Gift Shop

Bring home a piece of Phoenix Art Museum with collectibles, books, and more from The Museum Store. Every purchase supports the Museum’s exhibitions and education programs.
https://phxart.org/

Membership that Supports Artists

Since 1986, Phoenix Art Museum has awarded more than $350,000 to over 200 Arizona-based artists through two annual artist awards opportunities.
https://phxart.org/art/artist-awards/

Location and Times

Good To Know: Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesday and 3 – 8 pm and
First Fridays 5 – 8 pm.
1625 North Central Ave.
HOURS:
Monday | Closed;
Tuesday | Closed;
Wednesday – Friday | 10 am – 8 pm; Saturday – Sunday | 10 am – 5 pm

**SMOCA**

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Another Old Town Scottsdale gem, SMOCA is located off the Civic Center lawn, and across from the Performing Arts Center. Come into epic modern coolness, at this Contemporary Art museum. https://smoca.org/

EXHIBITS

Summer Events include: Summer Break @SMoCA a fun-filled evening with yummy treats, drinks, performance, and games, and prizes. Friday, Jul 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sign up online:
https://smoca.org/event/summer-break-smoca/

Current exhibits feature Cybele Lyle: Floating Seeds Make Deep Forms showing through August 24, 2025. LA-based artist Lyle has created this site-specific installation that “reimagines deserts of North America as liminal expanses and positions architecture through the lens of queer space, a responsive site to the natural evolution of identity and environment.”
https://smoca.org/exhibition/floating-seeds-make-deep-forms

Once upon a time I felt as cool as can be when a piece of mine showed at SMOCA, thanks to dear friend and artist extraordinaire Beth Ames Swartz. Stay posted for a feature on SMOCA and Swartz, at the beginning of 2026, announcing her next big opening at the young age of 90.
https://bethamesswartz.com/

The SMOCA Gift Shop

Visit their shop online for a store portal, or visit this site for a taste of what they have to offer, in person or online:
https://smoca.org/shop/

Shop@SMoCA also supports local talent for the significant and beautiful work being created in the state. “Your purchases support Arizona-based talent and SMoCA initiatives. Plus, you can trust that your selections are unique to the area.

We are always seeking Arizona creatives who would like to show and sell their work in the Shop@SMoCA. Arizona artists and designers working in all media are eligible and encouraged to submit an application.
https://scottsdalearts.org/

SMOCA Admission, Hours and Location:

7374 East Second Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Good To Know: Receive $3 off per admission by purchasing online.
https://smoca.org/plan-a-visit/

Enjoy your Summer, and maximise on the feature of spending days inside, mixing with the cool and classy of the museum crowd. With so many wonderful galleries and exhibits to see, there is surely something special for including everybody.