Thunderbird Artists' Scottsdale Fine Art & Chocolate Festival to Feature Tasty Treats from Starbucks, Ben & Jerry's and Phoenix Chocolate Co

Business Wire, Feb 2, 2005

FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. -- Two well-known suppliers of sweets and a local chocolate company highlight the list of nearly 20 vendors slated to appear at Thunderbird Artists' Scottsdale Fine Art & Chocolate Festival on Feb. 11-13, 2005.

Seattle-based coffee giant Starbucks will bring to Scottsdale its newest beverage, Chantico(TM), a "drinkable dessert" that debuted in U.S. stores on Jan. 8.

"Chantico(TM) drinking chocolate is a decadent, premium chocolate beverage that is dramatically different from hot chocolate," said Michelle Gass, senior vice president of Category Management at Starbucks. "Imagine drinking a melted truffle and you're close to the Chantico(TM) drinking chocolate experience."

Besides bringing an extensive selection of their chocolate-flavored ice creams, Ben & Jerry's is creating an exclusive sundae to commemorate the festival. The Decadent Chocolate Festival Triple Fudge Brownie Sundae includes a fresh-baked brownie, one scoop of Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream, one scoop of Brownie Batter Ice Cream, hot fudge, fresh whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. The company will be serving from their 24-foot "cowmobile," a scoop shop on wheels.

A newcomer to the chocolate industry, Phoenix Chocolate Co., of Glendale, Ariz., will offer a variety of gourmet treats from Maud Borup Chocolates and Route 29 Napa. In addition to numerous chocolate creations, the company will also have caramels, licorice, nut rolls, toffee and cotton candy.

Additional vendors at the festival include Absolutely Delightful -- Candy's Apples, Shishkaberry's (chocolate-flavored fruit on a stick), DeCio Pasta (chocolate pasta), Oh Fudge (fudge and nonalcoholic martinis), Mr. Soynuts (chocolate-covered nuts) and Scarlett Heart Catering (chocolate fountains).

The three-day festival will include more than 150 juried artists from around the country displaying in mediums such as oil on canvas, watercolors, acrylics and mixed media paintings. In addition, an extensive selection of unique jewelry, photography and pottery, as well as sculptures made from bronze, copper, clay, glass, metal and wood will be on exhibit. As with all Thunderbird Artists events, music will be an essential element of the festival's ambiance. Planned entertainment includes performances by musicians on classical guitar, steel drums and harp. Native American and jazz musicians are also scheduled to play.

In addition to the chocolate vendors and artists, members of the Village Meadows Elementary P.A.C.T. (Parents And Children/Community Teachers) group will be selling See's candy to raise money for the Phoenix school. The home-grown organization is dedicated to providing assistance for students and teachers in need.

The venue for the festival is Scottsdale Pavilions, located just west of the Loop 101 on Indian Bend Road. Parking and admission into the festival are free. More information on the festival can be found by visiting the Thunderbird Artists Web site at http://www.thunderbirdartists.com.

About Thunderbird Artists

Founded in 1981 by Judi Combs, Thunderbird Artists is based in Fountain Hills, Ariz., and specializes in the production of outdoor fine art festivals and wine tasting events. During the past 24 years, the company has produced more than 260 fine art events throughout the Southwest, attracting millions of patrons who share in an interest of fine art by some of the country's most talented artists. All artists who display their work at each event are selected using a juried process to ensure consistent quality.

Thunderbird Artists is currently presenting the Arizona Fine Art EXPO, a unique 10-week event that showcases a variety of juried artists applying their artistic talents in a working studio environment. The event combines the aspects of a juried fine art festival, the elements of a gallery and the inner-workings of an artist's studio. The result is a unique celebration of art that functions as an educational tool for children and art enthusiasts. The EXPO is showing on the south lot of Rawhide on the northwest corner of Scottsdale and Williams roads in Scottsdale, Ariz.

For more information on upcoming events, featured artists or to download an application to become a merchant at a future show, visit http://www.thunderbirdartists.com.