In an unprecedented event for the award-winning producer of juried fine art and wine festivals in Arizona, Thunderbird Artists hosts its inaugural “Sculpture & Wine Festival” on Jan. 15-17 in Fountain Hills. The juried show will feature more than 60 acclaimed sculptors from around the globe, giving patrons a chance to view and purchase stunning, diverse pieces crafted from bronze, stone, copper, clay, wood, metal, glass, gourd, steel, found objects and mixed media. The event takes place from 10 am to 5 pm each day at 16810 E Avenue of the Fountains. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the International Cancer Advocacy Network.
In 34 years of producing fine art festivals, Thunderbird Artists has been instrumental in showcasing the talents of sculptors worldwide. Thunderbird Artists Vice President Denise Dale said the January Fountain Hills show will provide a rare chance to meet many of the world’s renowned sculptors in one setting.
“Our roster of sculptors will exhibit a breathtaking array of small, medium, life-sized and even monumental sculptures,” she said. “Whether you are seeking to enhance your home décor or you want to begin a sculpture garden, you’ll find a diverse selection of original, high-quality pieces to choose from.”
Together, the artists will showcase hundreds of pieces, ranging from the whimsical outdoor mixed media sculpture of Cotipaxi, CO, artist Hill Brin to the abstract and figurative works of Zuva Gallery artists, sculpted from the indigenous stones of Zimbabwe. Art enthusiasts can marvel at the elegant floral sculptures and luminescent bowls and vessels carved from alabaster by Camp Verde artist Susan Zalkind or meet Idaho artist Ken Newman, a bronze and wood sculptor who observes, interprets and then sculpts both wildlife and the figure. Patriotic patrons will enjoy the military bronze sculptures of Mesa artist David Paul Venell. Others may be drawn to the bright, colorful glass pieces by Phoenix artist Johanna Dozer.
“While the sculptures are diverse, the artists share the same passion for creativity,” Dale said.
Douglas Brannan, of Globe, uses recycled materials to create playful robot and other futuristic sculptures. Gary Moser, of Scottsdale, worked in construction for 30 years before sculpting. “Steel just kind of grabbed me by the collar and has taken me on an amazing journey,” Moser said.
“We’ve been honored to watch many of our participating sculptors’ careers soar over the years, and we’re also very excited to welcome new sculptors to the Thunderbird family,” said Thunderbird Artists CEO Judi Combs.
Keeping with its long-standing charitable tradition of supporting the community, Thunderbird Artists has chosen to support the International Cancer Advocacy Network as the event’s charity, donating 25% of festival admission ticket sales and 25% of all wine sales to ICAN, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt Arizona nonprofit charity.
“Thunderbird Artists has always been ambassadors for the arts and community, and ICAN’s mission is one we support,” said Combs, who is a cancer survivor. “Through their extensive advocacy network, they serve Stage IV cancer patients across the U.S. and in 53 countries, empowering them to navigate rapidly expanding diagnostic and personalized treatment options. Not only will ICAN volunteers host the wine tastings at our January show, they’ve also lined up volunteers to assist us, and we’re very grateful for that.”
Wine tasting tickets cost $10, which provides a souvenir wine glass and six tasting tickets. Tastings require one, two or three tickets depending on the wine’s characteristics and quality. Additional wine tickets are $1. Admission to the inaugural “Sculpture & Wine Festival” is $3 for adults and free for children 18 years or younger. Parking is free all weekend. For more information, call 480-837-5637 or visit ThunderbirdArtists.com.
