Admission is free to this extraordinary collection
By Jill Adair | Digital Free Press
Adjacent to the corporate offices of Bashas’ Grocery Stores on a street that bears the Basha name in Chandler is the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery, featuring a vast collection of art collected primarily by the late Eddie Basha, who expanded his father’s grocery business, ran for governor and became highly respected in Arizona for his generous property-homes.
In his spare time, he collected art.
“As a child, while both of Eddie Basha, Jr.’s parents worked in the family business, Eddie was often cared for by his Aunt Zelma, she herself an artist,” a brochure at the gallery explains. “Aunt Zelma would frequently draw pictures for Eddie as a form of entertainment, and her early artful influence was a strong and lasting one.”
After graduation from college and joining the family business, Eddie was encouraged by his Aunt Zelma to develop a hobby, more pointedly, one that supported the arts.
“Combining his appreciation of art as well as his other passion, history — particularly history of the American West — Eddie began collecting. He made his first acquisition in 1971 and continued his interest throughout the remainder of his life.”
He passed away in 2013 at the age of 75.
The gallery, which opened in 1992, includes more than 3,000 pieces of art: paintings, baskets, Hopi katsinas, pottery, wood-turned bowls, jewelry, sculptures, and much more.
And visitors are invited to enjoy the gallery without a fee.
“Admission is free. We are happy to share the collection with one and all,” gallery representatives say.
Typical hours of operation are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, but visitors are urged to call 480-895-5230, option 2, prior to planning a trip as occasionally the gallery is closed for maintenance or company-related activities. All upcoming closure dates are listed on the telephone information line.
While guided tours are not provided, there are free brochures to aid with self-guided tours. The gallery is handicapped accessible. Limited parking is available.
More information HERE.
