Juried enrollment is open for 35th season
FOUNTAIN HILLS – Thunderbird Artists celebrates 35 years of producing sophisticated, award-winning, world-class fine art and wine festivals throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, with a Call for Artists for its upcoming season. The ongoing-juried open enrollment enables painters, sculptors, glass and stone artists, fine jewelers and artists working in mixed media to apply for a booth in one or more of Thunderbird Artists award-winning festivals.
“We’re seeking artists who share our philosophy of quality over quantity,” said Denise Dale, vice president of Thunderbird Artists. “Content, quality and originality are most important to us when we jury a show. And, because this is our 35th year, we’re including some new elements to our festivals, such as new entertainers, wine-infused ice cream, and an expanded selection of wine, microbrews and more.”
The 23rd Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival kicks off Thunderbird Artists’ new season on November 4, 5 and 6 in downtown Carefree at Easy and Ho Hum Streets. A limited amount of booths are still available and artists are encouraged to submit an application with a CD or a flash drive of recent artwork, as well as an outdoor booth photo to show the overall presentation.
Seven fine art festivals are planned throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, including the 2nd Annual Sculpture & Wine Festival in Fountain Hills, set for January 13, 14 and 15 on the picturesque Avenue of the Fountains in Fountain Hills. Sculptors working in bronze, stone, wood, copper, metal, clay, fiber, glass, gourds, fine pottery and mixed media are encouraged to apply. All sizes will be considered and a forklift will be available for life-sized to monumental pieces.
“Our first all-sculpture show was very well received by both patrons and artists last year,” said Judi Combs, Thunderbird Artists’ CEO. “We’re hoping to expand our roster of sculptors who would like to showcase their work to serious collectors. The timing coincides with the internationally-renowned Barrett-Jackson luxury car auction and other high-profile events happening nearby, so we expect to see a mix of local and visiting patrons.”
Other shows planned in 2017 include the 24th Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival on January 20, 21 and 22; the 6th Annual Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival on February 10, 11 and 12 in downtown Scottsdale; the 5th Annual Surprise Fine Art & Wine Festival on February 17, 18 and 19; the 22nd Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival on March 17, 18 and 19; and the 13th Annual Fountain Hills Fine Art & Wine Affaire on March 24, 25 and 26.
To download an application or apply online, visit www.ThunderbirdArtists.com or call 480-837-5637.
