Aviation Press Releases

November 21, 2011

Arizona Ranchers Unveil ‘100 Years’ Display at Phoenix Sky Harbor

Phoenix, AZ – The Phoenix Airport Museum recently hosted a celebration honoring ranching families from across Arizona featured in the photo exhibition 100 Years 100 Ranchers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

On November 19, Ranchers, art supporters and public officials gathered to unveil the exhibition, featuring 100 portraits of ranchers whose families have been ranching since or before Arizona became a state in 1912.

Also attending the event was photographer Scott Baxter, whose work was designated as a Centennial Legacy Project by the Arizona Centennial Commission.

"The Phoenix Airport Museum is honored to premier this exhibition of photographs, 100 Years 100 Ranchers,” said Lennée Eller, museum curator. “Celebrating the Arizona State Centennial, these portraits document the ranching families that have defined Arizona for decades. During the last 10 years, Scott Baxter's tenacity created this work as a true labor of love."

Baxter traveled across the state for more than 10 years to complete this project, which includes striking black-and-white photos of ranch families from 14 of the state’s 15 counties.

The exhibition includes displays throughout the entire Level 3 in Terminal 4 and will be showcased until May 12, 2012.

“For me this was a great deal, this was a life changing experience, and for me I just felt really fortunate and blessed to have been able to photograph these ranchers,” said Baxter, who has also been recognized as a 2012 Arizona Culturekeeper for his efforts in creating a body of images that documents an important part of the state community.

In addition, the airport is currently featuring two other exhibitions that pay tribute to the Arizona Centennial, which is Feb. 14, 2102. Terminal 2 showcases the renowned landscape painter, Merrill Mahaffey, whose collection of work at PHX shows both the vast and intimate sides of Arizona’s natural beauty.

In Terminal 3, a group exhibition featuring 60 Arizona artists, whose works illustrate why they love Arizona in exhibition is titled, Arizona Valentine: Romancing the State.

The Centennial Celebration will continue throughout 2012.