Experience Scottsdale: Your Fine Art Destination!
During the winter months, the City of Scottsdale generously accommodates the “Celebration of Fine Art,” an event staged in tents on open land to the north of our city. For an admission fee, intrepid art punters may view emerging and established artists “in the very act,” and purchase from them, if they wish. There is a handy eating area, where a variety of fast-food options is available for visitors.
Back in town, Scottsdale’s Old Town is the vibrant center of life for residents and visitors of all ages – just south of Fashion Square Mall. Few areas in Scottsdale offer such a lively variety of interests as this hub, conveniently concentrated in town. The welcoming streets, filled with fascinating shops, memorable restaurants, and happy people, is perhaps best known for its world-famous Arts District.
Among the exceptional Scottsdale sights not to be missed is the now famous Western Spirit, Scottsdale’s Smithsonian affiliated Museum of the West. On Marshall Way, the museum’s exhibits immerse guests in the intriguing history of the West, and its exhibitions and educational programs help to shape our future.
Directly opposite the museum and one minute’s walk from the Arts District is the brand, spanking new boutique hotel Canopy by Hilton, the first newly built hotel in the area in more than a decade. Among the hotel’s modern, comfortable features is its “jewel” – a rooftop pool, lounge, and bar with spectacular views. The hotel also features curated works by local artists, reflecting its new, home neighborhood.
A favorite fine art destination for over 20 years is the must-see Marshall Gallery. One of the larger galleries, it is located at 7106 East Main Street. The 7,000 square foot gallery is a prominent mainstay of Old Town’s vibrant art scene. Proudly owned by art enthusiast DeeAn Gillespie, the diverse collection of exceptional paintings, sculptures, glass, and art furniture from 65 artists, graces two floors.
Here, art lovers gaze upon Contemporary, Impressionist, and Abstract works. English painter Frank Balaam’s impasto forests draw one in with their vibrant colors:
David Jonason’s Cubist-Realist compositions depict the Southwest geometrically:
Chris Segre Lewis’s (C. S. Lewis!) windows-of-heaven views give us a vision of the divine perspective on our majestic Wild West:
Abstract-Figurative artist Kathy Jones’ works evoke the ancient world, and yet are thoroughly contemporary:
Abstraction is one of the lesser understood art disciplines, but Abstract master Michael Lotenero’s emotions in his abstract art require no interpreter:
In season, and absent health restrictions, The Marshall Gallery features inspiring concerts with national and international classical and jazz artistes. The Marshall is known as a cultural destination for art, music, civic events, and scholarly lectures:
Old Town Scottsdale boasts dozens of art galleries that attract a local and far-flung, nation-wide and international clientele. Notable galleries besides Marshall include Xanadu, with its modernistic approach, and Bonner David that displays an eclectic mix of attractive contemporary as well as excellent traditional works. Paul Scott features work by prominent Russian artists, who have emerged gloriously from the shadows of the old order there. Pejman presents charming scenes of Europe amid other eminent works. Mainview is a main destination for contemporary landscapes. Legacy not only is a go-to for Western paintings and sculpture, but also renowned for its annual auction of old and contemporary masters.
Meandering visitors must not overlook prominent, fine craftsman jeweler French (name, not nationality) Thompson, whose exquisite work is among the most sophisticated, fine-design jewelry to be found anywhere.
Old Town Scottsdale certainly does not lack favorite foodie spots on Main Street and the surrounding area. Chef owned Sel offers an inviting, up-to-date twist on fine, French fare in elegant, contemporary surroundings:
While decades-old lure Malee’s Thai is full of Eastern promise for lovers of exotic fare:
Numerous fine and alluring food and beverage establishments (yes, many are “healthy”) pepper Scottsdale Road, north and south of the arts district, where lively throngs of hungry and thirsty pilgrims seek good times in a vibrant atmosphere.
In short, Old Town is the cultural hub of Scottsdale. In-the-know patrons return year after year to acquire the life-enhancing fine art available in the established, brick and mortar galleries.
So… Experience Scottsdale… your fine art destination!
Stay up to date on the newest artists and upcoming events at The Marshall Gallery:
Sign up for gallery announcements and subscribe to our mailing list.