December 7, 2024
Experience the Festival from December 6-8, 2024: Friday- Saturday, 10 AM—5:30 PM, and Sunday, 10 AM—4:30 PM. Click here for the Festival dates through 2027.
I had heard about the Tempe Festival of the Arts but had never been. That all changed today when my local artist friend, NASH, invited me to join him for a stroll through the festival to meet some fellow artists.
Tempe Festival of the Arts boasts a rich history spanning over 50 years in the vibrant city of Tempe, taking place annually in early December and again in mid-March each year. This festival is not only one of the oldest celebrations in the Southwest but has also become a cherished tradition that attracts a diverse crowd from near and far. Over the years, the festival has grown significantly, evolving into a true point of pride for the community of Tempe and a favorite among residents and the many visitors who come to experience it. Attendees can enjoy talented artists showcasing their work from across the country, various local music performances, engaging activities within a specially designated Kids Block, and an array of delicious food options that cater to all tastes—conveniently located along the charming streets of historic Mill Avenue. This lively atmosphere fosters a sense of community and celebration that is truly unforgettable.
The festival showcases over 350 artists from around the country. While we didn’t have enough time to meet them all, I wanted to share a few that stood out as favorites.
The first artist I met was Christopher Roche, a painter from Mesa, and I was impressed by his large, colorful paintings. “I have always been naive enough to believe that if I create images of great interest to me, they will be of interest to others as well,” says Roche. His striking paintings of people and places have a familiarity about them. Whether they are of scenes of sporting events, people living their daily lives, or historic neon signs, Roche brings all of them to life through his paintings.
Aileen Frick creates enjoys the way collage can be integrated into paintings so that one is not conscious of the boundary between the printed image and paint. I found myself compelled to explore every inch of her work, enjoying her creating intermingling of imagery. Her paintings become quiet meditations on meaning and existence.
Mural artist Laura Thurbon caught our attention with her colorful work in process. We couldn’t help but interrupt her for a quick picture. Laura is a professional artist, muralist, marketer, and seasoned art educator working out of her Scottsdale studio.
Leah Riser shared her beautiful oil paintings, and I immediately enjoyed her imagery and style.
“More than anything, I offer good intentions to the world through my work. As a painter, I take the tactile, visual experiences that excite me (often textures, color combinations, animal figures…). I use them to dream up enticing ideas I’ve never seen before (lately, off-the-wall ideas that make me laugh out loud).“
Next, we chatted with artist Joshua Serafin. Born in 1973, Serafin is a North American artist who grew up in Huntington Beach, California. In 1999, Serafin created a name with his Sunset Resolution photographic diary of a year of sunsets. Since then, he has led the beach culture art movement.
Serafin evokes a pure feeling of joy and peace through his paintings of the coastline’s natural beauty, ocean depths, and everything the two have to offer.
I was especially intrigued by Duncan Robertson’s art. Admittedly, at first glance, I thought his work was computer-generated. Thankfully, he took a few minutes to share his process with me, and his skill and patience immediately inspired me. A lifelong artist, Duncan has mastered the art of the dot, creating stunning portraits and wildlife art.
Rick Murphy creates whimsical metal sculptures that ignite joy and imagination. He skillfully transforms various metal parts into delightful works of art that capture attention and inspire wonder. His work is so engaging that I felt compelled to return for a second look, unable to resist the charm of his creations. I truly appreciate his innovative process of reclaiming car parts, appliance pieces, and other discarded items to craft his heavy-metal pets. Fun is undoubtedly the keyword here, as I observed everyone around me enjoying his art, their faces lit up with smiles, and I found myself smiling along with them. Even now, as I write this post, the joy of his art lingers on, and I can’t help but wonder if my studio might need a whimsical guard dog to keep watch over my creative space. See more on Rick’s Facebook page.
As we exited the art fair, I had to stop and enjoy art created by the Swartz Brothers from Colorado.
Heavily inspired by the natural world, emotional experiences, and the creative process, the Swartz Brothers work in mixed media to create surreal worlds where the only limit is their imagination.
The brothers shared that they have always drawn and painted. Both attended Creative and Performing Arts High School in Philadelphia and graduated from Tyler School of Art with degrees in Graphic Design. After college, they decided graphic design wasn’t their best fit. They found their love for painting again and have worked as full-time artists ever since.
During my leisurely stroll through the vibrant art fair, it was truly great to see such a remarkable diversity in the various artworks presented. This diversity was not only evident in the unique and captivating pieces showcased by the talented artists at their booths but also through the impressive freestanding displays scattered throughout the venue. Additionally, the sidewalk chalk artists were diligently creating beautiful and intricate works at ground level, adding an extra layer of creativity and color to the overall atmosphere of the event.
While I wasn’t able to share everything from the event during my limited time there, I strongly encourage you to visit the event for yourself and immerse yourself in all that it has to offer. There is truly so much to see, experience, and engage with, and I’m confident that you’ll gain valuable insights and create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Each moment at the event is a chance to learn, connect with others, and explore new ideas that may inspire you in unexpected ways. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!
All photos by A.D. Cook © 2024
Tempe Festival for the Arts logo © Tempe Festival for the Arts – used for editorial
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A.D. is an artist who started drawing at a young age. Throughout his life, he has worked with different creative tools in traditional and digital art and design. His art and writings have been showcased in various publications such as Airbrush Action Magazine, Airbrush Magazine, American Art Collector, Art & Beyond, Dream To Launch, Easyriders, Las Vegas City Life, Las Vegas Weekly, L’Vegue, ModelsMania, Quick Throttle, and The Ultimate Airbrush Handbook.
