Autry Museum of the American West, June 6th, 1100am

On June 6th, let’s learn about the American west by visiting the The Autry Museum of the American West.  It is located in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park, is a premier institution dedicated to the diverse stories, cultures, and history of the American West. Originally founded in 1988 by legendary “Singing Cowboy” Gene Autry, it has evolved from a repository of Hollywood memorabilia into a comprehensive center for Western art and historical inquiry.

A special event , the American Indian Arts Marketplace, returns that date.  We will be able to discover the artistry, stories, and creativity of Native artists from across the nation in a joyful, open-air festival setting. Browse and buy stunning works—jewelry, pottery, beadwork, textiles, sculpture, and more—while enjoying performances, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages.  From timeless traditions to bold contemporary expression, this is where creativity and community come together. Whether you’re a collector, a casual browser, or simply looking for a great day at the museum, the American Indian Arts Marketplace offers something for everyone.

We will meet at the entrance to the museums at 1100am and purchase our tickets, which are $15.  Angela will do one carpool with 3 passengers meeting at 930am at the Black Bear Diner on Harbor Blvd in Ventura.  Call here if you plan to ride with her or you can take other passengers.  Free parking is available across the street in the LA Zoo parking lot.

The museum houses over 600,000 pieces, ranging from cinematic artifacts to one of the most significant Native American collections in the nation. Key highlights include:

• Native American Art & Culture: Featuring the world-renowned Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, you will see more than 230,000 objects, including intricate basketry, textiles, ceramics, and jewelry representing indigenous peoples from Alaska to South America.
• Art of the West: This expansive gallery displays masterpieces by iconic artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, and Albert Bierstadt alongside contemporary works that challenge traditional Western narratives.
• Hollywood & Pop Culture: In the Imagined Wests and Cowboy Gallery, you can explore Gene Autry’s rhinestone-studded costumes, historic film props, and movie posters that examine how the “Wild West” myth was created on screen.
• Western Frontiers: A major exhibit featuring historic firearms (including one of the country’s most significant Colt collections), stagecoaches, saddles, and tools used by pioneers, miners, and vaqueros.
• California Continued: A garden and indoor exhibit that explores the state’s ecological history and the enduring Native American connections to the land.

There is food available at the museum, so plan to eat there.

This sounds like it will be a “yippee yahoo” good time!