Shoeleather Journalism in the Digital Age

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$12M Sands donation fuels Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West expansion in Old Town

photo of Western Spirit
Since its inauguration in January 2015, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West — a Smithsonian affiliate — has played an important role in preserving the rich history and cultural heritage of the American West. (File Photos/DigitalFreePress)
Western Spirit to grow in stature due to generosity of Louis ‘Buzz’ Sands IV
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West will soon break ground to add nearly 12,000 square feet to the unique attraction most recently named the No. 1 Western museum in the country.

The Scottsdale City Council unanimously approved the expansion of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West in September 2023.

The generous donation of $12 million from Louis “Buzz” Sands IV, a respected entrepreneur and owner of several car dealerships across the Valley, is a testament to the museum’s enduring impact, community leaders tell the Arizona Digital Free Press.

Since its inauguration in January 2015, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West — a Smithsonian affiliate — has played an important role in preserving the rich history and cultural heritage of the American West, ensuring that the artistic treasures and illuminating stories of the region continue to inspire current and future generations.

“This is a pivotal moment in the history of Western Spirit,” said Todd Bankofier, CEO and executive director of Western Spirit.

“The expansion represents a significant leap forward in our ongoing mission to safeguard and celebrate the incredible legacy of the American West. With the support of the Scottsdale City Council and the amazing contribution from Louis ‘Buzz’ Sands IV, we are taking a giant step towards ensuring that our institution remains a cherished destination for cultural enrichment, education, and inspiration.”

The proposed 11,360-square-foot extension of the museum will include the construction of two entirely new galleries, to be named the Louis Sands IV Center. These galleries are set to house a diverse collection of artworks, artifacts, and stories that further illuminate the American West’s captivating past and its profound influence on our shared future.

The expansion project will be undertaken by Studio Ma, known globally for its innovative and sustainable designs. Collaborating with them is Core Construction, a respected builder with a track record of delivering high-quality construction projects nationwide. Construction for the new addition will begin in January 2024, with completion scheduled within two years of the project’s groundbreaking, officials report.

As Western Spirit continues to honor its commitment to preserving the cultural legacy of the American West, the expansion project is set to bring new energy, vibrancy, and opportunity to the heart of Scottsdale.

The Basha family has announced the gift of The Eddie Basha Collection of American Indian and Western American fine art. The collection of art, which includes over 1,000 works, will now be on display at the Heard Museum and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. (File Photos/DigitalFreePress)
Western Spirit offers a glimpse into the American west

Western Spirit features regularly changing and permanent exhibitions of Western and Native American art and artifacts, entertaining events, and informative programs that bring the West’s heritage, culture, and community to life.

Other current special exhibitions are Werner Segarra: Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo, through Feb. 25, 2024; William Matthews: Decades, through April 28, 2024; the Elliott Southwest Women Art collection preview and “Dazzling Array: The Richard A. Gates Collection of Native American Jewelry,” which is on display.

Permanent exhibitions continuously on display include Canvas of Clay: Hopi Pottery Masterworks from The Allan and Judith Cooke Collection, featuring 65 of the finest examples of Hopi pottery spanning six centuries; the Frankie and Howard Alper Collection of John Coleman Bronzes; and The Abe Hays Family Spirit of the West Collection, a showcase of more than 1,400 saddles, spurs, cowboy gear and other Old West objects.

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