Writer Shannon Severson

Stroll along the charming streets of Cave Creek and Carefree, and you’re bound to find an art gallery that catches your eye. Within each one, canvases, sculptures, photographs and beautifully handcrafted pieces of jewelry beckon you to draw closer and not only admire the talent in their creation but also lose yourself in the moment of discovery.

On the second Friday of each month, galleries throughout Cave Creek host receptions and other exciting events during which art enthusiasts can meet featured artists, explore exclusive collections of their work and bring home their new favorite masterpiece. Galleries throughout Carefree host similar celebrations on the third Thursday of each month, making the area a true hub for art exhibition, acquisition and discussion.

Adelante Art Gallery
7212 E. Ho Hum Road, Suite 14, Carefree // adelanteartgallery.com
Having recently celebrated its 29th anniversary in Carefree, Meg Witwer’s Adelante Art Gallery features jewelry, sculpture and paintings by international fine and folk artists.

Bella Fine Goods
36889 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree // bellafinegoods.com
Bella Fine Goods’ collection draws on the natural beauty of the art gallery’s surroundings. On exhibit is an art collection that runs the gamut: whimsical, contemporary western and modern abstract. Beyond just the walls of your abode or business, the gallery also features AZADI Fine Rugs, home furnishings, fine gifts and jewelry. The mission of owner David Neishabori is “to inspire and delight you with beauty.”

Compass & Crow Studios
99 Easy St., Suite 202, Carefree // compassandcrowstudios.com
Freelance artist Marissa Heerdt is the owner and artist behind Compass & Crow Studios, which specializes in custom artwork on non-traditional surfaces, including motorcycle helmets, tanks and fenders and even skydiving equipment. Heerdt’s work on canvas is also on display at her studio, where visits can be made by appointment. The artist offers a unique way for her patrons to express themselves with bespoke pieces that reflect their personal truth or to commemorate the life of a loved one.

The Finer Arts Gallery // 6137 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek // thefinerartsgallery.com
An artist-owned gallery that opened in 2021, The Finer Arts Gallery exhibits the work of multiple artists in a rustic building beneath the shelter of a century-old Tamarisk tree. The 4,000-square-foot space features pieces in mediums of bronze, glass, oil, acrylic, watercolor, graphite, photography, jewelry and more.

Gallery Michéle
100 Easy St., Suite 1, Carefree // gallerymichele.art
Gallery Michéle is a contemporary art gallery that has occupied a space near the Carefree Desert Gardens Sundial Plaza since 2019. In addition to displaying the works of nationally- and internationally-recognized fine artists, it’s also a working studio where you can see pieces in progress and meet their creators.

Grace Renee Gallery
7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree // gracereneegallery.com
Tucked inside the charming Historic Spanish Village, Grace Renee Gallery features art in its many forms — from wall art to sculpture and glass to ceramics. Not to be missed is the carefully curated collection of fine jewelry from Aaron Henry Designs, Alex Sepkus, Stephen Webster, Katherine Jetter, FOPE and Mattia Cielo.

M&E Stoyanov Fine Art Gallery
30 Easy St., Carefree // stoyanovfineart.com
Hailing from Bulgaria, award-winning artists Michael and Ekaterina Stoyanov’s work appears in the permanent collections of state museums and art galleries. The pair have exhibited in Carefree since 1999, with their M&E Stoyanov Fine Art Gallery offering originals and giclee prints on canvas or paper. A limited selection of apparel based on their art can also be custom-ordered.

The Medicinal Art Gallery
42 Easy Street, Suite 3E, Carefree // matthewsabeyart.com/themedicinalartgallery
The Medicinal Art Gallery takes a holistic approach to the role of art as medicine, incorporating the practices of Chinese medicine and art based on the five elements of Taoist beliefs and yin/yang theories. Owned by Dr. Matthew Sabey, author of “How to Design for a Healthy Mind & Body,” the gallery features a strong focus on the healing experience of art in addition to opportunities to purchase artwork for the home.

Sonoran Arts League
Gallery: 7275 E. Easy St., Suite A104, Carefree // Studio: 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Suite 144, Cave Creek // sonoranartsleague.org
Sonoran Arts League is a nonprofit-operated community of artists founded in 1974 with the mission of promoting art, artists and art education. Bi-monthly juried art exhibitions are presented, showcasing a diverse group of league members who are both local and national artists.

Steve Stento Studio & Gallery
42 Easy St., Carefree // stevestento.com
Artist Steve Stento’s original watercolors and giclee prints feature light-filled, colorful scenes inspired by nature and life in the Mediterranean. He applies layers of watercolor to build brightness and contrast.

Sue Bickerdyke Interiors, Home Furnishings & Art Gallery
36889 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Suite B1, Carefree // suebickerdyke.com
Sue Bickerdyke Interiors, Home Furnishings & Art Gallery features the work of painters Amy Lay, Trevor Swanson and Sue Krzyston, sculptor Bryce Pettit, leather pillow designer Jane Word and mixed media by Axton-Giddings. Patrons are able to see “The Carefree Style of Living” in this showroom environment of art, world treasures and collectible artifacts from around the globe, which also offers private tours by appointment.

Thunderbird Artists Gallery
99 Easy Street, Carefree // thunderbirdartistsgallery.com
For four decades, Thunderbird Artists has presented work at its popular fine art and wine festivals. Since 2018, its permanent gallery space has become a centralized showcase for renowned local, national and international artists all under one roof. Among its many mediums, this collector’s paradise features oils, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, bronze, wood, jewelry and more.

Wild Holly Gallery
22 E. St., Carefree // wildhollygallery.com
Wild Holly Gallery is a two-story space filled with a vast selection of paintings, furnishings, sculpture, ceramics, home goods and decor, garden art, clothing and jewelry — everything for the person who wants to live a life surrounded by art. Owner Holly Pagliaro-Bergman has operated the gallery for 19 years, sharing her passion for American art with visitors and collectors. A portion of all sales benefit Footless Animal Rescue, for which Pagliaro-Bergman serves as board chairperson.

ZUVA Gallery
42 Easy St., Suite 4E, Carefree // zuvagallery.com
Founded by Tom and Mary Kay Obert following a trip to Zimbabwe in the early 1990s, ZUVA Gallery is open by appointment and specializes in award-winning African art and sculpture by Zimbabwe’s top artists. ZUVA has provided pieces that appear in the collections of public spaces and prominent individuals, including Muhammad Ali and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.