If Scottsdale, Arizona, has been on your list of must-see art destinations, there is no better time to make it a reality than the first few months of the new year. An abundance of sunshine and daytime temperatures in the 70s have brought the snowbirds and tourists to the region, and the streets, galleries and restaurants are abuzz with life, art and energy.
The Bob Parks “Horse Fountain” on Old Town Scottsdale’s Fifth Avenue. Credit: Christine Johnson for City of Scottsdale.Every Thursday during Scottsdale ArtWalk, dozens of galleries stay open late and offer complimentary wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment. Visitors will find art in all styles and mediums from the traditional to cutting-edge contemporary at renowned galleries such as Bonner David Galleries, Erin Hanson Gallery, Gebert Contemporary, Altamira Fine Art, Legacy Gallery, Wilde Meyer Gallery and countless others.
For a more urban experience, downtown Phoenix hosts First Friday Art Walk to showcase the city’s culture, arts, flavor and overall vibe with nearly 100 participating businesses. Beginning in mid-January, Celebration of Fine Art sets up its big white tent where 100 artists will show, sell and create works throughout the 10-week art show. Another popular event running in Scottsdale January through March is Arizona Fine Art EXPO, which also provides an opportunity to meet artists while they create fine art across all genres. Thunderbird Artists brings many fine art and wine festivals to destinations in and around the greater Phoenix area throughout the year, including the widely-attended Winter Carefree event over the weekend of January 20.
The Scottsdale ArtWalk takes place every Thursday evening year-round in the Old Town Arts District from 7 to 9 p.m. Credit: Jenna McKone for Experience Scottsdale.Don’t forget, Phoenix and its thriving satellite cities are home to a growing number of museums, each offering a unique experience, from smaller-scale venues like Western Spirit: Museum of the West and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art to larger institutions like Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum, which boasts one of the largest collections of Native American art in the world.
And this is only in the Phoenix area! Conveniently located in the center of the state, the metropolis is a great jumping off point to go further afield to see more of a state saturated with art and natural beauty. Breathtaking Sedona and historic Prescott are a short drive north while Tucson and Tubac are an easy daytrip to the south.
If you won’t be making it to Arizona this January, fear not—many galleries and museums offer virtual opportunities for collectors to be part of this vibrant art scene and explore all it has to offer.
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Celebration of Fine Art
18400 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, (480) 443-7695
info@celebrateart.com
www.celebrateart.com
The Celebration of Fine Art is a juried, invitational show that has come to be recognized for its diverse array of exceptional art, but more importantly for its inviting and interactive atmosphere that encourages connection between art lovers and artists. It’s because of this atmosphere and the opportunity to interact with artists and learn about their process that the Celebration of Fine Art has become a true destination for art lovers from all backgrounds. Held under the familiar “big white tent” in Scottsdale on the southwest corner of Hayden Road and the Loop 101 from January 14 through March 26, visitors are immersed in the art experience as they stroll through 40,000 square feet of exhibit space while artists create in their studios. A wide variety of styles and mediums are sure to please any art lover.
Celebration of Fine Art, Unwind, oil on panel, 24 x 36", by Priscilla Nelson.
Celebration of Fine Art, Spanish Lavender, watercolor on canvas, 60 x 36", by Heidi Rosner
“There is something magical about bringing together so many uniquely talented people creating art under one roof,” says co-owner and show director Susan Morrow Potje. “The shared dedication and passion for art lifts everyone up. New works are being created every day for 10 weeks in the working artist studios,” Potje continues. “Visitors can stand at the elbow of the artist and watch as they bring their artistic vision to life. The energy and creativity can be felt in the air. There is no better way to connect, expand one’s knowledge and add to your art collection.”
Celebration of Fine Art, Message of Hope to the Universe, oil on canvas, 48 x 36", by Leah Kiser.Throughout the event, guests can also catch artist demonstrations, enjoy the outdoor sculpture garden, which features nearly 100 pieces of life-sized and monumental sculpture, and enjoy lunch or wine in the cafe. The lively “Art Discovery Series” panel discussions are held each Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. See www.celebrateart.com for details.
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Wilde Meyer Gallery
4142 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 945-2323, info@wildemeyer.com
www.wildemeyer.com
Wilde Meyer Gallery has locations in Scottsdale and Tucson, Arizona. Visitors can expect to experience contemporary innovation, creativity and a sensory experience to remember.
Wilde Meyer Gallery keeps a fresh array of contemporary fine art on display in both their Scottsdale and Tucson, Arizona locations.
At both locations, Wilde Meyer Gallery features changing exhibits of original contemporary fine art in genres that include abstracts, landscapes, figurative and contemporary western. Media include paintings, bronzes, sculpture, glass and more.
The gallery is excited to announce the addition of iconic Arizona artist Lawrence Lee to the Scottsdale roster and their continued representation of painter Sherri Belassen and John Benedict, among many others.
Lawrence Lee, Four Corners Spring, acrylic on panel, 23 x 27”
Sherri Belassen, Barcelona, oil on canvas, 50 x 50”
Though constantly evolving, Belassen’s paintings and philosophy remain distinctive and one-of-a-kind, not unlike the artist herself. “It’s not so much about what I paint, but about the space in which the subject exists,” she says. By using line to separate and connect spatial elements to figurative elements, she strives to evoke a feeling of spatial quality wherein the figures are connected to a space larger than themselves.
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Arizona Fine Art EXPO
26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, (480) 837-7163
www.arizonafineartexpo.com
The Arizona Fine Art EXPO is a premier, award-winning annual 10-week art event that provides a unique opportunity to meet artists in their studios and experience the creation of fine art. Patrons can explore, discover, engage and collect original works of art directly from renowned, award-winning and emerging artists.
Artist Marless Fellows at work during the Arizona Fine Art EXPO.Running 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from January 13 through March 26, the event takes place on the southwest corner of Jomax and Scottsdale roads, next to MacDonald’s Ranch. A nominal 10-dollar entrance fee gains you access to the event for its duration.
The event features 124 artist studios within a 44,000-square-foot space. While the fine art show features several local artists, some artists will travel from Israel, Zimbabwe, Mexico and throughout the United States to participate in the show.
A piece entitled Red, Yellow, Purple and Blue by participating artist Bern Sundell.During the 10 weeks, artisans will work in many mediums including pencil, charcoal and pastels; they will sculpt and fire clay; chisel, carve and shape stone; and saw and carve wood sculptures. Artists will also paint in all media, stain and etch gourds, design lost wax casting; solder and weld jewelry; assemble mosaics and clay pots and sculptures. All art is for sale and commissions are welcomed.
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Thunderbird Artists
15648 N. Eagle Nest Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, (480) 837-5637
info@thunderbirdartists.com
www.thunderbirdartists.com
Known in the art world as a “collectors’ paradise,” Thunderbird Artists prides itself on quality and diversity. Each of their many three-day, outdoor festivals boasts juried fine artists from around the country exhibiting a wide range of oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolors, gouache and photography, as well as ink, pencil and charcoal drawings. 
Thunderbird Artists, Lichen Platter, crackle-glazed earthenware platter, 20”, by Randy O’Brien.
Collectors with more surface space than empty walls can take home sculpture in stone, bronze, metal, hand-blown glass, wood, clay and gourds. And for those who like their art collections ready to wear, Thunderbird Artists offers a wide range of one-of-a-kind jewelry. Each event also hosts wine, spirit and microbrew samplings, as well as food, sweets and live music.
Patrons love the ambiance of sampling fine wines while strolling through the booths of award-winning artists, enjoying the Arizona sunshine and listening to great musicians.
Art, wine and sunshine will be in abundance at the upcoming Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival. Courtesy of Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival. Photo by Duane Darling.
With upcoming festivals at various locations in and around the greater Phoenix area, there is sure to be an event near you. Upcoming Thunderbird Artists festivals take place in Surprise, January 13 to 15; in Carefree on January 20 to 22 and March 17 to 19; on the Scottsdale Waterfront, February 3 to 5; in Downtown Chandler from February 17 to 19; and in Cave Creek, March 10 to 12. Visit www.thunderbirdartists.com for details. —
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