If you are in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area any time between now and April 3, 2016, be sure to visit the Arizona Fine Art Expo.

In North Scottsdale on the west side of Scottsdale Road just south of Jomax, set up near MacDonalds Ranch are 44,000 square feet of tents sheltering exhibits of the work of 120 artists. Passes for the duration of the show are $10 ($8 for military and ages 55+). The Expo is open from 10 AM to 6 PM. Plan to go back for multiple visits. I began to get museum overload after three hours. You can’t see everything in one trip.

 

And if you are in the market for one or more large statement pieces for your home or business, this is the place you’ll find it.

Mind you, this is not a craft show; this is juried fine art (translation: prices range well into the thousands of dollars). The work is by established artists, many of whom have decades of experience. Most come from Arizona and surrounding states; others from as far away as Texas, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Kansas, Iowa, and Minnesota. Some of the artists are actually producing work at the Expo, and most are happy to talk about their creative process. Many make custom artwork.

What is noteworthy about this show is its diversity. From painting, photography, and sculpture to ceramics, furniture, and less-easily categorized pieces. Lots of Western art, as you would expect from the origins of the artists, but also every style—realistic, abstract, impressionist, folk, cartoonish, and uniquely original.

In an outdoor space surrounded by the tents, there is a garden where some of the larger sculptures are located, along with seating and tables for lunch or a quick snack. There is even a cafe.

Here is a lovely writing table by John Montoya:

Note the stone inlay:

This credenza is a joint project between John and his wife Betsy Montoya, who painted the colorful buffalo panel.

And this console table is covered in cow hide

and has inlay on the top.

The photographic images below are by Lee Hendrickson. Watch ARHtistic License for an article about him on March 22, 2016.

The map below is by Janelle Lindley. Come back to ARHtistic License on April 19, 2016 for an article about her process.

Some of Ed Caldie‘s artwork hints at another of his passions.

A pianist, he said, “I wish I could make a visual representation of what I hear when I listen to music.” I think he did a pretty good job with Rhapsody. Musicians would understand this:

And one more, Arpeggio:

David Garrison spends part of his year painting in France. Is it just me, or do you see a little Degas influence in his work:

And more:

 

Scott Woodward works in sculpture and mixed media. He loves intense color.

Scott L. Wallis paints lush landscapes and florals.

Paula Yates does life-like bronze sculpture:

Bob Coonts‘ love of animals and color shows in his work:

It is said that after Beethoven lost his hearing, he took the legs off his piano, the better to feel the vibrations through the floor. Here is sculptor Phillip Payne‘s rendering of Beethoven: Feeling the Music:

I hope to go back to the Arizona Fine Art Expo at least once more before it closes, and take some more photographs to share. In the meantime, though, go, if you can. It’s a feast for the eyes. And maybe you can even buy something to enjoy in your own home.