Light broke through cloudy skies Saturday, revealing brilliant colors and forms at the Scottsdale Arts Festival.
The 34th annual festival, which runs through today, features 185 well-known artists, half of whom are new to the show, festival spokeswoman Debbie Rauch said.
"The event has earned its reputation as one of the finest festivals of its type in the United States," she said. "It provides a rare opportunity to meet the artists, discuss their vision and technique and to purchase unique pieces of outstanding quality."
Art ranges from ceramics, wood and paintings to photography, mixed media and print-making.
The festival includes demonstrations, expert lectures and discussions, gourmet foods and drinks and a children’s activity area. Three stages of entertainment feature local jazz, world and pop music.
"This is an awesome setting for an art festival," said Mary Wright of Illinois. "We go to festivals all over and this is the nicest."
Organizers expect more than 40,000 people during the three-day festival outside the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.
Ticket proceeds benefit educational programs offered by the center and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. About 50,000 children benefit each year from their educational programs.
Festival facts
What: Scottsdale Arts Festival
Where: Scottsdale Center for the Arts
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today
Tickets: $6; children under 12 free
