Mesa artist Sherri Aldawood told me about the Arizona Art Alliance Gallery in Scottsdale
I enjoyed a delightful conversation with Mesa artist Sherri Aldawood and her husband last week. Aldawood was one of many artists I met during a “Visions of Arizona” reception at the Arizona House of Representatives building. Her oil paintings “Balcony With Bougainvillea” and “Boys Fishing” are part of the exhibition.
One of two artists caught in the act of painting during our Saturday visit to the gallery
When I asked Aldawood where her work is currently exhibited, she told me about the Arizona Art Alliance Gallery in Scottsdale. I’ve actually driven past it many times during shopping jaunts to what’s now called The Pavilions at Talking Stick — but assumed it was a purveyor of mass produced fare.
The Arizona Art Alliance Gallery is full of paintings, photographs, sculpture, jewelry and more
I decided to explore the gallery with my son on Saturday, and was thrilled to be proven wrong. It’s actually home to a volunteer organization whose 33 member groups, all based in Arizona, represent more than 4,000 visual artists.
I was thrilled to discover a new place to find gifts of jewelry and original art
The Arizona Art Alliance has an outreach program funded through the proceeds of art sales, donations and grants — which features art education and art mentoring programs.
Country House by Claude Picard is one of many works I'd love to live with every day
It’s part of their overall mission to “celebrate Arizona’s diverse communities and rich cultural traditions, inspire creativity, grow local economies and enhance the quality of life for all Arizonans.”
Christopher enjoyed these and other works with animal-related subjects
We take art for granted far too often, but I suspect most of us would feel a deep loss were arts and culture removed from our homes, schools and public gathering places for even a single day.
Franco Valentini's Primordial Land is one of several works featuring nature scenes
The Arizona Art Alliance Gallery is a great way to introduce children to artworks including sculpture, jewelry, carving, painting and more. Gallery volunteers greeted us warmly when we arrived, and we got to watch two artists paint while we were there.
This photographer, standing next to his "Swizzle," graciously shared tips with my son
Another artist, whose photograph “Swizzle” was among our favorites, spent lots of time talking cameras and film with Christopher — and we were delighted to encounter so many folks of generous spirit.
Artworks are exhibited in all sorts of creative ways at the Scottsdale gallery
One shared that she’s been a longtime reader of Raising Arizona Kids magazine, something it’s heartening to hear in an age when print publications are struggling much like arts organizations to find and keep advertisers and subscribers.
There's plenty of room to stroll and linger at the Arizona Art Alliance gallery
I hope all the parents who frequent The Pavilions at Talking Stick for arts and craft supplies (Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann, Michaels), toys (Toys “R” Us) and movies (UltraStar Cinema) – will make time to enjoy the Arizona Art Alliance Gallery during their future visits.
We both loved the lines and colors in these works by Barbara Lacy
Keep the gallery in mind next time you’re shopping for artwork for your home or gifts like jewelry for family and friends. It’s fun to catch artists in the act of painting, and lovely to spend time with folks who are so gracious.
– Lynn
Note: Click here to learn more about the Arizona Art Alliance, here to learn more about “Visions of Arizona” and here to learn more about The Pavilions at Talking Stick
Coming up: Art meets automobile, Bald is beautiful
Thank you Lynn for your very kind post about the Arizona Art Alliance gallery and association. There are so many artists in the valley who are not represented by “big” galleries, so is is a wonderful opportunity not only for the artists, but especially for the public who are interested in original and affordable art. Please visit often, as the artwork is changed out about every other month and work that is sold is replaced with new art right away.