Thunderbird Artists issues Call for Artists for 38th Season

FOUNTAIN HILLS – Thunderbird Artists is planning for its 38th season by issuing a “Call for Artists” for its premier, award-winning fine art festivals, which begin in November. Juried enrollment is open to national and local artists who create original, high-quality fine art.

Based in Arizona, Thunderbird Artists produces sophisticated, world-class fine art and wine festivals throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. The family-owned business was the only Arizona producer of fine art festivals to be included in Greg Lawler’s ArtFairSourceBook.com (AFSB) ranking of the 2019 “Premier 100” Fine Art Events from throughout the U.S.

Rankings are based on artists’ net average sales at each show. All three Thunderbird Artists Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festivals ranked within the top 55, with the November fall show scoring the No. 2 spot, behind La Quinta Arts Festival in California. The January winter show ranked No. 45 and the March spring show ranked No. 53.

“This was a huge honor for us,” said Denise Colter, president of Thunderbird Artists. “We never know how we will rank because the artists report their sales directly to the Art Fair SourceBook. While we have an idea of how successful our festivals are, it’s very rewarding to learn that our Carefree shows ranked among the best in the nation.”

Judi Combs, Thunderbird Artists’ founder, predicts another successful season ahead, thanks to a strong economy and other factors, such as a robust housing market and an influx of tourists to Arizona.

“Patrons and artists alike know that we go above and beyond to produce high-caliber events,” Combs said, adding that the wine tastings, live music and food add to each festival’s ambiance. “Artists also have shared that they appreciate the friendly, supportive culture we create with each show.”

The ongoing-juried open enrollment enables painters, sculptors, glass and stone artists, bronze and metal artists, fine jewelers and artists working in mixed media to apply for a booth in one or more of Thunderbird Artists festivals.

The 26th Annual Fall Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival kicks off Thunderbird Artists’ new season on November 1, 2 & 3 in downtown Carefree at Easy and Ho Hum Streets. This festival was also named by Flight Network as one of the best festivals in North America for 2018 and 2019. The other five shows planned for the 2020 winter and spring season include: the 8th Annual Surprise Fine Art & Wine Festival on January 10, 11 & 12; the 27th Annual Winter Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival on January 17, 18 & 19; the 9th Annual Scottsdale Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival on February 7, 8 & 9; the 25th Annual Spring Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival on February 28, 29 and March 1; and the 16th Annual Fountain Hills Fine Art & Wine Festival on March 6, 7 & 8.

To download an application or apply online, visit www.ThunderbirdArtists.com or call (480) 837-5637.