Writer Grace Hill
Photo by Timothy Wampler

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]very year, 50,000 people from around the country and the Valley travel to Scottsdale to enjoy the Celebration of Fine Art. As Arizona’s longest-running art show — currently in its 27th year — the Celebration of Fine Art produces a creative utopia where 100 artists come together and showcase their exquisite pieces of art. This year’s event will run from January 14 through March 26.

Artists do not just display their work, however; they create art in working studios right before guests’ eyes. This makes the Celebration of Fine Art stand above other events, and is why people continually come back. Each year brings a whole new experience.

“Over the course of the past 26 years, the legacy of the Celebration of Fine Art has been passed down through generations of artists and art lovers,” says Susan Morrow Potje, co-owner and show director. “It has a storied history and has become a very special place for artists and art lovers to connect, inspire one another, learn, discover and, most importantly, build lasting relationships. The Celebration is truly an experience like no other — you simply have to feel it for yourself. Once you come here, it is a place you want to come back to over and over again.”

A place where guests can find some of the finest artists this country has to offer. The 100 emerging and acclaimed artists in attendance have been selected through an invitation-only process and will bring a wide range of art to the big white tents located on the Southwest corner of Hayden Road and the Loop 101.

In this 40,000-square-foot area, attendees have access to acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings; photography, mixed media and printmaking; glass, sculptures and ceramics; and much more! Guests will also find styles ranging from realistic to impressionistic and abstract to contemporary. In addition to the indoor space, a spectacular outdoor sculpture garden showcases nearly 100 pieces of life-size sculptures.

One of the artists showcasing amazing talent at this year’s event is Jenny Foster. A native Arizonan, Jenny began painting at the age of 7 and continued developing that passion into adulthood. To improve her skills, she studied fine arts at Arizona State University. She now creates beautiful paintings that can be described with one word: playful. Her acrylic and oil paintings reflect a contemporary style that expresses a love of life and happiness. She uses bright colors, abstract forms, and symbols to create one-of-a-kind pictures of animals and humans. She also echoes those images in her bronze and pewter sculptures, which further display her joyful artistic eye. Her artwork can be viewed online at jfosterstudio.com.

The Celebration of Fine Art also includes an Art Discovery Series, held each Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. This series allows guests to interact with artists through informal panel discussions in which they can learn about various topics and techniques, and also hear personal stories from the artists. Wine and cheese will accompany each panel discussion. On January 20, the Art Discovery Series will commence with “The Art of the Installation,” which discusses the significance of the viewer. In the January 27 discussion, “As the Wood Turns,” guests will discover the incredible artistry of woodworking.

While many who attend this event might be purchasing artwork for their extensive collections, many first-time buyers or casual art admirers also visit the show each year. With children and adults both encouraged to be a part of the experience, the Celebration of Fine Art creates a welcoming environment for all who are eager to be fully immersed in the world of fine art. The show will be open daily, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military, and children under 12 are admitted for free.

Celebration of Fine Art
18400 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
Jan. 14 – Mar. 26
Mon. – Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Adults: $10;
Seniors/Military: $8;
Children under 12: free
480-443-7695

celebrateart.com