(PHOENIX, January 31, 2012) – This is an Arizona Centennial Legacy Project that will not be forgotten. Responses will be emotional for some, and quite educational for most.

"Beyond Geronimo: The Apache Experience," opens to the public at Heard Museum Phoenix on Saturday, February 11, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., in a specially-designed 3,800-square-foot gallery, and runs to January 2013. It involves more than a hundred pieces of cultural and fine art, include original items belonging to Geronimo such as his bow, saddle bags, and moccasins, as well as supporting art and artifacts representing the Apache nations. An audio-visual component, a publication with expanded text on the artwork, and online exhibit availability are also included.

"The name 'Geronimo' has become known internationally as both the name of a legendary Apache leader and as a synonym for anything 'Apache,'" explained Debra Utacia Krol (Xolon Salinan Tribe), Communications Manager at Heard Museum. "Common stereotypes relating to Geronimo have persisted in hundreds of books and television and movie scripts. This 'Beyond Geronimo' exhibit examines the celebrity status attached to Geronimo, and the resulting misrepresentations of Apache culture and heritage that followed the intense media attention focused on one man and his battle with the U.S. government. It also provides insight into the historic groups of Apaches and the leaders who were overshadowed by Geronimo's persona, before and after his surrender."

This exhibit will present a more accurate view of the celebrated personality than have the sensationalized media accounts of the past 130 years, and it is sure to evoke varied emotions among those who view it. Works by contemporary Apache artists will show how they respond to and interpret their shared history and the changing faces of Geronimo over time.

Other leaders of the Chiricahua are included in this well-rounded presentation, including Naiche, the hereditary leader of the Chiracahua Apache at the time of surrender. Both the unity and the diversity among the various Apache groups are examined through visual arts.

Organizers of "Beyond Geronimo" worked closely with the Apache communities at San Carlos, Tonto, White Mountain, Yavapai-Apache, Jicarilla, Mescalero, and Fort Sill to inform this exhibit as well as drawing on scholarly research. Collections from the Heard Museum, National Museum of American Indian/Smithsonian, Autrey National Center, the Eiteljorg Museum, the Gilcrease Museum, and private collections are compiled to provide this story of the Apache people.

Educational programs are planned in conjunction with the exhibit. For example, a lecture by author and researcher Robert Utley, "Geronimo and Chiricahua Apache Culture," will be presented at Heard Museum on Sunday, February 19, at 2 p.m., in the Monte Vista Room. Utley will speak about Geronimo's Chiricahua Apache culture and how well he adhered to it. He will refer to prominent features of the culture as specially related to Geronimo, such as the distinction between war and raid; his relationship with Usen, the Chiricahua deity and creator; the concept of personal power; and his relationship to ceremonies, rituals and traditions.

Heard Museum Phoenix is located at 2301 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Admission is $15 for adults, with reduced prices for senior citizens, students, and children. American Indians and members of Heard Museum are admitted free. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The admission fee allows access to 11 exhibit galleries, free public guided tours, outdoor sculpture garden, outstanding café, art gallery, and trading-post style shopping.

For more information about this official Arizona Centennial Legacy Project exhibit, visit Heard Museum website at www.heard.org or phone 602.252.8848.