Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West recently announced the major gift of the Fran and Ed Elliott Southwest Women Art Collection, which consists of more than 300 works from 25 talented women artists. The gift is one of the largest donations of women artists’ works to an American institution. 
Eda Sterchi (1885-1969), Sunset, oil on canvas. The Fran and Ed Elliott Southwest Women Art Collection.
The collection was guided to the museum by museum trustee Betsy Fahlman and museum curator Tricia Loscher. “The Elliott Collection will add a unique luster to Western Spirit, making it a destination for scholars, researchers, artists, collectors and lovers of art whose curiosity will be kindled by the incredible artistry in these works,” the museum notes.
“Remarkably, all of the 25 artists whose works grace the collection have a connection to the state of Arizona, having either resided, studied, or worked in our state,” says Mike Fox, director and CEO of Western Spirit. “Our institution is immensely grateful and appreciative of our responsibility to extend the legacy, not only of our friends Fran and Ed Elliott, but the legacy of all the women artists represented in this unparalleled historical collection.”
Jessie Benton Evans (1866-1954), Camelback Mountain with Saguaro and Wash, 1920, oil on board. The Fran and Ed Elliott Southwest Women Art Collection.
The Elliott Collection will be enhanced by a significant collection of artworks by Scottsdale’s first professional resident artist, Marjorie Thomas. The exhibition features more than 150 drawings, paintings, sketches and photos. “Thomas was a true Arizona art pioneer, having arrived before Arizona’s statehood,” says Fahlman, an Arizona State University professor. “We are thrilled about the donation of this recent gift to Western Spirt.”
Works in the collection include pieces by Marjorie Reed, Jessie Benton Evans, Eda Sterchi, Lillian Wilhelm Smith and many others. For more information about the museum visit www.scottsdalemuseumwest.org.
Calling all Western Art museums! Have a recently acquired painting or sculpture? Email the details to mclawson@westernartcollector.com.—
Powered by Froala Editor
