The Scottsdale Artists League(SAL) is a large and organized non-profit with a group of amateurs and professionals alike who create amazing works of art simply for the joy of it. Since 1961, across the state, these energetic folks give generously of their time to promote the arts and engage the public to support a variety of philanthropic endeavors all year around. Coincidentally, their newsletter is called ‘The Art Beat’, available online. Great minds think alike!

Artwork by Linda Phillips, Alcohol Ink and Acrylic on Yupo
Artwork by Linda Phillips –
Alcohol Ink and Acrylic on Yupo

The SAL also exhibits at the new Arizona Art Alliance Gallery, Scottsdale Pavilions, 9079 E. Indian Bend Rd. Sculpture, paintings, ceramics and more await the eager audience for numerous events and classes each month. Beside the Old Adobe Mission and Westminster Village Art Shows sponsored by SAL multiple times a year in town, where juried art is featured in a dozen mediums, many members will be exhibiting and selling their wares at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix this weekend April 7-9 from 9am to 5pm each day. This special event is the result a 5 week ‘Plein Aire’ paint out and features the Leagues’ best landscape artists with their nature/botanical focused works for sale at reasonable prices and distinct charm. It’s a chance to take home an original of any size, prints, cards and pint-size souvenirs in bright oils, acrylics, photography, jewelry and the like.

Venue rental sales support the Botanic Garden’s mission and proceeds from the annual paint out Show and Sale fund a $1,000 high school scholarship which will be granted each year to a graduating senior from the Scottsdale district with an interest in following an arts career. SAL member artists such as Linda Phillips, have greatly appreciated their 20-year association with the DBG. “Our membership shares a common bond of the love of art and a desire to give back to the community,” she told our magazine recently.

Guests are always encouraged to attend SAL shows and monthly meetings. More information about the mission, membership, meeting schedules and events of the Scottsdale Artists League can be found on the link above. If you can’t make it to any of the socials, many of the members have personal websites with their fine art and SAL’s incredible online gallery has all sorts of art available for sale also. It is Plein-ly worth a visit.  Writer extends a deep thank you to SAL members for images.

Feature image: Mary Kuhr – 9×12 oil on linen board