PHOENIX, Nov. 6, 2015 — (PRNewswire) —  The family of the late Eddie Basha announces the launch of a new website, EddieBashaCollection.com, which was created to further Eddie's belief, "art is meant to be shared." It provides a unique glimpse into this vast repository of Contemporary Western American & American Indian art, the artists who created them, the man who collected over 3,500 pieces and the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery, where the majority of the collection resides. Its debut occurs during the same week as the opening of Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West exhibition entitled "A Salute to Cowboy Artists of America and a Patron, the Late Eddie Basha: 50 Years of Amazing Contributions to the American West."

"We are proud and grateful that the museum and The Cowboy Artists of America wanted to pay tribute to Eddie," said Nadine Basha, Eddie's widow. "It's a testament to the bonds of a mutual passion for historical and contemporary fine art portrayals of the American West and to the bonds of friendship, love and laughter among these artists, museums and galleries, fellow collectors and Eddie." 

During his lifetime, the CAA selected Eddie as an Honorary Member of this prestigious organization. Over 30 pieces from the collection, some seldom seen, have been loaned. 

While Eddie was a consummate collector of art, it was the friendships he made in the art community that he treasured more than the art itself. He spent countless hours with the artists, visiting their studios, sharing discussions about life and history, reminiscing, and of course, laughing.

Publicly, Eddie was more often known as an ardent education advocate, a successful businessman, a philanthropist and a one-time gubernatorial candidate. However, this collection may be an even larger part of his legacy. 

"Visitors to the gallery embrace not only the extraordinary talent, depth and quality of the collection, but the passion for which it was put together," said Nadine. "Eddie was a quintessential art collector, one who supported struggling artists and successful ones, and he couldn't have been prouder of the artists' accomplishments. He fully enjoyed and engaged with the artists in their processes."

To learn more about the collector, the artists and the gallery, and to watch exclusive video interviews, go to EddieBashaCollection.com.

Contact: Nicole Momont
Phone: 602-222-1056
Email: Email Contact

 

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-basha-family-announces-the-launch-of-eddiebashacollectioncom---one-of-the-largest-privately-owned-collections-of-contemporary-western-american-and-american-indian-art-300174020.html

SOURCE EddieBashaCollection.com

Contact:

EddieBashaCollection.com Web: http://eddiebashacollection.com