Western Spirit showcase of William Mathews to span decades of works
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is offering William Matthews: Decades, a showcase featuring the captivating portrayals of the American West by Colorado-based artist William Matthews.
Spanning over five decades of artistic talent, the upcoming exhibition will run from Oct. 10 through April 28, 2024.
Mr. Matthews’ unique ability to capture the essence of remote landscapes and their inhabitants has left an indelible mark on the art world, representatives of Western Spirit report.
“William Matthews’ art encapsulates the spirit of the American West in a truly extraordinary way. Through his mastery of watercolors, he has created the essence of both the landscapes and the people that define this region’s identity, said Todd Bankofier, CEO and executive director of Western Spirit. “We are honored to host the ‘William Matthews: Decades’ exhibition, providing art enthusiasts with a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of an artist who shaped the genre.”
The turning point in Mr. Matthews’ career occurred in 1985 during his attendance at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. Here, he encountered cowboys from the Great Basin region, hailing from the states of Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, and California. These experiences served as the catalyst for Mr. Matthews’ exploration into the lives of these working cowboys, unearthing new narratives that shed light on the contemporary realities of the American West.
“The American West has been a wellspring of inspiration throughout my career,” Mr. Matthews said of his work. “The encounter with cowboys from the Great Basin region was a pivotal moment that reshaped my artistic journey, ‘Decades’ is not just a reflection of my work over time; it is an exploration of the heart and soul of the West that I am eager to share with audiences,”
Mr. Matthews’ artistic contributions extend beyond traditional materials, gracing the halls of Congress and adorning walls on three continents.
Western Spirit showcase of William Mathews to span decades of works
The William Matthews: Decades exhibition brings together a stunning collection of his most prolific plein-air watercolors, providing an intimate look into the evolution of his artistry. In addition to his iconic watercolor paintings, the exhibition will feature his ventures into album covers, murals, and other ephemera.
Western Spirit features regularly changing and permanent exhibits of Western and Native American art and artifacts, entertaining events, and informative programs that bring the West’s heritage, culture, and community to life.
Featuring Western Pop: Andy Warhol & Billy Schenck – through November 26, 2023; Werner Segarra: Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo – through February 25, 2024; Elliott collection preview – through Fall 2023 and “Dazzling Array: The Richard A. Gates Collection of Native American Jewelry” – currently on display.
Permanent exhibitions continuously on display include Canvas of Clay: Hopi Pottery Masterworks from The Allan and Judith Cooke Collection, which features 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.
In addition to his iconic watercolor paintings, the exhibition will feature his ventures into album covers, posters, guitars, public art, and various other projects.
