A city is nothing without it's history and it's hard to find a city in Arizona that doesn't have a rich history worth telling. So to honor the dedicated preservation of Verde Valley history both through art and science, we'd like to take a moment to recognize the Arizona Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale, AZ and the Verde Valley Archaeological Society in Camp Verde, AZ, both who will be exhibitors at the Verde Valley Wine Festival on May 13th & 14th.
Arizona Copper Art Museum
As a nominee for the 2017 Governor's Arts Award, the Arizona Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale, Arizona is undoubtedly feeling rather proud of the amazing collection of beautiful copper art it has helped to preserve for the community. Having begun their collection as far back as 1919 in a quaint little antique shop up in Northern Minnesota, they've slowly but surely brought together pieces from the United States and Europe into what is now one of the most renown collections in the country. They help to not only showcase wonderfully crafted pieces of work from copper smiths, soldier artists and braziers, many of whom were masters of their field, but also to preserve otherwise forgotten copper artifacts from the 16th to the 21st century. Being located in a city with such a rich history of wine, it's also no surprise that they have an unforgettable collection of winery and distillery pieces some of which date back to Prohibition. After seeing what the Arizona Copper Art Museum has helped bring together to support and recognize the elegance of copper art, it's not hard to imagine why a city like Clarkdale, Arizona would welcome them into their hearts and minds. They've been a "can't miss" destination in the city since the early 2000s and they continue to shine as a staple in the ever growing community of artists and museums that make Arizona a prime destination for creative souls.
More Info at http://www.copperartmuseum.com/.
Verde Valley Archaeology Center
Named the official nonprofit partner of the National Parks Service for Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments, the Verde Valley Archaeology Center in Camp Verde has earned it's place in the community by preserving the history and culture of American Indians in the Verde Valley. With it's roots dating back to the formation of the Arizona Archaeological Society (AAS) back in 1975, it wasn't until 2009 that the community and many of the archaeologists stated their concern for giving up the archaeological finds that they had discovered in the region. Until then, the amazing history of artifacts being discovered in the Verde Valley were still being sent away to be showcased in other museums far from their home. Determined to create a local place for these pieces to be shown, it was decided that only a nonprofit organization could properly preserve their history. So in 2011, the Verde Valley Archaeological Center was born, and although they've since moved from their quaint first location at the Fort Verde Shopping Center to one much larger and more accommodating for their collection, they continue to ensure that the history of the Verde Valley stays where it belongs. A shining example of what a passionate community can help accomplish, they are a can't miss stop in the city of Camp Verde.
More info at https://www.verdevalleyarchaeology.org/.
