Ferrari Art Week Makes History with Indigenous Focus
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
In a groundbreaking fusion of Indigenous artistry, contemporary culture and automotive excellence, the inaugural Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week is poised to transform the Valley’s cultural landscape this March, establishing itself as America’s first art fair with a dedicated focus on Indigenous expression.
“Since the 1950s, Scottsdale has been an important city for the creation, development and market for Indigenous art, so it is only natural that we continue that tradition today,” says Amy Gause, associate director and co-owner of Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week.
“Groundbreaking and innovative Indigenous artists such as Fritz Scholder, Charles Loloma and Lloyd Kiva New sold their work in Scottsdale beginning in the 1960s, and we are honoring this tradition and showing work not just from these historic artists but also by contemporary Indigenous artists.”
The four-day celebration, running March 20–23 at WestWorld, brings together more than 100 leading galleries from across the globe, showcasing everything from antiquities to cutting-edge contemporary works. The event’s distinctive blend of fine art, fashion and Ferrari’s legendary automotive design creates an unprecedented cultural experience in the American Southwest.
“The Ferrari brand represents the pinnacle of art and design in the form of machine, so we are honored to play a key role in bringing such a high level of artistry in this fair to the community,” notes Scottsdale Ferrari General Manager Chad Morgan.
The fair kicks off with an exclusive VIP vernissage on opening night, benefiting the ASU Art Museum. Guests will enjoy performances by award-winning tenor James Valenti and an Indigenous-themed fashion show produced by Phoenix Fashion Week.
“Our ultimate mission is to garner global exposure to Arizona’s fashion industry, and this event is the perfect way to do so,” says Brian Hill, executive director of Phoenix Fashion Week. “It’s a great, innovative way to find emerging models while showcasing top brands and fashion in Arizona.”
A special exhibition titled “Desert Modernism,” curated by Diné artist and “Antiques Roadshow” appraiser Tony Abeyta, explores the convergence of Phoenix artists of Native and Anglo descent from 1930 to 1980. Contemporary Indigenous muralist Thomas “Breeze” Marcus will create a site-specific mural throughout the fair’s duration.
The fair will honor Melissa Cody, a fourth-generation Diné weaver, with the Scottsdale Art Week Artistic Achievement Award.
“This exemplifies the interest and support for Native art at this moment in time,” Gause explains. “Cody was the first Arizona artist and first Indigenous artist to have a solo exhibition at MoMA PS1 in New York City.”
Daily programming includes panel discussions led by directors from the region’s premier institutions, including the ASU Art Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. The Center for Creative Photography will host a special panel exploring Southwestern-inspired photography, creating a comprehensive dialogue between artists, curators and collectors.
International galleries from cities including Hong Kong; London; Brussels; and Tokyo will showcase works alongside local powerhouses such as Lisa Sette Gallery and Bentley Gallery. This global perspective, combined with the fair’s strong regional focus, positions Scottsdale as an emerging force in the international art market.
“I am thrilled that so many elements of Arizona culture will combine with those of other great world civilizations in this four-day celebration of art and ideas,” says Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky. “The community’s enthusiastic support will ensure this is a must-visit event on the U.S. cultural calendar for decades to come.”
Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week
March 20–23 // Thursday First Look: 12 p.m.–5 p.m.; Opening Night: 5 p.m.–8 p.m. // Public Hours: Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. // WestWorld of Scottsdale // 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale // $35+ // scottsdaleartweek.com
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