article and photos by: Jenna Duncan
Art collectors as well as the art-curious converged on Old Town Scottsdale Thursday, Oct. 3, for the weekly ArtWalk. But this occasion had a special theme, and an extra-festive spirit was in the air, as Scottsdale galleries, restaurants and art spaces celebrated the 39th the Scottsdale ArtWalk. The ArtWalk is hosted every week by the Scottsdale Gallery Association, with some funding support from the City of Scottsdale. They put on big vents such as the anniversary artwalks, the upcoming Second Annual Fall for the Arts event (Nov. 7), Holiday ArtWalk (Dec. 5) and the hugely attended Fiesta Bowl ArtWalk (Dec. 28).
Droves of visitors flocked to mainstays such as Lew Allen Gallery and Bonner David Gallery on Main Street, and Calvin Charles on Marshall Way. Dubbed “America’s Original ArtWalk,” the walk in Scottsdale covers more than 15 blocks of Old Town Scottsdale between Drinkwater and Goldwater boulevards, south of Camelback Road and North of Osborn. Most events take place on Main Street or Marshall Way, but some venues stretch as far as the canal.
Thursday’s big celebration also featured several outdoor live music acts, light shows, the Scottsdale trolley making various stops along the ArtWalk path, a horse-drawn carriage for those feeling romantic and a mini food truck meetup for foodies. Delicious desserts were presented right outside the doors of Method Art Gallery, SuperFarm SuperTruck got a rush around 7:30 p.m. and the line for hotdogs from frank. was long for most of the event. Delicious aromas from Forte and Frank an Lupe’s also filled the rich Scottsdale night, and some visitors said they would be staying around for dessert and nightcaps at 5th or the Coachhouse.
According to Veronica Graffius, President of Scottsdale Gallery Association and Manager of Calvin Charles Gallery on Marshall Way, more than 25 galleries and art spaces participate for a bigger event such as the 39th were some extra-special events and demonstrations, she explained. For one, Touchstone Gallery featured a fascinating fossil exhibit with a specialist on-hand to demo and explain some incredible natural stones. And, On the Edge Gallery, located at 7050 E. Fifth Avenue, celebrated their first anniversary in their Old Town location, Graffius said.
One very interesting new addition to the Scottsdale downtown scene is the fun-loving Art of Merlot on Main Street. At this BYOB gallery, self-titled “artistes” can sip away at their own choices of wine or beer while they take a painting lesson. On Thursdays through Sundays it is open studio, so frequently on a lovely ArtWalk evening one might pass by some live art creation in action.
Many different performers, DJs and duets performed outside of galleries such as Art One and Xanadu. Practicing artists could also be observed working on easels set outside in the temperate evening.
Scottsdale ArtWalk runs every Thursday, except Thanksgiving holiday, rain-or-shine at participating galleries and businesses from 7-9 p.m. and it is free to the public. Parking is also available. For more upcoming events and information, visit: www.scottsdalegalleries.com.
