The Eddie Basha Collection, housed in the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery, draws admirers from all over the world. The impetus behind the collection, as well as the gallery itself was one of love, respect and great admiration.

Eddie Basha grew up captivated by the American West. In 1971 under the encouragement and guidance of his Aunt Zelma, Eddie began collecting art. What began as a hobby quickly grew into an inspirational passion, combining his keen interest in the history of the American West, his admiration of the American Indian and his appreciation for art.

His collection has grown into one of the largest private collections of contemporary Western American and American Indian art in the world.

The focus of the Eddie Basha Collection lies in two specific areas: Contemporary Western American Art and Contemporary American Indian Art.

It is a vast composite of oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, pastel and charcoal drawings, pen & inks, bronze, wood and natural stone sculptures, wood-turned bowls, basketry, pottery, katsinas and jewelry. There are well over 3,500 pieces of art depicting numerous mediums displayed throughout the gallery.

The collection includes countless masterpieces by renowned Cowboy Artists Joe Beeler, John Clymer, John Coleman, Charlie Dye, Martin Grelle, David Halbach, Oreland Joe, Tom Lovell, Bill Nebeker, Bill Owen, Jim Reynolds, Howard Terpning and many others.

The collection also includes several works by American Indian Contemporary Artists Clifford Beck, Victor Beck, Cecil Calnimptewa, David Johns, Wilmer Kaye, Tommy Montoya, Norbert Peshlakai, Al Qöyawayma, LuAnn Tafoya, Dennis Tewa, Baje Whitethorne, Larry Yazzie and dozens more.

Eddie was not just another collector. In fact, he was known for developing close, personal relationships with many of the artists he collected from. To Eddie, these friendships played a significant and imperative role in the pieces he purchased. Each one tells a unique and personal story.

Eddie was passionate about sharing his love for art, which is why he opened the gallery in 1992. After only a brief two years, the first expansion doubled the size.

Again, recognizing the need to create separate spaces for the two distinctive collections, a second expansion occurred in 1996, opening up the American Indian Wing.

In January of 1999, a complete renovation of the gallery brought about a unique presentation of the collection in its entirety. Color and lots of it. The bright and bold palette provided a splash of charisma to an already impressive exhibit.

And even more boldly, in 2001 expansion areas were created for both the Western American and American Indian Collections, maximizing our efforts to provide additional display space. The work began in January and was completed in May of 2001.

In memory of Aunt Zelma and Eddie Basha, it is our intention to share this beautiful collection with our Arizona community and its many visitors. We hope you enjoy the collection as much as we enjoy sharing it with each and every person who visits.