8 Best Places to See Western Art in Arizona

A Doubtful Handshake, Charles Russell, 1910

​Arizona is a state with a rich history and diverse culture, and this is reflected in its art. From Native American art to cowboy paintings, there is something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to western art in Arizona. Having lived most of my life in Arizona, I explored our state’s museums and art galleries, and these are some of my favorite places to see the art of the west. Here are eight of the best places to see western art in the state:

 1. Heard Museum 

​The Heard Museum is one of the premier museums of southwestern art in the United States. It has a large collection of Native American art, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and jewelry. The Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona is a private, nonprofit institution focused on promoting American Indian art. It showcases the stories and artworks of Native people, both traditional and contemporary. Through collaborations with American Indian artists and tribal communities, the museum offers visitors a unique perspective on Native art, with a particular emphasis on the Southwest. ​https://heard.org/

2. Western Spirit, Scottsdale's Museum of the West

Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West is a museum dedicated to the art and culture of the American West. The museum has a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from the American West. I recently visited the Museum of the West and loved it!  It doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously and is fun for both adults and kids. In addition to the artwork, there are lots of cool old west artifacts. https://scottsdalemuseumwest.org/ 

3. Phoenix Art Museum

The Phoenix Art Museum has a wide-ranging collection of art from around the world, including a significant collection of western art. The museum has works by famous western artists such as Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, as well as Native American artists. If you are an art lover, don’t miss the Phoenix Art Museum.  It also has a series of lectures and guest speakers by some of this country’s most prominent artists and art historians.  Also, check out the sculpture garden, it is a great place to take a break from your viewing.  ​https://phxart.org/

4. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

​If you find yourself in Tucson, be sure to check out this gallery and art studio.  You won’t regret it! The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a museum dedicated to the work of artist, Ettore DeGrazia. DeGrazia was a prolific artist who specialized in painting and sculpting Native American subjects. He helped design and build his studio back in the 1950’s and its old west adobe architecture is as interesting as the artwork itself.  It will transport you back to an earlier time. ​https://degrazia.org/

​5. Tucson Museum of Art

The Tucson Museum of Art has a collection of over 40,000 works of art, including a significant collection of western art. The museum has works by famous western artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams. After visiting the DeGrazia Gallery, go and check out the Tucson Museum of Art.  ​https://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/

​6. Legacy Gallery

The Legacy Gallery is a commercial gallery in Old Town Scottsdale that specializes in western art. The gallery has a wide selection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art by both famous and emerging artists. If you want to see some of the best western art being made today, step into this Old Town Scottsdale art gallery and be prepared to be blown away! ​https://legacygallery.com/

​7. Bischoff's Gallery

Bischoff's Gallery is another commercial gallery in Old Town Scottsdale that specializes in western art. The gallery has a long history of showcasing the work of some of the most talented western artists in the country. In addition to paintings, they also have contemporary Native American pottery and jewelry.  It has a cool eclectic collection that you won't want to miss. ​https://www.bischoffsgallery.com/

​8. Cave Creek Museum

 The Cave Creek Museum is a small museum located in Cave Creek, Arizona. The museum's exhibits focus on the history of Cave Creek and the surrounding area, including the Native American people who lived in the area, the early settlers, and the development of the town. The museum also has a collection of art and artifacts related to the American West. ​https://cavecreekmuseum.org/

These are just a few of the many places to see western art in Arizona. With its rich history and diverse culture, Arizona is a state that is home to a wide variety of western art. If you are interested in seeing the art of the old west or the new west, be sure to check out the places I have reviewed above.  And, if you go, let me know what you think.

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Weaver's Needle, AZ 16" X20" Bruce Black

​Bruce Black is a professional artist living in Phoenix Arizona.  His paintings capture the beauty of the southwestern landscape -  from Arizona’s rugged canyons to California’s stunning coastline.  See Bruce Black’s most recent artwork HERE.