HIDDEN TREASURES

DAVID SCHWARTZ

CHANDLER, Ariz. -- When Eddie Basha strolls through this special space just off the lobby here at his corporate headquarters, it is like being surrounded by loved ones. Seemingly behind every corner is a friend and a story to tell.

The large oil paintings. The intricately crafted bronzes. The hand-woven baskets.

All are part of more than 800 pieces of Native American and contemporary Western art that the 64-year-old independent grocer has gathered piece by piece over the years, and put on display for his own amusement and that of the general public.

It is perhaps one of the best kept secrets in the local art world. And admission is free.

"It's very relaxing and rewarding when I walk through the gallery," said Basha, whose company ranks No. 58 on SN's Top 75 list of supermarket retailers. "There are countless stories and nostalgia associated with the gallery.

"I collected every piece and every piece has a history to it. That's even more special."

There are the pieces from the artist who transformed a 30-something Basha into a serious art collector. A favorite painting that he secured by outbidding hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan. And one the ex-Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater once owned.

"This is the fun thing about it for me -- it's so personal," Basha told SN, during a recent tour of the gallery, southeast of metropolitan Phoenix. "You can't put a price on that."

The gallery first opened its doors in 1992, filled with items from Basha's basement, and has been in the expansion mode ever since. All manner of pieces can be found packed into every unoccupied space.

"All the art is synonymous with the West," said Basha, who ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor in 1994. "It is a symbol of our history and our culture. It is all about the romanticism of the Old West."

The gallery also reflects one more thing -- his devotion to his Aunt Zelma.

Basha credits her with his exposure to art at a young age and keeping that interest alive. The two visited galleries and shows, and the artists in their studios. She died in 1997. The gallery is dedicated with her name -- Zelma Basha Salmeri -- and in her honor. "Through her I realized that supporting the arts was in a sense supporting the spirit and the soul of our country," he said.

Basha said he realized at a young age that any thoughts he may have had of being an artist were out of the question, a point driven home while in eighth grade.

"My art teacher told me one day, 'Eddie, this isn't your forte.' I've been very cognizant of that from then on," he jokes.

Basha said he started collecting for keeps in the early 1970s, buying several bronzes of what would prove to be a continual flow from cowboy artist Joe Beeler in a purchase sealed from a pay phone booth. The two remain good friends.

"The art is just another side of Eddie," said Beeler, 70, who lives in Sedona, Ariz. "I've kidded him that he someday might be more remembered for his art collection than his grocery stores. Western art has kind of added a whole spark to his life."

Beeler said his friend of 30 years has opened others eyes to Western art through his enthusiasm and what the artist calls one of the best private collections of its kind.

The guest sign-in book at the gallery is filled with accolades, spread by word-of-mouth, not any advertising. People seem to find this somewhat secret spot.

"You just don't expect to see something like this," said Marge Ryan, during a recent tour with a group from a retirement community. "It's a wonderful surprise."

One that keeps changing. A major expansion always seems to be on the way as Basha adds to the collection with the help of a buyer. He said he always is looking for new pieces, new artists and new representations of the genre.

There are no staff dedicated to the gallery. Descriptions of the works are generally not there. And no seminars are held. The gallery's future remains an unfinished work of art. "It is basically a gallery of art that's here for people to enjoy," Basha said. "We'll take it to the next level, but there's no hurry. I'm not going anywhere and the art isn't either."