Scottsdale Blog - Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona » Heard Museum

Experience the Thrill of the Hoop Dance

Kelly Tope — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:18:22 +0000

Looking for a non-traditional Valentine’s Day (or weekend) activity? Then be sure to check out the 70 hoop dancers from across North America who will showcase their skill and talent as they compete for the prestigious World Champion title at the Heard Museum in Phoenix this weekend.

For those of who you’ve never had the pleasure of witnessing a hoop dance , it basically consists of dancers in traditional Native American dress, who incorporate hoops (about 3-4′ in diameter) into thier dances. This could include everything from stepping through the hoop to spinning multiple hoops on the dancer’s arm. Of course, I’m doing the hoop dancing no real justice in my description (it’s by far one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen) so you really do need to get out an experience it for yourself.

The 20th Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest will take place February 13-14 at the Heard Musuem. Tickets are $12 for adults and $3 for children and can be purchased online or at the door.

The tradition of dancing with a hoop has an extensive history among Native people. The hoop or circle is symbolic to all Native people. It represents the Circle of Life and the continuous cycle of summer and winter, day and night, male and female. Some Native people use hoop dancing as a part of a healing ceremony designed to restore balance and harmony in the world, which is not performed publicly.

It has been suggested that the people of Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, first began performing a dance in which a performer passed though a hoop. Recently, the hoop dance has become more popular in dance circles, powwows and contests throughout North America. Young dancers are learning from accomplished hoop dancers, and new innovations are appearing.

During performances, dancers will incorporate speed and agility as they manipulate their bodies through one to more than 50 hoops. Some dancers also incorporate creative designs and difficult manipulations of the hoops to present unique variations of the dance. Through the hoop dance, accompanied by either Northern or Southern drums, the performers express distinct cultural traditions, as they are judged on a variety of categories.

Giant Book and Treasure Sale at the Heard Museum!

Mitchell Tay — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:46:16 +0000

The Heard Museum is hosting their 14th Annual Guild Library Book sale at the end of the month on January 30-31. If you’re looking for a good bargain on more than 30,000 books or even other fine items such as katsina dolls or American Indian and vintage jewelry, this is one event that you you don’t want to miss out!

Saturday, January 30th: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Sunday, January 31th: 9:30pm – 4:00pm
Members also have the opportunity to shop early for books on Friday, January 29 from 1:00 – 5:00pm.

All sale proceeds benefit special projects of the museum’s Billie Jane Baguley Library and Archives.

For more information on this event, click here.

Apache master sculptor Allan Houser

Josh Kenzer — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:35:26 +0000

For the first time, see the breadth of Houser’s work at two of Scottsdale’s most prestigious destinations: the Desert Botanical Garden and the Heard Museum. this collaborative exhibition features 18 large sculptures and a variety of paintings, drawings, sketches and smaller sculptures by this master artist.

My Visit to the Heard Museum

Mitchell Tay — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:09:35 +0000

As an Arizona native it was sad for me to say that I’ve never been to the Heard Museum. It’s almost as bad as saying that you live in Arizona but have never been to the Grand Canyon. The Heard Museum is all about the Native American culture and covers everything from history to contemporary art. It is a fairly large museum with permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary exhibits (make sure you grab a map). Their signature exhibit is Home: Native People in the Southwest. A guided tour is offered for this exhibit, which lasts around an hour, that shows the history and culture of the Native American people. I definitely recommend going through this exhibit with a docent as they are very knowledgeable and go through an eight month training program to become fully educated about the Native American culture. The rest of the museum you’re free to roam around the museum. Another exhibit I recommend you definitely check out is Remembering Our Indian School Days: The Boarding School Experience. This is a very moving exhibit that chronicles the controversial experience of Native American children being placed in boarding schools to educate and assimilate them. There are many other exhibits at the Heard including paintings and sculptures. Additionally there are childrens’ activities, which of course always makes learning fun. There’s even a gift shop which you can purchase pieces of art from the creators themselves!

The Heard Museum also hosts many unique events at their site such as the Spanish Market, 52nd Annual Indian Fair and Market, and Native + You.

Overall, my experience at the Heard of Native American culture and experiencing the many beautiful pieces of art was enjoyable. I could have easily spent a half day there and am glad I finally made a trip to the Heard Museum. =)

10 Fabulously Free Scottsdale Experiences

Josh Kenzer — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:26:25 +0000

Updated with Summer Activities

Browse Downtown
The Downtown Scottsdale Arts, Shopping & Entertainment Districts are home to hundreds of designer boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries and Native American jewelry stores, as well as an outstanding selection of restaurants and bistros. For a free and fun way to get around downtown, hop aboard the Scottsdale Trolley, which will take you to all of downtown districts and Scottsdale Fashion Square.
Take a Hike
There’s no better way to get up-close-and-personal with the Sonoran Desert than with a hike along one of the area’s scenic trails. At the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, you can hike on your own or join one of the regular guided hikes offered by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Other popular hiking spots include Camelback Mountain near downtown and Pinnacle Peak Park in North Scottsdale.
Summer Concerts in the Park
Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a variety of outstanding local bands at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Arrive a little early to enjoy train and carousel rides or to tour the museum.
- Dates: Every Sunday evening from May 3 through July 5
- Times: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Location: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- Phone: 480-312-2312
Stroll the Thursday Evening ArtWalk
Every Thursday evening the galleries in the downtown Scottsdale Arts District stay open late and welcome browsers and collectors alike. Exhibit openings, artist receptions and live entertainment are all part of the ArtWalk experience.
- Dates: Thursday Evenings, year round
- Times: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Location: Downtown Scottsdale Arts District
- Phone: 480-421-1004
Take a Tour of SMoCA
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) offers programs and exhibits to help visitors discover the world of art. Free docent-led tours are offered at SMoCA on Sundays and Thursdays at 1:30. Meet in the museum lobby. Tours also are available by appointment. After your tour at SMoCA, stop by the Young @ Art Gallery located inside the Scottsdale Center For the Performing Arts (immediately adjacent to SMoCA), which is devoted to the creative work of children.
Brush Up on Scottsdale’s History
Learn about Scottsdale’s early days at the 1909 Little Red Schoolhouse, now home to the Scottsdale Historical Museum. The museum chronicles the city’s history with photographs, artifacts and changing displays.
Go Green at the Old Town Farmer’s Market
This fabulous market offers a wide variety of organic and pesticide-free produce. You’ll also find seasonal specialties like cider, apples, flowers, free-range beef and eggs, local cheese, fresh artisan breads, jams, and tamales. Jewelry, photography, handmade gifts, coffee and breakfast to go also are available.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- Times: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Brown Avenue & First Street (southwest corner) in Old Town
- Phone: 623-848-1234
Enjoy a Serenade by Arizona’s Singing Cowboy
Cowboy singer and raconteur Gary Sprague and his trusty steed Dusty entertain Old Town shoppers with Western songs and local folklore. Gary rides throughout Old Town and concludes his performance with a ride into the Rusty Spur Saloon.
- Dates: Every Saturday & Sunday
- Times: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Old Town Scottsdale
Kierland Commons Summer Concert Series
Some of Arizona’s hottest bands will entertain every Saturday evening in the center plaza at the Kierland Commons. Before the concert, browse the upscale shops or enjoy dinner at one Kierland Commons’ outstanding restaurants.
- Dates: Every Saturday evening from June 6 through July 31 (no concert on July 4)
- Times: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Location: Kierland Commons Center Plaza
- Phone: 480-348-1577
Enjoy NU at the Heard Museum
On the third Friday of each month, the Heard Museum offers a new series called NU (Native + You). Visitors can enjoy the museum, outdoor courtyards, Arcadia Farms Café, Berlin Gallery and Shop while enjoying dining, cash bars, a lounge, local bands, DJs and salons with contemporary artists.
- Dates: Third Friday of every month
- Times: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Location: Heard Museum
- Phone: 602-252-8848

What’s ‘NU’ at the Heard Museum

Mitchell Tay — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:00:45 +0000

The Heard Museum is beginning a new evening series called NU (Native + You) which will run on every third friday of the month starting in February (2/20/09) from 5:30 – 9:00pm. The theme for NU for the month of February is The Best of Arizona.

Visitors will enjoy:

Live music provided by Dear and the Headlights (a band that I personally like) and DJ Fienx
Dining at the Arcadia Farms Cafe
Cash Bar and Lounge by Local Arizona Breweries
Berlin Gallery: Steven Yazzie & Will Wilson, also meet the artists.

The best all the event is Free!