Writer Grace Hill

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith the advantage of cool but comfortable February weather, it’s time to head outdoors and go on a hunt — a hunt to find great architectural homes tucked away in the Valley of the Sun. With their smooth lines and massive arches, or their stone accents and exposed wood beams, these homes cry out to be admired. To the delight of all, treasures of a different nature can be found within these homes — treasures of extraordinary pieces of art.

Contemporary Forum Art + Architecture Weekend 2017 plans to make the hunt a little easier by providing attendees with access to custom homes not often open to the public. This three-day inaugural event, from February 24-26, offers one-of-a-kind tours of masterfully-built homes while showcasing extensive contemporary art collections found indoors.

“This event represents a blending of art and architecture, which naturally go hand and hand,” says Debbie Jarson, member of the Contemporary Forum board of directors and co-chair for the Contemporary Forum Art + Architecture Weekend.

“The Contemporary Forum and the Phoenix Art Museum sees this as an opportunity to share how the art form of architecture paired with collected art can be more than complimentary; it can offer an exciting synergy of space and form,” says Jarson. “It is a showcase of diverse and remarkable collections and inspired spaces that are unique to the Valley.”

To see this fusion of art and architecture in person, attendees have the option of choosing from three different ticket levels. The $100 Silver Level option includes a self-guided public home tour on February 26, and features five exquisite homes filled with amazing artwork. Before the tour, guests will enjoy breakfast at AK Studio in Scottsdale, where they will pick up their tour maps.

In addition to the public home tour on February 26, the $300 Gold Level includes a VIP opening party at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West on February 24, which will feature delicious cocktails, a twilight tour and an in-depth architects’ talk. The Gold Level also includes an invitation to the closing party on February 26, at a modern Scottsdale residence.

The $500 Platinum Level includes everything that the Gold Level provides; however, it will also include a VIP home tour to four exclusive homes on February 25. Not only will Platinum ticketholders view the homes, but they will also be transported in a luxury motor coach throughout the tour and are invited to attend a private twilight reception afterward.

Normally the public doesn’t get an opportunity to admire the architectural beauty of private homes around the Valley, nor do they get a chance to appreciate the rare artwork that hides behind the walls. For this reason, the Contemporary Forum Art + Architecture Weekend shouldn’t be missed. Seeing these masterpieces is an experience you’ll never forget.

“Guests will have a rare chance to go through private homes and view individual art collections displayed in an architectural context, as opposed to passive gallery or museum spaces,” says Jarson. “It’s an extraordinary opportunity to see how inspired desert architecture and world-class art interact with each other in a personal setting.”

contemporaryforum.org

Art + Architecture
Weekend 2017
Feb. 24-26
3 day event
Admission: $100 Silver Level
$300 Gold Level
$500 Platinum Level

contemporaryforum.org