A stroll in the art: The Scottsdale Holiday ArtWalk

By Ruben Hernandez

The Scottsdale ArtWalk in Scottsdale’s Old Town district continues a long and proud tradition of entertaining Valley art lovers with its Holiday ArtWalk on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 7-9 PM

Established 30 years ago, this festive event also is known as “America’s Original Art Walk,” and offers an eclectic art, dining, music, and shopping experience for art collectors and gallery browsers.

The 2012 Holiday ArtWalk has selected a painting from famed local artist Frank Ybarra to promote the event.

Dress for the temperate Arizona December nights, meet with friends, and meander among the wide array of galleries offering art styles from avant garde to Southwest landscapes to Native American. Stroll on sidewalks decorated with trees wrapped with sparkling lights and original public sculptures.

When hunger hits, duck into one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat. There are dining establishments with Latino flavors, such as Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza’s Barrio Queen on Stetson Drive, and Frank & Lupe’s Old Mexico dining on Marshall Way. Night clubs also dot the district, providing opportunities to drop in for warming cocktails.

 The annual ArtWalk showcases all the Scottsdale Arts District has to offer during the holiday season. The galleries display special shows and collections, and host featured artist receptions.  Musicians provide street concerts, and visitors can have their photos taken with Santa and the Grinch.     

Enjoy fine wine? Then you’ll adore the ArtWalk’s Taste of Wine samplings in participating galleries and in a designated restaurant during the After ArtWalk party. Buy a souvenir wine glass and help support local nonprofit arts efforts.

At Scottdale’s ArtWalk, “people watching” is a fine art in itself. See everything from artists in flamboyant clothes, to fashionable gents and ladies in tuxes, coats, and gowns, to casually dressed tourists. Like the colors of a paint palette, art lovers come dressed in many variations that reflect their lifestyles.

In addition, the holiday fun continues with the Fiesta Bowl ArtWalk on Thursday, Dec. 29.

Scottsdale ArtWalk and the Scottsdale Arts District feature dozens of fine art galleries west of Scottsdale Road along Main Street and Marshall Way, and north of Indian School Road to Fifth Avenue. There’s lots of free parking and free trolley rides throughout the area.

For more information on the ArtWalk special events, visit www.scottsdalegalleries.com.