Annual Scottsdale Arts Festival
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will present the 42nd annual Scottsdale Arts Festival on March 9 through March 11 in Scottsdale Civic Center Park.
Named one of the top arts festivals in the nation by the readers of "American Style Magazine" and “Best Arts Festival” by "Phoenix New Times," the Scottsdale Arts Festival has been recognized for its high-quality fine arts since 1971. It showcases nearly 200 jury-selected artists from throughout the United States and Canada who work in painting, sculpture, glass and ceramics, jewelry, photography and more. Works of art are available for purchase directly from the artists and through the festival’s online art auction.
Among the highlights, Texas artist and YouTube sensation Natalie Irish will be in residence creating her trademark celebrity portrait paintings, which have attracted worldwide attention, using lipstick and her own kisses. More than 20 Arizona bands and performers also will provide continuous live music and entertainment on two stages throughout theweekend, including Combo Mambo, Ken Love and the Rockerfellas, Musical Nomads, Pete Pancrazi Trio, The Rifftors’ Fabulous Fifties Revue, Sarah Vanell, The Sugar Thieves, Tesoro, Los Thieves and The West Hills Brothers.
Sharing the spotlight with the many artists and musicians will be a dozen gourmet food trucks from the Phoenix Street Food Coalition serving an expanded selection of delicious international cuisine. Participating mobile eateries include Buzznbeez Good Food, Epic Hot Dogs, Hey Joe! Filipino Street Food, Jamburritos Cajun Grill Express, Luncha Libre, Mojo Bowl, Pin-Up Pastries, Riteway Catering Company, Spice it Up, Sweet Republic, Tom’s BBQ and Whiskey Ranch BBQ & Wood-Fired Pizzas. Also on the menu will be tastings of fine wines and beers courtesy of Young’s Market Company, cocktails and weekend happy-hour specials.
Exploring the theme of “Where in theWorld? Australia!” the festival’s Imagine Nation family area will teach kids about life Down Under while engaging their creativity through free arts activities, face painting, dancing and more. Festival visitors also will enjoy art-making workshops with local guest artists courtesy of Art Intersection, the opportunity to add their own personal entries to Scottsdale Public Art’s 100+ Journals Project and free admission to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), which features the exhibitions economy of means: toward humility in contemporary sculpture and I Myself Have Seen It: Photography and Kiki Smith.
The festival is presented with support from SRP Earthwise Energy and the City of Scottsdale.
