Arizona’s Longest-Running Art Show will open January 12, 2019 with 100 fine-art artists and working studios
Celebration Of Fine Art Returns for 29th Year this January
The Celebration of Fine Art, the West’s premiere art show and working studio, will open in Scottsdale, Ariz. on Saturday, Jan. 12 with 100 acclaimed and emerging artists selected from Arizona and throughout the country. The show, where art lovers and artists connect, will be open daily through Sunday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nearly 30 years ago, the Celebration of Fine Art transformed the way people experience art when it debuted in downtown Scottsdale. Now a linchpin in Arizona’s art, culture and tourism scene, the Celebration of Fine Art hosts 100 of the country’s top artists and sees nearly 50,000 visitors from around the globe on average each year.
The Celebration of Fine Art takes place in north Scottsdale under the signature “big white tents” and features 40,000-square-feet of working artist studios and works of art. The juried, invitational show has come to be recognized not only for its exceptional art, but also its welcoming experience and interactive atmosphere.
“Over the course of the past 28 years, the tradition, passion and dedication of connecting people to art has remained a constant focus, sparking conversation and fostering newfound friendships between art lovers and artists,” said Susan Morrow Potje, co-owner and show director. “We’re incredibly lucky to work with such a wide range of talented artists—from painters, sculptors and jewelry makers, to photographers, fiber and glass artists, and more. The variety of skills our artists bring to the show only contributes to its energetic atmosphere, making it a true destination for all art lovers.”
The popular Art Discovery Series, in which guests get to hear and learn from a panel of artists on various topics, will be held each Friday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the 10 weeks. In year’s past, each session has brought hundreds of guests face-to-face with artists to learn about topics ranging from metal working to history in art. During the panel discussions and live demos, attendees discover how artists research their works of art for accuracy and intrigue. The conversations will be accompanied by wine and cheese to compliment the topic.
Styles at the show range from realistic to impressionistic, Western realism, abstract to contemporary. The outdoor sculpture garden will return with nearly 100 pieces of life-sized and monumental sculpture as well as shared work space where visitors can see wood turning, welding, kiln firings, and bronze pouring demonstrations weekly.
The show is open to guests of all ages. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military, and children under 12 are admitted for free. Tickets are all-event passes, good for the entire 10-week show during which attendees will have the opportunity to see art transform and meet the artists.
2019 ART DISCOVER SERIES
Each Friday from 4 to 5 pm, discover the inspiration, techniques and stories behind the creation of art. Enjoy wine, cheese and artistic
dialogue at informative panel discussions and demonstrations.
Sponsored by Fine Art Connoisseur
January 18
The Magic of Collaboration
There is a certain magic that comes from two or more creatives collaborating to create their shared vision for a work of art. The creative forces can complement or contrast to take the individual work to a whole new level. Discover the inspiration and the process from some of our most gifted collaborators.
January 25
Cast In Bronze
See for yourself the multiple steps involved in taking an idea from concept to clay, to the foundry, through the bronze pour, patina process and all the way to completed work of art. Hear from some of the most talented artists as they share this creative journey.
February 1
Facts & Facets of Jewelry Making
The artisans who manipulate metals and select the perfect cut stones to complete a wearable masterpiece will share their vision of how to make a stunning statement with your jewelry along with insights about what they look for when selecting the perfect stone and pairing with the just right setting through their dynamic compositions.
February 8
Floral Influence
Nature’s bounty has influenced artists since the beginning of time. Hear from some of our stunning floral artists what inspires them and how they bring nature to life on their canvas. Learn about their medium, how they determine the composition and select their color palette.
February 15
Glass Act
Glass artists are truly shape shifters as they take raw glass tubes or shards then heat and manipulate them through various techniques including glass blowing, flame work, fusing, casting and stained glass. The end result can be from small to very large installations that captivate the viewer. Hear from our leaders in the glass art movement as their share their inspiration and passion for glass.
February 22
Metal Mania
For the artists who choose metal as their muse, they must apply artistic vision, strength and heat to their medium. From hand forged silver jewelry to massive steel sculptures, discover the tools and techniques needed to coax and shape the metal into compelling works of art.
MARCH 1
Abstract Obsession
Although abstract art is technically nonrepresentational by definition, it is not done without clarity of thought and purpose. It allows the artist to express themselves through form, shape, color and line. It also allows the viewer to observe and interpret the work of art in their own way. Discover what the artists feel as they create these works of art and what drives them to abstraction.
MARCH 8
Impressionistic Influence
In the late 1800s artists such as Monet, Degas, Renoir and Manet started the Impressionistic movement as they captured the momentary, sensory effect of a scene – the impression objects made on the eye in a fleeting instant. Today, this artistic style still greatly influences artists. Hear from some of our most inspired and talented artists about their inspiration and execution.
MARCH 15
The Art of the Story
There are some works of art that absolutely have a story to tell or a message to share. Sit back and relax as you hear from our gifted story teller artists. You’ll discover what drives them to share their stories and how they use their medium and gifts to bring the message to you, the viewer.
MARCH 22
Rock, Paper, Scissors
The beauty of art are the many different forms of media that can be used to express artistic vision. Sometimes art is created by subtraction. Rocks are chiseled away to reveal the artists gift; paper can be torn and assembled or folded in composition or a colored surface can be scratched away to reveal the subject beneath. Discover how these artists release their works of art.
