12 SEPTEMBER 2019 ArtWalk season kicks off in Scottsdale Scottsdale ArtWalk The Gold Palette ArtWalk Series for the 2019-2020 season includes the following dates: 45 th Season Kickoff Thursday, October 10 Contemporary Focus ArtWalk Thursday, November 21 Scottsdazzle ArtWalk Thursday, December 12 Demonstrate! … And Doughnuts ArtWalk Thursday, January 16 Western Week ArtWalk Thursday, February 6 Native Spirit ArtWalk Thursday, March 5 45 th Season Official Celebration: Art, Wine & Chocolate Thursday, April 16 Summer Spectacular Thursday, July 9 The Gold Palette series will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more: scottsdalegalleries.com. By Rachael Bouley Free to the public and open every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. in downtown Scottsdale, the Scottsdale ArtWalk offers a unique escape into captivating art, much of it created by Arizonans. As summer dwindles down and the nights start to get a bit cooler, the ArtWalk season will begin, welcoming hundreds of visitors each week to the downtown art district located primarily along Main Street and Marshall Way. Many of the more than 100 local art galleries are open, all offering something different as people stroll in and out, taking in the sights and sounds. Organized by The Scottsdale Gallery Association (SGA), ArtWalks have been a family activity for the past 45 years. Originally, the galleries came together and decided that Thursday night was ideal for both locals and visitors, according to French Thompson, owner of French Designer Jeweler and president of SGA. “It took several years for the public to discover that Main Street had become a ‘happening place.’ But when they did, the flood gates opened,” Thompson said. The Scottsdale Arts District hasn’t looked back. Many of the artists and gallery owners are on hand to showcase their work and welcome discussions about art and culture. Constantly changing and evolving, this new season will once again include SGA’s Gold Palette ArtWalk. Offered eight times a year in addition to the weekly Thursday night ArtWalk, Gold Palette events offer extended gallery hours, live music and special experiences such as complimentary wine tasting or small bites. These themed events give art aficionados the chance to enjoy a variety of artistic mediums alongside the Scottsdale art community. Jacque Keller, co-owner of Quantum Art Inc. and SGA board secretary, says Gold Palette offerings exemplify the association’s hard work over the past few years. “ I’m looking most forward to the Gold Palette ArtWalk. The events are casual and fun and full of original talent. The music on the street invigorates the air and is just charming,” Keller said. “This is a wonderful place to begin or add to your art collection. These days patrons want their environments at home and at work to be unique.” It’s no secret that the vibrant cultural environment of the ArtWalk draws people in, so much so that several years ago it was named one of the top 10 cultural strolls in the world by MSN-UK, the only one to earn the distinction in the United States. “That was an important reminder to us of the beautiful gem that is the Scottsdale Arts District,” Keller said. “I have had several people say to me that they come here right from the airport. That is so sweet, and we don’t take it for granted.” In addition to the regular Thursday night ArtWalks and the Gold Palette Series, the Camelback Studio Tour and Art Sale will return for its 11 th consecutive event in Old Town Scottsdale. Running from Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3, there will be nine stops at local home art studios in a Scottsdale artists’ neighborhood. It’s an opportunity for shopping local and maybe even finding gifts for the upcoming holidays. For more: camelbackstudiotour.com. WWW.JCASTLELAW.COM 480.542.5885 DIVORCE • CUSTODY • SUPPORT JASON CASTLE, ESQ.