Our Supporters
|
Corporate Sponsor:
Appreciation Society Business Members:
Doug Groppenbacher, CCIM, CIPS
Custom-Built
Teardrop Trailers
by
Teardrop72
Cultural Organization Members:
Page-Lake PowellTourism Bureau
|
If this issue of Along 89
was forwarded to you,
click here to join the list.
|
|
|
|
Art Lover's Road Trips on US Route 89
|
|
by Barbara Kemp Cowlin
The arts are thriving along [US Route 89 from Nogales, Arizona, to Livingston, Montana. A wide range of art museums, history museums, art centers, galleries and artist's cooperatives are just waiting to be discovered by art lovers.
A fun introduction to the arts and artists along US Route 89 is to follow the art fairs and open studio tours along the road. These indoor/outdoor events occur during the best weather in the region. Follow the arts, follow the great weather and have an adventure. The arts are a great starting point to experiencing other unique activities along 89. We've been to some, but not all of the tours and festivals listed. A goal for this spring will be to take in as many as possible. It's a tough job, but some one has to do it!
Tubac Festival of the Arts: February 10-14
 The first big art event of the year is the Tubac Festival of the Arts in Tubac, Arizona, 50 miles south of Tucson. Celebrating its 50th year, the festival showcases the work of hundreds of artists from around the country. The quality of the work is high but the show is not pretentious. You will find everything from fine art paintings to whimsical sculptures and New Age music. We've been to the Tubac Festival several times, and I'm looking forward to going again this year. One year, it was quite warm, and there was regret afterwards that we hadn't applied sunscreen. You might check the weather before going, because it can vary quite a bit. I remember having a wonderful time, and buying a few more items than we should have, although I don't regret having them.
Art Detour Phoenix: March 5-7
Phoenix is the scene for Art Detour featuring the studios and galleries in the central city. Over the years Art Detour has grown to match the large number of artists living and working in downtown Phoenix. First Friday, on March 5th, will kick off the festivities. For those who aren't familiar with Phoenix, there is a free trolley that starts at the Phoenix Art Museum and travels to the different venues. Maps are available at the Burton Barr Central Library, which also has a beautiful gallery, and ample parking. Art Detour is a must do event, with a party atmosphere and fabulous art and studios during springtime when the weather is almost guaranteed to beautiful. There are many fine eateries in central Phoenix, and this is a great opportunity to explore a variety of culinary delights as well as enjoying a vibrant art scene. Having both participated in and been a visitor to Art Detour, I have to say that this one is my favorites. It's fascinating to see how artists have transformed various old warehouses and buildings into studios. And it's exciting to see Phoenix mature as an art city.
Southwest Indian Fair: March 27-28
The Southwest Indian Fair, southern Arizona's premier Indian art show and market, will be held at the Desert Diamond Casino south of Tucson at the Pima Mine Road exit from Interstate 19. One hundred well-known Native American artists will be showing and selling their work, including pottery, Hopi kachina dolls, jewelry, baskets and many other items. In addition to the market, there will be demonstrations, music, food and dance performances. This is one we haven't experienced, but are planning to go to this year. We're always interested in hearing comments from our readers, so if you've been to this event in the past when it was held at the Arizona State Museum, and would like to describe it, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Tubac Artists Open Studios: April 3-4 & 10-11
For the next event, swing back down to Tubac for the Artists Open Studios event on the weekends of April 3rd, 4th, and 10th, 11th. The great thing about visiting artists in their studios is the chance to see the inner workings of how and where art is made. Of course, these visits are also a great opportunity to purchase unique art work from artists you've actually met. This is going to be another new adventure for us. I look forward to this, because I know there are many accomplished artists in the area, and I have a feeling the studios visits will be fascinating.
Oracle Artist Studio Tour: April 17-18
Head just north of Tucson or two hours south of Phoenix to the small town of Oracle, 10 miles east of historic highway 89 on Arizona Route 77. As new residents to Oracle, we're thrilled to be involved in the Artist Studio Tour. This is the 18th year for the tour, with 20 studios and more than 50 artists participating and is an opportunity to meet many of the talented artists who reside in this small town in the spectacular foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains and whose studios reflect the grandeur of the scenery. A wide array of arts and crafts, including photography, painting, prints, jewelry, ceramics, and sculpture will be on display. Of course, we'll be delighted to have you visit our place and take a look at my paintings, boxes, and gargoyle guys, as well as Jim's photographs. We'll have other 89 items on sale, too. We did the tour last year, over the two days, camping out at Catalina State Park on Saturday night. It was amazing to see the studio spaces and homes tucked away in the hills. You'd never know they existed if you didn't do this tour!
Flagstaff First Friday Artwalk
Flagstaff, two hours north of Phoenix, hosts First Friday Artwalks every month, where the local galleries and other downtown venues display artwork. Enjoy the crisp weather and the great shops and restaurants in this city in the mountains of northern Arizona. The people are friendly, the scenery is beautiful, and the art scene is burgeoning. I'm particularly fond of Flagstaff, having lived there for twelve years, many years ago. At that time, the art scene was at its' inception. It's gratifying to see how vital it is now. For those who aren't familiar with Flagstaff, it's a spectacular setting at 7400 ft. altitude. As the weather heats up further south, Flagstaff remains a welcoming place to be.
Zuni Festival of the Arts, Flagstaff: May 29-30
The Zuni Festival of Arts takes place at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. This cultural exchange includes talks, films, dances and music by the Zuni people. In addition, fine jewelers, carvers and weavers will demonstrate their crafts, with items available for purchase. Combine this Saturday/Sunday event with a Flagstaff First Friday for a great weekend of arts and culture. The Museum is a wonderful place to visit, and I've experienced the Hopi and the Navajo Festivals, happening later in the summer. This year will be the first time we'll experience the Zuni Festival of Arts.
Summerfest Logan: June 17-19
Moving further north, Logan, Utah, is the place to be in mid-June. Summerfest Logan is in its' 27th year. Hosting about 130 artists, who have been juried into the Festival, this free event runs from morning to evening. In addition to artists showing and selling their paintings, prints, photographs, ceramics, jewelry and other art forms, there will be ongoing musical entertainment and food. There is a special art area for children, where they can join in the fun and create their own art projects.
Utah Art Festival: June 24-27
Salt Lake City is the home of the Utah Arts Festival. For 33 years, this has been the largest outdoor multi-disciplinary arts event in Utah. The Festival takes place downtown, at Library and Washington Squares. 80,000 visitors come annually to see the juried fine arts and crafts. Contemporary arts are emphasized in this festival. Concerts, food and children's activities round out the weekend. I'm hoping we'll be able to work out a trip up north in order to take in both Summerfest and The Utah Arts Festival.
Livingston Festival of the Arts: July 2-4
In July, Livingston, Montana, will be hosting their annual Festival of the Arts. This juried show includes 100 artists and hand crafters. Taking place in historic Livingston's downtown Depot-Rotary park, visitors can enjoy meeting artists and admiring their wares. Not to be missed is the acclaimed Pie Booth, as well as other specialty foods. Not only are the arts highlighted during this Festival, the Livingston Roundup, a professional rodeo, is also scheduled for the weekend, complete with a parade on the 2nd, and fireworks each evening. It sounds like a great way to spend the Fourth of July weekend-quintessential western experience.
Planning a trip to arts festivals and open studio tours using the Road Trip Guides on the US Route 89 website provides a fun introduction to the arts, while opening up a world of exciting adventures along the West's most Western highway. We hope you'll join us at some of these events. And we'll be anxious to hear all about your adventures along the Art Lover's Road, US Route 89!
|
Support the "Slow Road" Movement:
Join the US Route 89 Appreciation Society
|
|
 You love driving the two-lane highways that keep you close to the edge of the road so you can see the land at a leisurely pace. You think nothing of stopping along the way to admire the view and smell the fresh air. You seek out unique places to eat where the special of the day depends on what's in season at the nearby farm. You already appreciate the opportunities offered by a journey on US Route 89.
You are not alone in your passion for a trip on a "slow road." There are many others like you. Together we can spread the word of the joys of leisurely travel. Join the US Route 89 Appreciation Society and you'll receive an official membership certificate and button to attest to your belief in the "slow road" movement.
General Membership: $5
Benefits:
· Membership Certificate
· Membership Badge
· Email Newsletter
· Invitations to all project events
Download the Membership Brochure in pdf format |
|
|
|
|
