Annual Art Exhibit Becomes Scottsdale Tradition
Annual Art Exhibit Becomes Scottsdale Tradition
When the tents go up and the artists arrive to display their work and begin creating, Scottsdale, Arizona, becomes one of the most artistic places in the nation. It’s called a celebration, but as Art & Antique magazine puts it, the two-month exhibition is “One of the West’s Premier Art Events.”
For Susan Morrow Potje, a partner in the art-inspired business with her husband and parents, the Celebration of Fine Art is an 18-year-old tradition that brings people together in unique ways. “For many of us, opening day is like returning to summer camp,” she says. “Visitors can’t wait to find their favorite artists and to discover new talent, and the artists look forward to being around each other and sharing their gifts with our guests.”
According to Potje, both well-known and up-and-coming artists arrive from all over the world to showcase their work, and in the process, learn from one another. “There is a lot of mentoring that goes on under the tents,” she explained. “It’s
quite inspiring.”
Nowhere else can art enthusiasts visit more than 100 studios at a time, or watch an artist demonstrate their talents on canvas, with clay, stone or other mediums of their choice. And there are few other places, if any, where people can gather to interact with professional artists from all over the country; to appreciate, to purchase and to experience art as it unfolds in the hands of its creator.
Combining the best of art galleries, shows and festivals, the Celebration of Fine Art has been dubbed “A museum with price tags.” Visitors get a close-up view of oil, watercolor and pastel paintings, along with handcrafted glass, jewelry, ceramics, furniture and sculpture right on site. They also get to talk with the artists and take home work that has more meaning than if purchased in a gallery where they may not have the chance to meet the artist.
With more than 100 life-size sculptures in the U-shaped courtyard, the “Art in the Garden” is an exhibit where nationally recognized sculptors display their talents in an acre of outdoor space. It is the largest exhibit of its kind in the Southwest and offers beautiful pieces from artists whose works are featured in garden landscapes, patios, gardens and in public or corporate environments all around the United States. With the diversity of the Art in the Garden, developers, decorators, architects and landscapers make the annual trek to the event.
It’s not hard to find the Celebration of Fine Art. From January 12th through March 23rd 2008, big white tents on the Scottsdale Road call attention to inspiration in action. With more than 40,000 square feet of inside space the Celebration takes place rain or shine, although Scottsdale in winter is known for its sunshine.
When the tents go down, it’s time to plan next year’s show. The artists re-apply and the jurying begins again. But in between the planning, the judging and the physical work, the Morrows and Potjes travel to visit galleries and museums both domestically and internationally, with the adventures being posted on the company’s newly updated Web site. “We love what we do,” she says. “It takes a lot to put the Celebration together, but our hearts are with it and for so many people, the annual
event is like homecoming.”
For more information, visit www.celebrateart.com.
