Western Spirit offers summer programs in Old Town for all to enjoy
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is offering a lineup of summer programs for 2024.
Coined ‘Western Spirit: The Cool Frontier,’ the summer program promises to immerse visitors in the rich history and culture of the American West.
From classic movies to live artist demonstrations, a fascinating exhibit on Western film history, and free admission to military families, there’s something for everyone, according to a press release.
Western Spirit offers Western movies
Kicking off the summer program is “Western Movies,” which is sponsored by Marcia & Hugh Ruddock.
Free for Members, this series will feature 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. Plus, indulge in popcorn and a water bottle for just $2. Screenings happen every Thursday and Sunday in June, July, and August 2024, starting at 2 p.m.
Here’s the schedule for the first month:
- Sunday, June 2nd – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford & Paul Newman), Rated PG
- Thursday, June 6th – Tombstone (Kurt Russell & Val Kilmer), Rated R
- Sunday, June 9th – The Searchers (John Wayne), Unrated
- Thursday, June 13th – Unforgiven (Clint Eastwood & Morgan Freeman), Rated R
- Sunday, June 16th – 3:10 to Yuma (Glen Ford & Van Heflin), Rated R
- Thursday, June 20th – The Magnificent Seven (original version) (Steve McQueen), Rated PG13
- Sunday, June 23rd – True Grit (John Wayne), Rated PG13
- Thursday, June 27th – Open Range (Kevin Costner & Robert Duvall), Rated R
- Sunday, June 30th – Once Upon a Time in the West (Claudia Cardinale & Henry Fonda), Rated PG12
Western Spirit offers artist Tuesdays
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 unique program allows guests to observe artists creating their masterpieces in Western Spirit. Here’s the schedule of featured artists:
- · June 4, 11, 18, & 25: Jerry Salinas, Milly Guthrie, & Anton Nowels
- · July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30: Kathy Howard
- · July 30, August 6: Ashwini Bharathula
- · August 13, 20, & 27: Dustin Klassen
- · August 6, 13, 20, & 27: Timothy Rees & Mike Garcia
The Dr. Rennard Strickland Collection of Western Film History
Also not to miss is The Dr. Rennard Strickland Collection of Western Film History to coincide with summer Western movies. This captivating exhibit showcases 16 Western movie posters, lobby cards, and advertisements from around the world from Dr. Strickland’s renowned larger collection.
This exhibit is presented within the Virginia G. Piper Auditorium and pays tribute to Dr. Strickland’s dedication to preserving Western film history.
Blue Star Museums program at Western Spirit
Blue Star Museums is a National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families program, in collaboration with the Department of Defense. Participating museums can be found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“It’s cool in here! We’re excited to offer visitors an unforgettable experience this summer with our diverse lineup of programs,” said Todd Bankofier, CEO and executive director of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. “Whether you’re a fan of classic Western movies, a lover of art, or interested in the history of Western cinema, there’s something here for the whole family.”
