Apache Stories
October 30, 2021 through October 9, 2022
Desert Caballeros Western Museum is proud to host the exhibition “Apache Stories” curated by guest curator Janet Cantley and Dr. Eduardo Pagán, the adjunct curator of history at Desert Caballeros Western Museum, in the Cultural Crossroads Learning Center beginning October 30. Generously funded by Cowboy Cookin’, “Apache Stories” is an exhibition showing the continuing traditions in Apache art and culture, focusing on the Apaches of Arizona. We present the separate but related Apache tribes and their unique histories, varying by their geography and their relationship to the U.S. government and the military. Apache people have been some of the most misrepresented in popular culture, through early newspaper stories, dime novels and movies. The true Apache stories of courage and endurance are revealed over the centuries through their continuing cultural traditions and artistic expressions. The Museum’s Executive Director Dan Finley, goes on to say, “The story of the Apaches in Arizona is a complicated one and obfuscated by myth and misunderstanding. Working with representatives of different Apache tribes, the exhibition will tell the true history of the Apaches along with a presentation on the challenges they still face today.” The art and objects to be displayed are from a variety of sources including loans from Amerind Museum, Arizona Historical Society, Eddie Basha Collection, Heard Museum, Scottsdale Museum of the West, White Mountain Apache Cultural Center and others.
The exhibition opens to the public on October 30, 2021 with events planned to celebrate the rich and diverse culture of the Apache people. Apache Crown Dancers, Hoop Dancer Tony Duncan, and other activities will kick off the exhibition that weekend. Future programs focusing on the exhibition will include “The Wickenburg Massacre: Who Dunit?” on November 5 and a film program on March 10, both at the Saguaro Theatre, as well as a lecture on the Apache Wars by Dr. Pagán on April 13. Details forthcoming. The last day to view the exhibition will be October 2, 2022.
Guest co-curator, Janet Cantley, takes our Circles members through the installation in the Cultural Crossroads Learning Center.
