On Thurs., Nov. 9, the Scottsdale Gallery Association will present an official Gold Palette ArtWalk in partnership with Canal Convergence. Taking place from 6:30-9 p.m. throughout the Scottsdale Arts District—along Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard and north of Indian School Road on Marshall Way to 5th Avenue, the event aligns not only with Canal Convergence’s mission to provide an authentic and immersive art experience in and around Scottsdale’s canal, but also its 2023 theme of “The Power of Play.”
“We’re extremely excited to partner with Canal Convergence,” says Scottsdale Gallery Association (SGA) President French Thompson. “As organizations that have long been committed to advocating for and promoting the local art scene to a national and even international audience, we are ideally aligned to work together in our joint missions. We look forward to presenting a one-of-a-kind ArtWalk that embodies the spirit of Canal Convergence and ‘The Power of Play’ theme.”
During the event, enjoy live performances from AZ Beat Lab, as well as an interactive “beat” workshop featuring sound machines, drums, samplers and more. This event encourages art enthusiasts of all ages to explore the more than 30 participating galleries and enjoy amazing artwork, jewelry, sculptures and other artistic mediums.
The Canal Convergence ArtWalk also celebrates the kickoff of the Scottsdale Gallery Association’s 2023-2024 season, during which guests can enjoy weekly ArtWalks every Thursday, as well as specialty theme Gold Palette ArtWalks in partnership with many of the city of Scottsdale’s annual events such as Scottsdazzle, West Week, June Days, and others.
This year’s Canal Convergence, along with the Scottsdale Gallery Association’s Canal Convergence Gold Palette ArtWalk, is focused on the concept of play—as one of the most creative and meaningful constructs in the human experience. For the 2023 event, Scottsdale Arts challenges artists to integrate acts of play into the public’s interaction with the artwork as well as to speak to its influence on human development and its ability to unite people across all ages, genders and cultures through shared experience.
Participating SGA members are hosting their own events and exhibitions within their galleries during the event, including:
Art One Gallery, Inc.
4130 N. Marshall Way
Stop by Art One Gallery to explore all of the creative work being produced by students and local Arizona artists. There will also be a live painting demonstration from local artist Rebecca Grace.
The Marshall Gallery
7106 E. Main St.
The Marshall Gallery welcomes four distinguished artists during this event—Nocona Burgess, Alvin Gil-Tapia, Douglas Aagard, and Chad Holiday. During an artists’ meet-and-greet, enjoy an exclusive preview of the artists’ latest creations and a unique opportunity to gain an insider’s perspective directly from the artists themselves.
The Signature Gallery
7177 E. Main St.
The Signature Gallery presents a special event, where the captivating world of urban cubism from acclaimed artist Joëlle Blouin will take center stage. Experience the dynamic fusion of art and play through Blouin’s works, which perfectly aligns with the spirit of play, while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression that is both innovative and thought-provoking.
Wilde Meyer Gallery
4142 N. Marshall Way
During the Canal Convergence ArtWalk, Wilde Meyer Gallery hosts the Connie Townsend 25th Anniversary Celebration, honoring the artist’s success in art, which defines fun and play through the depiction of animals, as well as her ongoing support of animal charities. Her works will be offered at 25% off during this celebration.
Xanadu Gallery
7039 E. Main St. #101
During an artist’s reception that evening, Xanadu Gallery is pleased to feature new works by Ana Maria Botero. Botero’s background as an architect and her South American origins influence her painted glass floral and cactus sculptures. Each of her botanical creations is painted on multiple panels of glass with a single hair paintbrush, creating a lifelike appearance.
Canal Convergence 2023 takes place Sun., Nov. 12. The free, internationally recognized immersive public art event is entirely outdoors and features large-scale, light-based artworks as well as educational workshops, family friendly activities, art tours, live music, dance performances, a beer and wine garden, food trucks and much more.
The Scottsdale Gallery Association’s weekly ArtWalk, held most every Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. in partnership with the City of Scottsdale, highlights the finest art in Scottsdale featured throughout more than 30 galleries and two museums—Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. In addition, the SGA’s Gold Palette ArtWalks, with multiple events throughout the year, feature extended hours, a dedicated theme and specialty activities including entertainment, refreshments, demonstrations, and more.
