Sculpture by Prescott artist Heath Krieger

Prescott
It’s no wonder Prescott’s central courthouse square was recently named one of 10 Great Public Spaces by the American Planning Association. With a wealth of galleries and shops clustered around the central courthouse square, there’s almost always something going on: a bluegrass festival, a Western art show, or a craft festival.

But don’t worry – the accolades haven’t given Prescott a big head. “We’re not a real uppity type of place,” says Prescott glass artist and educator Jim Antonius. The vibe in Prescott is casual, authentic and accessible. In fact, most of the galleries here are owned and operated by the artists themselves, so “you’re not going to go in and talk to just anyone,” Antonius says. “You’re going to talk to an artist.”

Appreciator: Get your regular dose of the Prescott arts scene with the Fourth Friday arts walks. Check out artthe4th.com/artwalks for a frequently updated schedule with maps, participating galleries and other details. In addition to paintings and sculpture, you’ll find jewelry and other wearables as well as functional art.

Aficionado: Check out the annual Courthouse Plaza shows sponsored by the Mountain Artists Guild. Proceeds from these fundraising events go toward a scholarship program for high school and college art students in the areas of Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey, Humboldt and Mayer. Learn more about the Mountain Artists Guild and how you can support a new generation of Arizona artists at mountainartistsguild.org.

Amateur: Jim Antonius is an experienced, highly sought-after glass artist whose work has been commissioned by the architect Frank Gehry. But his first passion is sharing the magic of glass arts with students at Prescott College and in his private studio. He offers a full complement of glass-blowing classes for “ages 8 to 85,” he says. You’ll walk away with more in raw materials than you paid in tuition, not to mention an unforgettable experience. Check out his class listing at antoniusstudios.com.

Pura Vida Gallery in Jerome

Tubac
Tubac, one of the oldest settlements in Arizona, calls itself “the place where art and history meet.” Its first incarnation was as a Spanish presidio established in 1752. According to Susannah Castro, director of exhibitions, education and marketing at the Tubac Center of the Arts, Tubac found its second incarnation in the 1960s as artists descended on the area and created a colony of studios and galleries.

The Center of the Arts was created soon after, and in the 50 years since, it has grown to encompass galleries, a shop, a performing arts series, and youth and adult education programs. Mountainous, verdant Tubac, only about a three-hour drive from Phoenix, is a “serious player” in the world of Western art, Villani says, and it has created a distinct identity for itself by honoring “the beauty [of the art] and the integrity of its creators.” 

Appreciator: Feeling dehydrated and landlocked? Head to the Tubac Center of the Arts for the 25th annual Arizona Aqueous exhibition, held between January and March, for an assortment of innovative art made from water-based pigments on paper.

Aficionado: Visit the Tubac Center of the Arts between October 15 and November 15 to catch Beyond the Lens, a national, juried photography exhibit. But just because it’s photography, don’t expect all the work to be traditional. This exhibit welcomes “conceptual work, mobiles, 2-D and 3-D wall and standing pieces” alike. This is no small-stakes event: The exhibition will be juried this year by internationally recognized Tucson photographer Ken Rosenthal. Participating photographers stand to win prizes for Best of Show, Award of Excellence and Award of Merit.

Amateur: The Tubac Center of the Arts offers a wide range of classes and workshops, including watercolor technique, acrylic painting, and batik. Most classes are spread out over a few days, creating the perfect opportunity for Valley residents to create their own creative retreat. Book a room at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa (tubacgolfresort.com), and treat yourself to an artist’s vacation. Information for all Tubac Center of the Arts programs and exhibitions can be found at tubacarts.org.