There are few better vacation destinations than Scottsdale, Arizona for pushing aside the monotony of winter. Even during the coldest point of the year in January and February, Scottsdale rarely sees average temperatures below the mid-60’s. The surrounding wilderness is awe inspiring, with the stunning Sonoran Desert setting a beautiful backdrop. You’ll encounter various rock formations and the native Saguaro cacti. Things to do come in abundance in Scottsdale such as an impressive selection of public parks, plenty of boutique shopping venues, vibrant live entertainment, and a wide selection of restaurants offering mouth watering cuisine that will appeal to any palate. The area is also home to an established and ever growing artisan and creative community. Scottsdale features an impressive amount of galleries, shops, museums and events, catering to and supporting artists who call this area home. One of the best ways to experience the art scene and much of what the city has to offer is through the ever popular Arizona Fine Art Expo.
The Arizona Fine Art Expo has over a decade of experience giving attendees an up close and personal look at great art and the people behind it. For over 30 years, event founder Judi Combs has been producing finest art and wine festivals in the United Sates with her company, Thunderbird Artists. They have taken this wealth of experience and applied it to The Arizona Fine Art Expo, making it one of the premiere art events in all of America. Featuring over 100 highly talented artists, this expo displays unique art from across the different art disciplines. All the work here is juried and original, meaning you're only going to meet dedicated and talented artists at expo. This is a great event for the entire family and it's a perfect way to see the natural beauty of Scottsdale. Whether you're looking for a can't-miss art experience, a reprieve from the cold, or just a great family function, the Arizona Fine Art Expo is the event for you! ResortsandLodges.com got the opportunity to interview Judi Combs, the CEO of Thunderbirds Artisits and Arizona Fine Art Expo, to talk about this great art event.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
JC: We are entering our 12th annual Arizona Fine Art Expo. On average, we bring about 100 artists in for this event every year, with each artist displaying their works in their own studio . With large works of art, a number of artists pick up a second studio. Therefore, we have 120 studios filled with juried fine arts. We attract thousands of people into the community during the Expo. Demographically we see families, couples, groups and singles at the event. Most of our patrons are between the ages of 40 and 60, although we do end up see all ages attending the Expo.
RAL: What makes the event unique?
JC: The patrons continue to mention the friendliness of the artists as being one of the most unique parts of the event. They feel the respect and camaraderie among this talented group and their staff. Plus, you won’t find any hard sale pressuring going on during the event. Attendees rave about the juried quality of artwork, the openness of the tents, and the lovely Koi Pond in the two-acre Sonoran Desert garden. There is a cafe and Artists' Marketplace, that is great for a meal, buying art and find good art related conversation. Weekends come alive with music in the afternoons, and there is a weekend of book signing from participating artists. A couple Arabian horses visit the Garden on February 6, and we have a few more events are still being put together.
RAL: What will people find during a typical day at the event.
JC: Being that the Expo takes place over such a long period, experiences can differ widely, but they won't disappoint. February 6th, we will have five artists engaged in a quick draw event, sketching and painting the visiting Arabian horses participating in the Arabian Horse Show. During each weekend of the Expo, we bring in gifted musicians to play live music out in the garden. If you're hungry, we have a cafe serving breakfast and lunch on the weekends, and light snacks and lunch during the week. The cafe is a very popular place for people to congregate and get to know each other while enjoying great food.
RAL: What is the overall environment of the EXPO.
JC: This eco-friendly venue is located at the gateway to the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. You’ll find pristine mountain vistas, giant boulder formations, and towering saguaro cacti. All of this combines to create spectacular silhouettes and dramatic sunsets.
RAL: Tell me about the local lodging situation.
JC: There are many lodging options in the immediate area. The Expo is located only five miles south of Carefree, and six miles south of Cave Creek. One location that people seem to flock to is The Boulders Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection, in Carefree.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
JC: The Arizona Fine Art Expo attracts an affluent clientele that can afford the finest of art. The attendees also tend to gravitate towards our fine local shopping options as well as the multitude of award winning restaurants in the area. The merchants, galleries, and restaurants have historically seen increased sales and revenue numbers during our shows. Many patrons travel from all over Arizona and beyond due to our extensive advertising campaign. This infusion of people and increase in local revenue puts tax dollars back into this great community.
RAL: Does the event support any special causes in the community?
JC: The Expo is highly supportive of our great American veterans. The Expo offers space for the non-profit, 501C3 veteran charity, America Healing Arts Foundation. The veterans receive free art classes including all supplies and classes taught by award-winning, renowned instructors. American Healing Arts Foundation is about healing through the arts and art therapy. Post-traumatic stress disorder remains high for both wounded and uninjured soldiers, plus the suicide and divorce rate continues to soar. Art is proven to be a great form of therapy for victims of PTSD symptoms. AHAF classes are intended to reunite veterans with their fellow veterans, away from hospitals and the battlefield, in a peaceful drug free environment.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JC: Once the patrons see the professionalism and quality of our show, they leave raving about the art and continue to return. Patrons share with us and the staff that they have never seen such a quality show. A patron saw our ad in the Arizona Office of Tourism in Canada and told an artist friend, "If I ever visit Arizona I am attending the Arizona Fine Art Expo". He did visit, said he was overwhelmed with the quality, returned home raving about the show, and was thrilled with his new sculptures. The juried quality art is what brings them back.
For more information about the Arizona Fine Art Expo, please visit their website.