SCOTTSDALE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Canvas of Clay: Hopi Pottery Masterworks from The Allan and Judith Cooke Collection

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West was founded to present stories of the region's diverse peoples, as seen through their eyes, the sound of their voices, the products of their creativity, and the work of their hands as so featured in this exhibit celebrating seven centuries of stories about Hopi life and culture, told through pottery masterworks. 

Without the generous donation of this premiere collection by Dr. Allan Cooke made in loving tribute to his wife, Judith, following the introduction and encouragement by my longtime collegial friend, Edwin Wade, Ph.D, this national treasure would never have returned “home” to Hopi country of Arizona to honor Hopi People in this new gallery, The Allan and Judith Cooke Gallery.

It is especially meaningful to place the pottery on permanent exhibit in downtown Scottsdale so that all people may learn from, enjoy, and be inspired by its beauty and culturally rich designs for generations to come, given the vital role Native American artists and their artworks played in elevating the city from a small farming and ranching community into a nationally acclaimed creative and artistic center.

We are indebted to Drs. Allan Cooke and Edwin Wade, whose book, Canvas of Clay: Seven Centuries of Hopi Ceramic Art,served as the primary source of information and inspiration for this exhibition. We would also like to acknowledge our gifted Chief Curator, Tricia Loscher, Ph.D., who curated the exhibition with support from Rose Hawee, Hopi Cultural Advisor. 

Additionally, the museum would like to express its thanks to the City of Scottsdale's elected officials and members of the Tourism Development Commission. Their enthusiastic and generous support, shown by the development of this striking new gallery, played a deciding role in Dr. Cooke’s decision to make our city-owned museum the collection’s permanent home.

The museum's Board of Directors, members, and staff are humbled by the generosity and benevolence that have been extended by Dr. Cooke and other collectors who have entrusted their most treasured belongings into our care since the museum’s opening in 2015. It is an immense privilege and responsibility to serve as stewards of these works.

Mike Fox, Director/ CEO