Scottsdale: Where The Art Is
Written by Steve Sam Jones   
Thursday, 14 January 2010 09:59
Few cities nowadays seem to place much of an emphasis on the arts. Of course don't tell that to Scottsdale, Arizona. In a town of less than 250,000 people, the size of its arts scene is astonishing. The choices range from modern art to music to theater and beyond. The town even offers a unique piece of history from one of America's artistic heroes.
by SteveSamJones


Few cities nowadays seem to place much of an emphasis on the arts. Of course don't tell that to Scottsdale, Arizona. In a town of less than 250,000 people, the size of its arts scene is astonishing. The choices range from modern art to music to theater and beyond. The town even offers a unique piece of history from one of America's artistic heroes.

The SMoCA

This town of fewer than 250,000 residents is home to a whopping 195 art galleries -- perhaps none more notable than its Museum of Contemporary Art. The "SMoCA, " as locals call it, was established in 1999 and has attracted visitors from around the globe. The museum embraces the rural setting of Arizona with a strong focus on nature and its connection to modern society. There is no better example of this than the beautiful outdoor sculpture garden, a favorite among visitors.

Night Life

Located just down the street from the SMoCA, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is the unofficial spot for entertainment and socializing. Here, many of the gallery owners, artists and visitors are welcomed nightly for new cinema, dance, and music. The center's proximity to the West Coast and Hollywood brings a constant stream of big name celebrities seeking intimate shows and comedians trying out new material. With its considerable popularity, there's no doubt that many a tourist has highlighted this spot in their guide book.

Wright's Desert Palace

You don't need to be a fan of architecture to be familiar with the name Frank Lloyd Wright. Over an illustrious career spanning seven decades, Wright left a seismic mark on the world of architecture and design. Some consider his greatest achievement to be Taliesin West -- a sprawling home turned design school campus, just on the edge of town. All who experience Wright's version of Xanadu are left in awe. Similar to SMoCA, the outside and inside are flawlessly merged to enhance one's harmony with nature.

There's an old phrase that goes, "A million people can't be wrong, " and that would apply to the declaration of Scottsdale as Arizona's art capital. An ever-growing stream of visitors from around the globe come for a sense of the modern with SMoCA, the entertainment with the Center For the Performing Arts and the historical with Wright's Taliesin West. If anyone thought Arizona was lacking in any of these departments, they're clearly unaware of this town.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on Scottsdale Locksmith, then visit www.scottsdalelocksmiths.net to find the best advice on Residential Locksmith for you.