Scottsdale: Art And Culture's Home In The Desert

By Steve Sam Jones

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

No self-respecting hub of the arts could be without its very own Contemporary Museum of Modern Art and here is no different. The SMoCA, as those in the know refer to it, is one of the nearly 200 art galleries in the area. Like most of the town, the SMoCA has embraced its natural surroundings. A tourist favorite is the outdoor sculpture garden, which uses the desert setting to captivate patrons.

Center For the Performing Arts

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.

Taliesin West

Easily the most famous architect in America's short history, Frank Lloyd Wright chose this particular town to construct one of his most admired creations. Named Taliesin West after his eastern home of the same name, it became the location of most of Wright's later years. He constantly made editions and, like the SMoCA, was influenced by his natural surroundings. He eventually turned his home into a full-on school of design. A walk around the "campus" is enough for anyone to see how such a location could inspire learning.

Although it may not be at the top of most art enthusiasts' list of cities to visit, Scottsdale has more than enough of a portfolio to make its case. What people love most about this town is its ability to make the most of what it has. It does not pretend to be Paris or New York, but instead embraces the aspects that make this region so unique. - 30451

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