By Suzanne Wilson for Phoenix.Org
Looking for places to view art but don’t know where to start? You might be surprised by what the Valley has to offer.
Photo by Catherine Slye/Flickr Commons
There is Roosevelt Row in Phoenix metro; art walks galore in Scottsdale, Chandler and more; craft shows, museums and numerous expos — so much to explore, what are you waiting for? Check out some of our recommendations to get your start on places to see some great Valley art.
Artlink Phoenix
First Friday Crowd (Photo by Matthew/Flickr Commons)
Artlink Phoenix might very well be among your first stops as you begin to discover the Valley’s art scene. Founded in 1988, this volunteer-run nonprofit is dedicated to linking artists with businesses and the public to support downtown Phoenix’s thriving arts community. Artlink is behind the popular First Friday Artwalk. Held on the first Friday of every month, the event is one of the country’s largest self-guided gallery tours. Artlink is also home to Art Detour, a once-a-year event featuring open studios, pop-up galleries and art experiences that the whole family can enjoy.
Artlink Inc., 132 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004, (602) 256-7539
Scottsdale ArtWalk
Photo by Flickr Commons
A dense network of art galleries make up the stops along the Scottsdale ArtWalk in downtown Scottsdale. This weekly event takes place every Thursday evening (except for some holidays) between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The ArtWalk turns the spotlight on the works on display in the member galleries that belong to the Scottsdale Gallery Association. For more than 40 years, art lovers have been attending this event enjoying the wide array of artistic styles represented by the galleries and the works of some of the Southwest’s most inspiring artists.
Scottsdale ArtWalk, Downtown Scottsdale – along Main Street from Scottsdale Rd. west to Goldwater, Blvd., and on Marshall Way north of Indian School Rd. to Fifth Ave.
Phoenix Art Museum
Photo by Gary Dickerson/Flickr Commons
The largest art museum in the Southwestern United States, the Phoenix Art Museum houses hundreds of thousands of works of art and is home to a sculpture garden, a cafe, a research library, auditorium and the PhxArtKids gallery. Open for mingling and group gatherings, the museum also invites visitors to take in the aesthetics of the facility during holiday parties, business luncheons and special ceremonies.
Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004 (480) 965-2787
ASU Art Museum
Photo by ASU Art Museum
One of the most overlooked museums in the Valley, the Arizona State University Art Museum houses thousands of pieces reflecting a wide range of themes and styles that include almost everything from southwestern influences to media art. The museum’s affiliation with the Ceramics Research Center also gives way to an impressive array of American ceramic pieces.
ASU Art Museum, 51 E. 10th St., Tempe, AZ 85281, (480) 965-2787
The Heard Museum
One of the Valley’s top cultural attractions and destinations for learning about Native American arts, the Heard Museum includes 11 galleries featuring traditional and contemporary American Indian Art, as well as guided tours and an outdoor sculpture garden. Also, every March the Heard Museum hosts Arizona’s largest Indian Fair and Market. There is much to view with the works of more than 700 Native American artists represented at the fair.
Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004, (602) 252-8840
Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center
Photo by Erica Rodriguez/Flickr Commons
The Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC) invites visitors into its cultural space for a celebration of Latino culture. The organization also strives to empower local artists and make them part of a greater arts and culture network. Inside, visitors can explore ALAC’s Galeria 147, the main exhibition area that features the work of artists as well as musical shows and dance features. The center plays a key role in both Cinco de Mayo and Hispanic Heritage Month activities in the Valley.
Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center, 147 E. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, (602) 254-9817
Arizona Fine Art Expo
Photo by John Nelson/Flickr Commons
The Arizona Fine Art Expo is a 10-week long event in North Scottsdale and typically takes place over the months of January, February and March. Featuring more than 100 artists in various genres, the expo aims to provide a more educational, hands-on experience for the community. Attendees are encouraged not only to watch, but to participate in hands-on demonstrations with spotlight artists. The expo also hosts wine tastings, live music and other entertainment.
Arizona Fine Art Expo, 26540 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (480) 837-7163
Modified Arts
Photo by Modified Arts
Part of the Roosevelt Row Arts District in downtown Phoenix, Modified Arts is an art gallery and space for music and other performances. The gallery prides itself on being a nontraditional art space and focuses on contemporary art. Modified Arts consistently works to show art that is edgy and fresh in an accessible and open environment. Monthly exhibits feature regional, national and international artists of all media with contemporary painting, sculpture, photography and multi-media among the works on display.
Modified Arts, 407 East Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, (602) 462-5516
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