Spotlight | Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour

Cave Creek, AZ
Various locations, November 21-23 & 28-30

Pat Stacy, Yellowstone: Born to Be Wild, acrylic, 20 x 24.

This story was featured in the November 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art November 2014 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

Nearly 50 art studios featuring 180 working artists are part of the Sonoran Arts League’s 18th annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour & Sale on November 21-23 and November 28-30. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, attendees can visit open studios and purchase original artwork in this free, self-guided tour through the picturesque Sonoran foothills of Cave Creek, Carefree, and North Scottsdale, AZ. The event features a wide variety of artistic genres and mediums—including paintings, ceramics, glass, jewelry, photography, and more. Here we introduce you to a handful of this year’s participating artists.

Kathi Turner is a bead weaver and mixed-metal jewelry designer who creates wearable art and accessories. Largely self-taught, she uses beading techniques including peyote, embroidery, loom, and others—often combined with various metals and incorporating semiprecious stones. Another jewelry artist on the tour is Diana Gilmore, who says she “strives to make bold statements in metals and gemstones.” Her current work begins with silver, gold, copper, or bronze sheets that function as “blank canvases” for original pieces of jewelry.

Painter Barbara Bowman is best known for her colorful abstract expressionist works. The artist has always been fascinated with abstraction. “Even as a little kid,” she says, “I was in awe [of abstract art] and knew someday I would do that, too.” Pat Stacy’s contemporary and abstract paintings feature heavily textured  acrylics on wooden panels or canvases and are inspired by ancient and native cultures. Through her art, she hopes “to encourage people to find beauty, hope, and meaning in their lives.”

Nancy Michaelson has drawn and painted her entire life. She spends much of her time immersing herself in the  light and nuances of the Sonoran Desert and painting its beautiful shapes and colors. Landscape painter Lucy Dickens also spends a great deal of her time exploring the outdoors. “These experiences have instilled in me a great appreciation for nature and the beauty all around us, along with a passion for capturing these experiences on paper and canvas,” she says.

The Arizona landscape also provides endless inspiration for Sandi Ciaramitaro’s oil and watercolor paintings. “I was captivated by the desert at first sight,” she says. Participating in the tour is especially gratifying for Ciaramitaro: “It’s exciting to be among gifted artists, friends, art enthusiasts, and collectors.” —Lindsay Mitchell

contact information
480.575.6624
www.sonoranartsleague.org

Featured in the November 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art November 2014 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!