Amerind - as in 'American Indian' culture and art

If you haven't been to the Amerind Foundation Museum near Dragoon, AZ - GO! ASAP works...


This is a must see for those who are interested in other cultures, their artwork and history. The museum has displays from Native Americans in Alaska to the Native People of Peru, and everyone in-between along the Western Hemisphere.  http://www.amerind.org/ - "Amerind foundation and Museum seeks to foster and promote knowledge and understanding of the Native Peoples of the Americas through research, education, and conservation." Be sure to check the website as the museum was closed on a Monday as we came to discover and were turned away in disappointment.


Near the entrance

 I was stunned at the size of the collection and in how interestingly it is displayed. The volunteer staff/docents were extremely knowledgeable and were willing to spend the time answering our questions. It was fascinating, as I eavesdropped on a small tour that was sharing one of the rooms we were in, as the volunteer tour guide explained how the collection came into existence and the history of the founders.

Included in the museum fee is an Art Gallery, located in the building next door, dedicated, in part, to the founder and his wife, their belongings and their collections of artwork. This also was worth the journey, for many of the furnishings were in excellent condition considering the age of each piece, but just being able to look closely at the craftsmanship in producing the piece of furniture was, in itself enlightening. None of that "roped off-don't touch, stand too close" stuff here, the pieces were right there - up close and personal. There were a few with signs asking you not to sit on them but other than that not too much 'forbidden' areas. There was also a 'self-guided' pamphlet/map of the rooms, with information about the artists so you could linger as long as you wished.

Photography is not permitted, although I did take one display photo - (no flash - no harm) of some pottery which I have included in the "Du Jour Photos". Nothing makes me crazier than not being allowed to take photos - especially when I have been charged an entry fee!

TimTrask bronze

Gallery of Dreams - located in St. David, AZ - Hwy 80, approx 8 miles south of Benson, AZ. Brightly painted exterior-it is the studio of Tim Trask http://www.agalleryofdreams.com/Tim%20Trask.htm, in front the building houses a co-op of local artist works from jewelry, photographs and bronze statues. In an adjacent room and if he is working - you might be able to watch Mr. Trask work on a piece - we missed that but I was able to photograph the life-size statue he was working on in his studio, all of which are also in the daily photos.

Art is everywhere, you just have to pay attention. Dragoon, a small almost non-existent town, just south of I-10 looked and felt like a ghost town, however this wooden Indian marked the corner we turned around at, so I've added him here.  The building he is guarding is closed, but he looks well cared for....

Adios...until next time. Be well, travel safe and smile often.

If you can change your mind, you can change your life. - William James

Amerind / Tim Trask - link to the additional photos from this blog.