It’s an exciting time of the year! The weather is finally (well, sort of) cooling down, Halloween is almost over and the holidays are quickly approaching. Along with cooler weather and holidays comes one of my favorites times of the year - art fair season! This will be my first time as an actual artisan at these local art fairs, and I hope to see you there. At my booth, you can expect to see originals, prints, and an opportunity to commission a custom piece at a deep discount.
Fountain Hills hosted their inaugural Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts back in 1974, and the event has since grown to host a whopping 500 fine artists and craftspeople from all over the world. The event is one of the largest fine arts festivals in the Southwest. Patrons can expect to see sculpture, jewelry, clothing, crafts, handmade beauty products and of course, paintings. There will also be live music and local food trucks.
Artist Christina Carmel’s Booth: A-61, South west corner of Avenue of the Fountains and La Montana Boulevard.
Location: Downtown Fountain Hills (Avenue of the Fountains from Saguaro Blvd to La Montana Blvd.)
Show Dates and Times: Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 9-11 from 10am-5pm
Price and Parking: Event is free to enter. Free parking lots, meters, and valet will be available for patrons
Website: Fountain Hills Festival
ArtFest of Scottsdale is in its 25th year of operation. This festival is smaller and a bit more intimate, hosting only about 150 artists from across the country. Patrons can enjoy a wide array of various fine arts and crafts, as well as live music, local authors, tasty food and activities and crafts for the whole family. ArtFest of Scottsdale also offers beer and wine tasting in their beautiful sculpture garden.
Artist Christina Carmel’s Booth: 271, final map currently being drafted
Location: Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza, 75th Street and Indian School Road
Show Dates and Times: Saturday and Sunday, November 17-18th from 10am-5pm
Price and Parking: Event is free to enter, and free parking will be readily available all around the Civic Center.
Website: ArtFest of Scottsdale
This is a really exciting year for the Tempe festival, as it marks it’s 50th anniversary! The Tempe festival is a staple in the valley, and has been voted one of the best fine arts festivals in North America by multiple publications. The festival takes place in the heart of downtown Tempe on Mill Avenue and 5th street. At the Tempe festival, patrons can expect to see artwork from over 375 fine artists. There will also be live music on two stages, a “Kids Block” featuring K-12 artists, wine tasting and “chalk-a-lot” street - a special exhibition for talented chalk artists.
Artist Christina Carmel’s Booth: 5222, on 5th Street, west of Maple
Location: Downtown Tempe, Mill Avenue from 3rd to 7th and 5th Street just East of Mill Ave to just West of Maple.
Show Dates and Times: Saturday, November 30th and Sunday, December 1st
Price and Parking: Event is free to enter, free and paid parking lots are scattered all around the festival (parking details)
Website: Tempe Festival of the Arts
The Phoenix festival is a newer player to the game, celebrating its 7th year in operation. The festival is quite intimate, featuring only about 150 fine artists and craftspeople across multiple mediums. The Phoenix festival also boasts live musical and dance performances from groups throughout the valley, including arts demonstrations, circus performances and spoken word poetry slams.
Artist Christina Carmel’s Booth: Assignments begin November 5th
Location: Hance Park, Downtown Phoenix
Show Dates and Times: Friday, December 7th 12pm-5pm; Saturday and Sunday December 8-9, 10am-5pm
Price and Parking: Event is free to enter. Parking is rather limited at this event. A small number of spots will be available at the Phoenix Center of the Arts lot, and street parking will be available on 1st and 2nd streets.
Website: Phoenix Festival of the Arts
Original Paintings & Custom Portraits based in Phoenix, AZ - serving the world with love.
