Curating Artwork that Defines the Iconic American West

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (SMoW) is celebrated for honoring the people, places and events of the American West, spanning 19 states, including those bordering Mexico and Canada. With such a rich history and culture to explore, the museum hosts an ever-evolving rotation of exhibits for visitors to choose from.

Tricia Loscher, Ph.D., is SMoW’s assistant museum director, where she is in charge of collections, exhibitions and research. Tricia is no stranger to the West, having grown up all over Arizona. Her fascination with the region, including her interest in native art, led her to eventually spend 12 years at the iconic Heard Museum as a curator and program director. 

In this episode, Susan and Tricia discuss how SMoW has evolved since its grand opening a few short years ago, why it places a high priority on storytelling and how the museum’s robust docent program enriches the visiting experience for everyone. Tricia highlights what guests can look forward to in 2020 and what advice she has for western art lovers curating their own collections at home.