For 10 weeks, Celebration of Fine Art welcomes collectors to visit 100 working artist studios under its signature “big white tents” in Scottsdale, Arizona. This year’s edition, running January 18 through March 29, is a milestone for the show as it is celebrating 30 years of bringing fine art to the masses. The invitational show is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, which allows visitors the chance to explore the variety of mediums available—paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and more—and interact directly with the artists.

Celebration of Fine Art allows collectors to interact with artists and watch works come to life firsthand.

This year participating artists include Beth Zink, Cinque Smith, Gedion Nyanhongo, Kirk Randle, Mac Stevenson and Priscilla Nelson.Celebration of Fine Art allows collectors to interact with artists and watch works come to life firsthand.Mac Stevenson, California Hills, oil, 18 x 24"

Smith, who creates graphic works with India ink, charcoal acrylic, colored pencil and more, says, “My style is a combination of all my influences and inspirations growing up. I am heavily influenced by illustrators such as Alex Ross, J.C. Leyendecker, Jim Lee, Drew Struzan, Sebastian Krüger and Thomas Blackshear. Film and music also add to the lexicon of what fathered my style.”Cinque Smith, Lost in London, India ink, 24 x 18"

Sculptor Nyanhongo says, “I want my sculptures to speak to the sameness of people all over the world—the nature of human relationships, family, love and life. I create my sculptures using traditional carving techniques used for generations by the Shona people of Zimbabwe, Africa.”Cinque Smith, Beauty and Essex, graphite, 40 x 30"

In her contemporary realistic paintings—often of figures submerged in water—Nelson creates depth by applying many layers of thin paint. “It is a slow but rewarding process,” she says. “I am inspired by how light interacts with water and water interacts with the figure. My goal is to capture the movement and create a narrative to be interpreted by the viewer. I spend countless hours immersed in oceans and pools; good thing I love to swim.”

Gedion Nyanhongo, The Wise Judge, hand-carved African opal stone, 11 x 8 x 7"

Along with the exhibition itself, visitors are welcome to attend artist lectures as part of the Art Discovery Series, from 4 to 5 p.m. every Friday. During these talks, attendees can ask questions and listen to stories about the processes that have inspired and encouraged artists.Priscilla Nelson,Dancing with Waves,oil on canvas, 30 x 24"

“Three decades ago, my parents had a small space and a big vision: to change the way art lovers and artists connect,” says Susan Morrow Potje, co-owner and director of the show. “That vision has guided us over the years, and we continually strive to create a place where people from all walks of life can meet and interact with artists and see their work come to life in front of their eyes. Thanks to their incredible vision we’ve been able to grow Celebration of Fine Art into something bigger than we could have ever dreamed. To uphold their legacy has been an honor, and I look forward to what the next 30 years have in store.” 

Priscilla Nelson, Making Waves, oil on canvas, 24 x 24"

Kirk Randle, Moose Barn, oil, 20 x 16"

Beth Zink, Looking Sharp, acrylic, 24 x 48"

Celebration of Fine Art
When: January 18-March 29, 2020, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
Where: 18400 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Information: (480) 443-7695, www.celebrateart.com

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