About our Collections-Ethnographic Artifacts
-John Dawson
-Dorothy Knop
-Thomas Moran
-George Resler
-Henry Varnum Poor
-Fine Art Prints
-Elaine Rothwell
-Fritz Scholder
-Arthur Secunda
-Japanese Woodcuts
Our permanent collections holds over 1000 pieces of Ethnic Dress, international costume and textiles. Currently, West Valley Art Museum has the largest collection of ethnic dress in the southwest. Due to the already strong representation, a special emphasis is given to Asia, Africa and Latin American cultures.
19th and 20th Century American Paintings, Drawings and Prints: West Valley Art Museum's 19th and 20th Century fine art collection contains over 850 paintings, drawings and prints with a focus on American artists. The source of our American collection was made possible by the donation of 52 Henry Varnum Poor (American 1888-1970) paintings and drawings and a single donation of 325 George Resler (American 1882-1954) etchings and drawings.
In addition, Fine Art prints from American artists such at Andy Warhol, Peter Max, Fritz Scholder, and T.C. Cannon further enhance the definition of collective cultures. In total our collection contains 302 prints. Fifty-four are 19th century historic Japanese woodcut prints, which support our Asian Art focus. These prints include well known Japanese such at Hiroshige, Kaoru Kawano, Kiyoshi Saito and Kunichika
Toyohara.
Ethnographic Artifacts help to define and explain the nature of the cultures of the ethnic dress collection. In addition, the Collection contains 91 Chinese snuff bottles, 26 calligraphy tools, a 99 piece pottery collection originating from North and South Americas, 115 ethnographic sculptures, circa 1940’s Japanese fans, chopsticks, scrolls, including examples of cloisonné and repoussé bowls, candlesticks, vases and platters.
The Permanent Collections, like the communities and the constituents it reflects, is dynamic. Through display of ethnic dress, in all its diversity, our collection highlights the commonality of the human spirit. Donations by Museum members and friends from our community are the foundation of our expanding permanent collection. The dry and temperate climate in Arizona is a draw for people from all over the world. Originally a second-home vacation-community for the well traveled and more recently a preferred all-year-around living for a growing culturally diverse group which requires diversity in its museum collection and exhibitions. Many museum members and visitors actively collected works from Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America and have donated important pieces to the museum to ensure ongoing viewer enlightenment and education.
The Curatorial Department identifies condition concerns at time of accession of an item. If there is a problem, they seek sponsorship to see the item through any repair/restoration that might be needed. Works of art are stored in archival containers until and after repairs are made and when not on display. Humidity is monitored in all gallery and storage areas and adjustments are made accordingly.
Each museum volunteer is trained in the handling of art through the museum docent training program in which they receive general guidelines. When volunteering for hands on handling of artworks, the curators train each person individually. Foremost our job is to preserve everything within our collection for generations to come. White gloves are used to prevent any contamination.
Two gallery spaces have been designated to display our permanent collection on a daily basis. The collection is rotated periodically.
Loan of Collection Materials: As a Cultural Center, West Valley Art Museum continues its outreach program through the loan of artworks. Loans have been to facilities such as Minneapolis Institute of Art, Sky Harbor International Airport, Peoria Library, ASU West and Surprise City Hall.
When an item is donated, the Curators interview the donor for provenance and any other history known by the benefactor. The Collections Committee researches materials that are under consideration for accession. When funded, professional appraisers are hired to authenticate and evaluate potential accessions.
Docent training: Docents research and report on pieces within the Permanent Collection as part of their educational program.
Operating within the Museum’s Mission Statement we strive to be relevant and responsive to our culturally diverse and growing community. Collaboration and teamwork are important ingredients in the development of our exhibition program.
Starting with guidelines created during meetings with the Executive Director, Curator and Director of Education, a program is designed which will best demonstrate our compliance to our Mission. The Curatorial Department Staff evaluates submitted work, and collectively decide upon exhibitions. The Board of Trustees ensure that exhibitions tie closely with the Museum Mission Statement. In addition, we are guided by the recommendations of the Museum Association of America which has discouraged organized group exhibitions of questionable quality and encouraged thematic exhibitions.
Comments from Museum visitors are always taken into consideration when reevaluating at the conclusion of an exhibition.