The Basha family announced the gift of The Eddie Basha Collection of American Indian & Western American fine art to the Heard Museum (Phoenix AZ) and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (Scottsdale AZ). The gift comprises more than one thousand works of art that span three centuries including rare and important examples of paintings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, katsina and basketry from the Akimel O’odham, Tohono O’odham, Yavapai, Apache, Hopi, Navajo tribes, members of the Cowboy Artists of America and many other artists. The two prominent Valley institutions will each receive a portion of the extensive collection, one of the largest, privately-owned art collections of its kind, and will not only continue to work with the Basha family to preserve and honor Eddie’s legacy but jointly with one another.
“My family and I are delighted to make this gift to the Heard Museum and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. We are confident that these two world-class institutions will be excellent partners in fulfilling Eddie’s wish to share the collection and have it remain in Arizona,” said Nadine Basha. “The collection reflects Eddie’s deep, lifelong passion for the American West, its vast lands, its storied history, its many cultures, and its rich traditions. Eddie often said, “I am of the American West,” and that sentiment is richly embedded in this collection,” added Nadine.
In conclusion Nadine expressed, “Our family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has steadfastly supported The Eddie Basha Collection by visiting the gallery, by following us on social media and/or visiting the website, providing counsel and guidance along the way, and for the amazing accolades you have shared with us. We remain grateful and will treasure these memorable gifts of your time, your insights, and your support!”
The Chandler EBC Gallery will remain open through November 30, 2023, during its typical operating hours Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-4:00pm; closed Friday through Sunday. (Closed Thursday & Friday Nov. 23-24, 2023, in observance of Thanksgiving.) And, Collection relocation efforts commence Friday, December 1, 2023. The EBC Social Media accounts and website will remain active.