Scottsdale, Arizona, has museums, galleries, and sculptures filled with art to fit every taste. These are the best places to see art in Scottsdale, Arizona.
When people ask why I love visiting Paris, I respond that it is because of the art and parks. I guess it is no wonder why I chose to live in downtown Scottsdale, Arizona. Art lovers can revel in interesting and unique art throughout downtown Scottsdale. From traditional paintings to historical artifacts to life-sized sculptures, Scottsdale’s museums, galleries, and streets are filled with art to fit every taste. The clear blue sky, gorgeous plants, and flowers set the mood to discover the creativity manifested here. The following are my favorite places to experience art in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Even though contemporary art is not my first choice when visiting museums, the offerings at SMOCA always intrigue me. Arizona architect Will Bruder designed a movie theater renovation into an incredible showcase filling over 18,000 square feet. The concrete floors and exposed ceilings allow the artwork to take center stage.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Photo courtesy of SMOCA
Four main galleries house rotating exhibitions that vary from paintings, textiles, and sculptures to soundscapes, videos, and architectural features. Outside in Knight Rise, created by James Turrell in 2001, visitors can rest on the concrete bench that encircles the room and gaze up through an elliptical hole in the ceiling to view a brilliant section of the sky. SMOCA anchors the Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza and offers many events throughout the year.
Western Spirit, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
On my first solo visit to Western Spirit, I lingered in the Canvas of Clay gallery for almost an hour. The Hopi pottery involves exquisite colors and designs, and the Hopi creators’ stories engrossed me. Nampeyo of Hano perfected the art of symmetrical imagery and vibrant colors and passed these skills to her descendants. In the Collecting Stories exhibit, John Coleman’s life-like bronze sculptures capture the personality and energy of native people.
On the second floor, drawings, paintings, sculptures, and textiles fill the galleries with western art. My favorites include Paul Calle’s depictions of mountain men and the beaded dresses in the Courage and Crossroads exhibit.
Sketches and paintings of mountain men by Paul Calle at Western Spirit, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Photo by Judy Karnia
Special exhibitions keep the content of Western Spirit fresh and continue to expand visitors’ education about western history and culture. Light and Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward S. Curtis covers Curtis’s immense work, filling 20 volumes with descriptions of the over 80 tribes indigenous to the American West with which he spent time. You can see stunning examples of the over 1500 photos he included through prints, copper plates, and gold tones.
Downtown Art Galleries in Scottsdale
On Thursday evenings, I often stroll among the dozens of galleries nestled in downtown Scottsdale. Independent shops along Main Street and Marshall Way welcome visitors to enjoy the works of local and global artists. You can merely peruse the art or purchase wonderful pieces at a range of scope and price. Each showroom focuses on a style of art or location of origin.
The Marshall Gallery on Main Street in Downtown Scottsdale. Photo by Judy Karnia
ArtWalk, sponsored by the Scottsdale Gallery Association, occurs every Thursday from 7 to 9 pm, and many galleries offer wine samples and snacks. Gold Palette ArtWalks, staged eight times during the year, embrace special themes and offer entertainment within the shops and along the street. The owners of the galleries and often the artists answer questions and describe their inspirations and techniques.
Public Art
While walking around downtown Scottsdale, the horse sculptures may first bring your attention to the plethora of street art in the area. One of my favorites, Bronze Horse Sculpture by Bob Parks, gallops towards you at Marshall Way and Fifth Avenue cross-sections. Five Arabian horses attempt to leap from the fountain in various poses. At dawn and dusk, the patina of the horses glows as the water catches the light.
Bronze Horse Fountain. Photo by Judy Karnia
The recent addition of Pinball Wizard awaits down the street as you approach the Scottsdale Waterfront. Annette Coleman’s mosaic wall and spheres reflect the sun with bright colors. Across the canal, Passing the Legacy by Herb Mignery captures the frantic pace of delivering the mail by pony express. As you wander down the canal, the Soleri Bridge looms into view. Two 64-foot silver cylinders rise to help mark solar events.
Soleri Bridge at Scottsdale Waterfront. Photo by Judy Karnia
Don’t miss the Soleri Bells hanging on the south side of the silver cylinders.
The Soleri Bells hanging atop the Soleri Bridge in downtown Scottsdale, AZ. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Across the bridge to the north, three enormous wooden doors lean against each other, allowing visitors to go inside and see their reflection. On the other side of Scottsdale, Copper Falls by Phoenix artist Bob Adams, boasts dozens of copper domes that ring out when the canal water falls over them.
These are a small sampling of the many public sculptures that delight visitors strolling downtown Scottsdale.
Canal Convergence
The Scottsdale Waterfront hosts many festivals and events from fall through spring. Every November Canal Convergence enchants with elaborate displays, interactive art, and learning opportunities for ten days. You can sign up for workshops that spark your creativity and tours that inform you about the history of the canal and the artworks that are present. Several days include musical and dance performances.
Lighted art display at Soleri Bridge during Canal Convergence. Photo by Judy Karnia
As you amble along the canal between Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard, lighted artworks line the bank or span the canal. You can change the colors or intensities at many of these with interactive devices. The crowd favorite is typically the fire-spewing pieces floating in the canal that erupt in time to the music.
Scottsdale Civic Center
At the heart of downtown Scottsdale, the Civic Center provides a perfect space to enjoy a walk, pause to rest, or join a special event. A thorough $27 million renovation will be completed in the spring of 2023. This will expand the capacity for festivals such as the annual Scottsdale Arts Festival that showcases dozens of artists from the Phoenix area and around the country. Local music and food trucks liven up this and many other festivals held at the Civic Center.
The park has also featured many sculptures and fountains. Iconic plaza sculptures are being restored and replaced in the park. Robert India’s Love sculpture has served as the backdrop for the photos of many visitors and locals.
The LOVE sculpture is a favorite in downtown Scottsdale. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
George-Ann Tognoni’s The Yearlings, Dale Wright’s Don Quixote, and Louise Nevelson’s Windows to the West are returning after the renovation.
Windows to the West at Scottsdale Civic Center. Photo by Judy Karnia
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Downtown Scottsdale is the perfect destination for art lovers, especially if your taste varies. Creativity and beauty await around every corner, from fine art to interactive street art. Let Wander With Wonder be your guide when planning your next cultural vacation to Scottsdale, the farther reaches of Arizona, or wherever local art abounds.
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