Patrons rarely have opportunities to talk to artists while they’re working in their studios. The Arizona Fine Art Expo lets patrons have these immersive experiences through Sunday, March 27.
“They can come in, talk to each artist, see what they do, talk about their work and anything that might interest them,” says Judy Long, who runs the event with her husband, Dennis, and Judi and Roger Combs. Dennis is Judi’s brother.
“Artists are very open to spending time talking to people.”
In its 18th year, the expo is in a 44,000-square-foot space at the corner of Scottsdale and Jomax roads, near MacDonald’s Ranch. Black panels and gray carpeting give it a consistent look. The show boasts 124 studios and around 80 artists from around the world.
“It’s like going into a gallery. It’s not a hodgepodge of all different looks,” Long says.
To participate, artists must be juried, primarily by Judi Combs, who also runs Thunderbird Artists with her daughter. The artists pay $2,500 for the booth and a commission of 20% on sales.
The expo allows artists to put their work before a large diverse audience who is interested in a variety of art forms. Many commissions and long-term relationships between artists and patrons start at the expo.
Guests can see a range of artwork, including sketches in pencil, charcoal and pastels; clay, stone, metal and wood sculptures; watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings; furniture; photographs; jewelry and mixed-media artwork.
A 2-acre sculpture garden, where some artists will work, displays metal, stone and mixed-media sculptures. Musicians perform on Saturdays and Sundays. Café food is available for a snack or lunch.
Long says that while there is a level of competition in getting sales, the artists have a strong camaraderie.
“The artists get along really well and help each other,” Long says.
“It’s really a big extended family. It’s wonderful for their creativity. It makes a huge difference,” Long says.
Returning artist Jon Crocker says his work can be very solitary. The expo allows him to work near others.
“The beauty of the Arizona Fine Art Expo is that the artists have the opportunity to work, show, learn and, most amazingly, share with each other throughout the tent,” Crocker says.
The watercolor artist, who divides his time between Ireland and Colorado, started attending the expo in 2018. Crocker often paints portraits and landscapes. Through his company Art of Golf, he paints signature golf holes of notable courses.
At the expo, Crocker will have limited edition golf prints of golfers like Tiger Woods, his friends in Ireland, his family members and people he observes in his everyday life.
Crocker says he differs from other watercolorist painters because of his details, which can be difficult.
“Watercolor is like golf. Each stroke counts, and the second you think you have it mastered, it will come back to bite you,” Crocker says.
In his paintings, he tries to represent the people’s spirit, including the flaws that make them distinctive.
“When I’m painting someone’s portrait, it’s not enough to match their likeness. I want to expose their personality. I’m trying to capture a person’s essence, their soul. I think a quality painted portrait has so much more meaning than a photo,” Crocker says.
Crocker has dabbled with other types of paint, but he prefers watercolor because of the negative space.
“For me, watercolor’s true magic is the white of the paper,” Crocker says.
“Unlike painting with oils or acrylics, I use no white paint to create highlights or white areas. The paper creates a much crisper, cleaner and more natural white than I could ever achieve painting in the highlights.”
Growing up, Crocker drew and painted as a child. He earned a fine arts degree from Colorado State University but went into marketing and advertising.
He ran two advertising agencies until 2008, when he left to take care of his ailing father, wife and daughter. He cared for them for four years before they died within the same year, which was difficult for Crocker.
His Irish partner Gina Phelan, whom he met online, and painting helped him through the grief. His first painting after the deaths was of his father peacefully napping. Soon, others wanted portraits of their deceased loved ones.
That emotional response affects him as an artist.
“My favorite part of painting a personal commission is the first second where the client sees the completed piece and I see in their eyes the unmistakable recognition, often followed by a tear or two. That’s the best feeling in the world, an acknowledgement I captured and touched both their souls,” Crocker says.
Arizona Fine Art Expo
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sunday, March 27
WHERE: 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
COST: $12 for season pass, $10 for seniors and military, free for children younger than 12
INFO: 480.837.7163, arizonafineartexpo.com
