28 DECEMBER 2025 By Chrissy Doern C anal Convergence took over the Scottsdale Waterfront in November with – simply put – a celebration of creativity. This internationally recognized annual arts extravaganza was packed with larger-than-life artworks that ignited the imagination, alongside a variety of engaging activities. The theme, “SHOWTIME!” focused on performance as public art and the subject of performance itself, including history, cultural significance, and role in society. From mesmerizing performances that captivated the senses to interactive installations that encouraged exploration, there was something for everyone. Numerous exhibits sparked imagination, along with a variety of engaging workshops and live performances. Creativity and collaboration took center stage. At Canalogic with urbanSTEW, participants built their own musical instruments, then layered their sounds into a communal “sound scrambler” that blended noise, art, and memory into one installation. CREATE at Arizona Science Center asked guests to design their own marquee signs using markers, chalk, and acrylic embellishments. Over at Masks with Zarco Guerrero, children and adults learned the art of expressive mask-making from the renowned sculptor himself, crafting colorful creations that reflected both imagination and emotion. Hands-on workshops continued throughout the week. The Beat Making Workshop with AZ Beat Lab encouraged participants to experiment with rhythm, layering beats and sounds to produce original music to share with the group. LED Creations, led by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, gave kids a chance to build glowing bugs and crowns powered by tiny batteries, while The Walter Hive turned craft materials into finger puppets, headbands, and whimsical sculptures. Adapting Together with Rumbo invited participants to explore how rising heat impacts our daily lives, sparking thoughtful discussions about resilience through art. Rounding out the lineup, Chroma – a site- specific dance performance by Scottsdale Community College Dance – transformed the Stargate artwork by Chalk River Labs, bringing motion, color, and connection to life. The Herberger Stage came alive with an eclectic lineup of musical talent. Audiences were treated to the infectious rhythms of Jaleo’s Latin beats and the dreamy sounds of Ang Sirena’s indie-pop and alternative R&B. The Bad Cactus Brass Band brought funk and jazz, while Pijama Piyama infused the atmosphere with their signature psychedelic cumbia flair. The lineup continued, from Seligo’s electro-pop-rock fusion to Dylan Paul Thomas’s heartfelt acoustic rock and Mo Maduro’s folk and blues influences. Featured exhibits blended technology, interactivity, and artistry. From Australia, Amigo and Amigo brought Octopoda, a towering octopus installation whose eight glowing, light-reactive limbs pulsed in time with the beat of giant barrel snare drums. In Recognition by New American Public Art of Maine, participants found themselves quite literally reflected in the work – live facial tracking projected their images onto a massive polygonal face, prompting reflection on identity, surveillance, and digital life. Returning favorites BIG ART of Canada presented B!G TV. This 16-foot LED screen invited audiences to step inside and become part of the show. Throughout the opening weekend, Javi Star Entertainment, featuring the coach for the Phoenix Suns Dancers and the Phoenix Mercury Hip-Hop Squad, surprised crowds with high-energy performances that lit up the canal. Interactive workshops and performances kept creativity flowing throughout the weekend. The Marvelous Medium of Masking Tape, led by award-winning puppet builder Matt McGee of the Great Arizona Puppet Theater, showed attendees how to transform simple tape into dynamic 3D art. The theater also hosted Puppets with the Great Arizona Puppet Theater, where families and kids crafted colorful stick puppets to take home. At Dress Up the Future – An Interactive Wearable Experience, visitors explored fashion-forward technology and imaginative design at The Dress Up Space, while the Arizona Theatre Company offered guests a chance to pose with real stage props for photo keepsakes. Closing out the festivities, Walter Productions’ Showtime Fire Show ignited the night with a breathtaking mix of fire, light, and music, a fitting finale to a celebration where art, innovation, and community came brilliantly together. oldtownscottsdaleaz.com 2025 CANAL CONVERGENCE Scottsdale comes alive with light, music, and interactive art PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF SCOTTSDALE From mesmerizing performances that captivated the senses to interactive installations that encouraged exploration, there was something for everyone.
MINNOW BEGINNER’S LUCK THE GLADLY CITIZEN PUBLIC HOUSE YOUR NEXT PARTY WILL BE OFF THE HOOK qUss{Ê Great hosts know: the best parties start with sushi PARTY TRAYS NOW AVAILABLE BUY $100 GET $20 Give a gift and get a little something for yourself too. ɂɃȾȿsɁɀ ¤ɚQ{1sUÏÙɆɃȾȿɆ ōā ĈÝƇŋĭōōŕƤɚûŕŋ