Art-walking and other encounters with Arizona art and artists

Sunset, Jan, 1988

Art-walking and other encounters with Arizona art and artists

Resorts and art galleries set Scottsdale apart from the Phoenix sprawl. If you're holidaying nearby, some 2 dozen galleries are within easy walking distance of one another, near the intersection of Scottsdale and Indian School roads. You can also tour private studios and enjoy evening gallery hours and openings.

In addition, a three-week-long series of presentations in Arizona and beyond will sample the Southwest's artistic and culinary heritage.

Thursday night art walks

From mid-October through April, most of Scottsdale's galleries are open from 7 to 9 Thursday evenings. The engaging mix along Marshall Way north of Indian School, W. Main Street between 70th Street and Scottsdale, and Fifth Avenue between 70th and Scottsdale makes for especially pleasant strolling.

Most exhibit openings are also scheduled for Thursday evenings, so you may meet some of the artists whose work you'll see hanging, standing, or even climbing in the galleries. Many openings come complete with music and free refershments.

For a brochure describing the galleries-- giving addresses, telephone numbers, and hours--write to the chamber of commerce, 7333 Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale 85251, or call (602) 945-8481. The chamber can also send you a street map; galleries can provide schedules of openings.

Visiting artists at home

The Artist Studio Tour started its seventh season last October; once-a-month programs continue through March. They're usually on Wednesdays, and tour groups meet around 9 A.M. in the Doubletree Inn parking lot, 7353 E. Indian School Road. Bring a sack lunch.

To find out which artists are scheduled, call the Scottadale Arts Center Association at (602) 994-2743.

On the tour, you'll usually meet three or four artists in their studios--often at home. Expect to spend about 45 minutes at each place. If you're interested in unusual ceramic glazes, or wonder how stained-glass windows are put together, this could be your chance to learn more.

Tours are limited to 39 people--that's what the bus will hold--and reservations are required. To reserve a spot, send a check for $15 to Artist Studio Tour, Scottsdale Arts Center Association, 7383 Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale 85251.

More Southwestern art . . . starting January 17 at Goldwaters

For another look at Native American and contemporary arts of the Southwest, stop in between January 17 and February 7 at any of the nine Goldwaters department stores in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. At certain times, some of the featured artists will be on hand for demonstrations and to autograph prints.

You can also follow the whiff of spicy sauces to cooking demonstrations, where restaurant chefs prepare their favorite Southwestern dishes. Or attend one of the planned craft or dance demonstrations.

Photo: Metal spire greets visitors headed for Thursday evening gallery opening

Photo: Metallic finish of raku-fired pot--a 5,000-year-old process--is object of discussion in ceramist Christopher Heede's studio-home

Photo: Stained-glass artist Bob Berg explains leading process to studio visitors