When I was a little girl, my mother used to collect owls. I suspect it started with a simple gift from a friend, but you can imagine how it grew through the years as I got my hands on various pins, figurines and art supplies.
At some point, her interest shifted to American Indian art — often acquired during trips to or through Arizona. I know very little about the pieces she gathered, but I learn a little bit more each time I visit the Heard Museum in either Phoenix or Scottsdale.
Recently I explored the Heard Museum North in Scottsdale with my son Christopher, who was in grade school when my mother died. Together we’re learning about and enjoying the art that “Nana” so dearly loved.
We took along a camera, but have since discovered that the manual focus on one of our lenses needs repair — so you’ll have to forgive some of the fuzziness in the photos that follow.
Still, I hope you’ll get a good feel for the museum’s many offerings — and feel inspired to do some exploring of your own.
- Children will enjoy the museum’s collection of art objects featuring animals such as horses, birds and bears
It’s a particularly lovely time of year to visit the Heard Museum North in Scottsdale because the weather is perfect for enjoying the museum’s outdoor elements and other destinations in the area.
A very kind and knowledgable woman at the museum’s welcome desk told us about the Cave Creek Museum just up the road.
Some folks from Ohio suggested we make special note of the Heard’s jewelry selection, best described as one-of-a-kind wearable art.
Take your holiday shopping list if you have one since the museum gift shop offers a wealth of unique items in all price ranges. Think teachers, children, family and friends.
Take your camera too, but make sure all the parts are in good working order. There’s nothing like a good shot of a cactus in bloom, or a flowing rather than frozen water feature, for the front of custom holiday cards going to snowbound family and friends.
Saguaros are like snowflakes — no two are ever the same.
— Lynn
Note: Learn more about museums in the North Scottsdale area at the Central Arizona Museum Association website.
Coming up: Lynn and Christopher explore one of his early childhood favorites — the Arizona Science Center — which currently features an exhibit titled “RACE: Are We So Different?”
