Bullion Plaza hosts Mixer

By: Linda Gross

Last night, Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum hosted the monthly Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce mixer and many in the community turned out to see the progress being made after months of hard work by the Executive Director, the Board and several dedicated volunteers who put in hundreds of volunteer hours to re-paint, strip wood, build exhibits, showcase historic photos and more.

The results are stunning and those in attendance last night marveled at the Red, White and Blue room which highlights the careers of many politicians and state leaders who hail from Miami including Senator Bill Hardt, who became a Senator at 60 and spent 30 years in political office – retiring when he was 90. His daughter, Jo Foti and husband Vince, were on hand last night to support the efforts of the Museum.

Current Senator, Ed Pastor provided his desk which sits proudly in the lobby and serves as a reminder of the leadership which is still coming out of the area.   Board President Joe Sanchez and Board member Linda Pearce welcomed guests at last nights event.

Rosemary Castenada, who is also on the Board, worked with her former employer, Bank of the West, to secure copies of historic photos which the bank purchased years ago to hang in the museum. The images were blown up and re-matted and now hang throughout the lobby of the Museum.

The Museum includes many displays including a large room showcasing the Bob and Charmion McKusicks work  which spans nearly 50 years and includes an “almost forgotten 13th century technique” which allowed them to reproduce the Moorish-style types used in the original haciendas, as well as work tile series which depict desert animals and Native American symbols. The Walls in the McKusick room are lines with articles and accolades of their work and today, they continue to produce ceramics for health care and industry.

Other displays showcase the ranching and mining history in the region, as well as those who have served in the military.  If you missed your opportunity last night to see what’s new with Bullion Plaza’s Museum, be sure to put it on your list when you are in the area. It is worth the stop.  The Museum is kept open Fridays and Saturdays  11am – 3pm. (Although, since these are volunteer hours – they may vary)

And, you can also reach Tom Foster, Executive Director to arrange for a special tour of the facility by calling  602-432-7474. (Except April 30th – May 15th when he will be in China)