Judy Bruce
Join the Sonoran Arts League in honoring our community’s talented youth during the 29th Annual Celebration of Art and the 45th Jeff Cross Memorial on Monday, May 12. The popular event offers a chance to cheer on more than 100 talented 3rd to 12th grade students who will be recognized for their outstanding achievements in visual arts. The free event takes place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Cactus Shadows High School Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th St. in Scottsdale
Sponsored by the Sonoran Arts League, Cave Creek Unified School District’s Educational Community Service, Steve and Lori Greenberg, and the Kiwanis Club of Carefree, the event includes students from seven CCUSD elementary, middle, and high schools as well as students from Annunciation Catholic School and Quality Interactive Montessori.
Ceramic artist Robin Ray, Sonoran Arts League Youth Art Chair, said the League has had a long history of honoring and empowering young, talented artists.
“For more than 50 years, youth arts education has always been a big part of the League’s mission. This event alone has changed the lives of more than 4,000 students over the years,” Ray said.
Mixed media painter Judy Bruce, who has helped coordinate the event for 20 years, said art is critical to mankind.
“With technology taking over our lives, the handmade, the beautifully crafted, the expressive, the authentic, the creative, the empathetic, are the essence of what art teaches, and what art is, and what makes us human,” Bruce said.
During the event, students will be recognized by their teachers on stage. Each student will receive a gift bag of art supplies provided by the Sonoran Arts League to nurture their creative spirit over the summer.
Last year, Cactus Shadows High School senior Maya Camas received the prestigious Jeff Cross Bronze Bell Award during the 2024 Sonoran Arts League’s “Celebration of Art” awards ceremony at the Cactus Shadows High School Fine Arts Center. Photo credit: Jules Gallatig, Middle Red Studio.
To learn more, visit www.sonoranartsleague.org or call 480-575-6624.
