New Western Spirit Museum Monument to Arrive in December
The eight-foot sculpture will debut at the Scottsdale museum this December to expand the site's public art collection.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Wildlife
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Scottsdale residents can expect the debut of a new eight-foot monument titled Way of the Wild, 1832, at the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. The installation is scheduled for December 2026, following a private unveiling ceremony on December 1, 2026.
Why it matters
The addition of this large-scale sculpture creates a new permanent outdoor landmark for local families visiting the museum. It complements the institution's ongoing focus on Western history and art, which currently includes a dedicated exhibition of bronzes by artist John Coleman.
The new monument, titled Way of the Wild, 1832, stands eight feet tall and arrives in Scottsdale this December. It serves as a physical expansion of the museum's current 10-piece Explorer Artist Series, which remains on display for visitors.
The players
John Coleman
An artist known for creating bronze sculptures, including the 10-piece Explorer Artist Series currently exhibited in Scottsdale.
Howie Alper
A trustee of the Western Spirit Museum who donated the new eight-foot monument.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
A cultural institution in Scottsdale dedicated to Western history and art that currently hosts the Collecting Stories exhibition.
The details
The monument was created by artist John Coleman and donated to the museum by trustee Howie Alper. It will be permanently placed in front of Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West to greet guests. The piece references the year 1832 and will be officially unveiled at a private ceremony before the public installation is complete.
Timeline
December 1, 2026: Private unveiling ceremony for the monument.
December 2026: Installation of the monument in front of the museum.
The Home Front
This installation expands the museum's outdoor cultural footprint in line with its current Collecting Stories exhibition. It reflects a growing trend of institutional investment in permanent public art installations within the local Scottsdale cultural corridor.
Families can plan to visit the museum in December 2026 to see the new eight-foot sculpture in person. You can track the progress of the installation by checking the museum's official event calendar for updates on public access dates.
The takeaway
The installation adds a major new visual landmark to the museum's outdoor grounds this winter. Families should keep an eye on the museum website for the official public viewing schedule following the December installation.
Further reading
To see other ways the local environment and art intersect, visit Wildlife.
More information
For more details on the installation and upcoming gallery events, check the museum exhibit and event information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Your Valley.
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