AS WE SETTLED INTO THE ARIZONIAN RV Park in Gold Canyon, we knew we would be pretty much on our own this time. We stayed here two years ago to visit my old friend Paul and his wife Noreen, who live around the corner. They are good company and guides to the area but Paul will have to sit this visit out. He is in the early stages of recovery from hip-replacement surgery.
Oldies but Goodies: Paul and John
When we visited them, Paul asked if we had heard of the Heard Museum. I know this sounds like the beginning of an Abbott and Costello shtick, but Paul’s advice is usually good and the Heard is no joke. The museum was endowed by the founders of True-Value Hardware and the original collection of Native American pottery, rugs, clothing and other goodies was from Heard’s own collection.
Weaving and pottery
Except for the exhibit about the Indian Schools, the museum is more about art than history. It’s chock-a-block with pottery, weaving, jewelry, painting and even poetry and kachina dolls. Many of the pieces are unattributed while others are by well-known Native American artists including Awa Tsireh and TC Cannon, a contemporary of Jack Kerouac and Bob Dylan.
TC Cannon Selfie Awa Tsireh
The Heard is in a very scenic section of Phoenix, has free parking and a surprisingly good restaurant. Two thumbs up and worth the trip!
