Phoenix supermarket magnate Eddie Basha's passion for Native and Western art led him to amass an extraordinary collection of over 2,000 pieces. Now, as the gallery housing his cherished collection closes, two prominent Phoenix art museums step in to preserve and showcase these treasures. In this article, we delve into the fascinating journey of Basha's art collection, its profound cultural significance, and the legacy it leaves behind.
The Beginnings of a Remarkable Collection
Explore how Eddie Basha's passion for art led to the creation of his extraordinary collection.
Eddie Basha's journey into the world of art began in 1971, when his aunt encouraged him to find a hobby. Little did he know that this simple suggestion would ignite a lifelong passion for collecting art.
It was during his friendship with renowned painter John Clymer that Basha's love for Western art truly blossomed. Inspired by Clymer's work, Basha started building his collection, piece by piece.
Driven by his curiosity and love for history, Basha sought to understand the stories behind each painting, kachina doll, basket, or pot in his collection. He cherished every piece, regardless of whether the artist's name was known or not.
The collection grew over the years, encompassing rare and significant examples of Indigenous and Western American fine art. Basha formed personal connections with artists like John Clymer and Hopi carver Cecil Calnimptewa, further deepening his appreciation for their work.
Preserving a Legacy: The Donations
Discover how two prestigious Phoenix art museums stepped in to preserve and showcase Eddie Basha's art collection.
With the closure of the Basha Gallery, the question arose: what would happen to the extensive art collection? The answer came in the form of two esteemed Phoenix art museums: the and the .
The eagerly accepted the Indigenous art pieces, recognizing their cultural significance and the stories they tell about Arizona's Native communities. This donation will enrich their collection and allow visitors to appreciate the contributions of Native artists.
Meanwhile, the welcomed Basha's Western art collection with open arms. They will create a new wing dedicated to showcasing these remarkable pieces, ensuring that Basha's love for Western art lives on.
Both museums are honored to be entrusted with preserving and sharing Basha's collection, staying true to his vision of making art accessible to the public.
A Lasting Impact: Eddie Basha's Legacy
Explore the profound impact of Eddie Basha's art collection on the Arizona art community and beyond.
Eddie Basha's art collection is more than just a personal passion; it is a testament to his love for Arizona's rich cultural heritage. Through his collection, he celebrated the artistic contributions of Indigenous communities and Western American artists.
The donation of his collection to the and the ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire and educate future generations. Visitors to these museums will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the stories and histories depicted in the artwork.
Basha's vision that art should be shared is carried forward by these museums, who will make his collection accessible to all. The impact of his generosity and love for art will be felt for years to come.
Conclusion
Eddie Basha's art collection is a testament to his passion for Native and Western American fine art. Through his collection, he not only celebrated the artistic contributions of Indigenous communities and Western American artists but also made art accessible to the public.
With the donation of his collection to the and the , Basha's legacy will continue to inspire and educate future generations. Visitors to these museums will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich stories and histories depicted in the artwork.
The preservation of Basha's collection ensures that his love for art and Arizona's cultural heritage will be cherished for years to come.
