Events & Activities

Phoenix Art Museum offers a rich and diverse schedule of monthly activities that enrich and entertain. Scroll below for the latest. Or check out some of the photos from previous events!

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Special Events

VinArte Monthly Wine Tasting Series
Every First Friday
6 – 8pm
Arcadia Farms at Phoenix Art Museum

The Museum’s Men’s Arts Council presents the VinArte First Fridays Wine Tasting Series. Held on the first Friday of every month, this education wine series is perfect for novices wanting to learn more about wine as well as for connoisseurs.


The cost is $30 per person and includes gourmet appetizers prepared specifically by Arcadia Farms to be paired with the wine being served. All wine is available for sale at below retail prices and for every bottle of wine you buy you will be entered to win some fabulous prizes - tasting tickets, wine and possibly a wine dinner for 10 at Arcadia Farms Scottsdale.


The VinArte Monthly Wine Tasting Series benefits Phoenix Art Museum and is a part of their First Friday's programming. Please note: Advanced Tickets are required and can only be purchased through the VinArte Web Site.

43rd Annual Cowboy Artists of America Sale
October 17, 2008
5 – 9:30pm

The most anticipated western fine art event in the country, the 43rd Annual Cowboy Artists of America Sale, will come to Phoenix Art Museum again this October. Presented by the Museum’s Men’s Arts Council, this show presents a depiction of the West only the members of Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) can capture with such realistic skill and spirit. This is the only time that CAA members exhibit together throughout the year. It is the first opportunity to see over 130 new oil paintings, water solubles, drawings and sculptures created over the last year by CAA members. The Sale, a specially-ticketed event on the evening prior to the exhibition’s opening to the public, attracts hundreds of collectors from around the world and has become one of the strongest fundraisers for the Museum.

This Exhibition and Sale is organized by Phoenix Art Museum and the Museum’s Men’s Arts Council. It is presented by Wells Fargo with the continued, generous support from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Norris and the Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Foundation. Additional support provided by the Sharron and Delbert R. Lewis Exhibition Endowment Fund. Promotional support for this Exhibition and Sale has been provided by The Arizona Republic. This Exhibition and Sale would not be possible without the continued contributions of Western Art Associates.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Sale. Visit the Men’s Arts Council web site for tickets and more information.

Also, do not miss a great opportunity to attend an intimate dinner with CAs Harley Brown and Dave Powell at Lon’s at the Hermosa’s Artist in Residence Dinner Series. Go to Lon’s web site for more information.

Yelp.com 1st Birthday Party

October 22, 7pm - 9pm

Have you visited Yelp.com yet? It's time to check it out! Create a profile, write a review, and then join us for a special party you will not want to miss. Yelp.com is an online partner of ours, and we are hosting their 1st birthday celebration here at the Museum in October.

Explore the Museum, mingle with fellow yelpers, enjoy food from local businesses, drinks, music, and don't miss our surprise guest too!

Event partners include:

  • Arizona Photobooth Company
  • Bombay Spice
  • Fez
  • four white walls photography
  • Java Magazine
  • Mamma Mia
  • Switch
  • The Gelato Spot
  • the herb box
  • Ticoz
  • Urban Affair
  • Wicked Bakery

Music from Kristofer Hill / Krow Music and DJ Tricky T and live art from House of Flying Paint!

This event is FREE to attend. You must have a Yelp.com profile (please visit Yelp.com to sign up). You must be over 21. RSVP to phoenix@yelp.com with your name and yelp profile link, plus the name of your guest. Please put 'Birthday pARTy' in the subject line.

The pARTy

November 1

In the fall of 2006, Phoenix Art Museum celebrated the completion of the largest expansion in its history with the tremendously successful black-tie gala, The pARTy. Proceeds went towards the Museum's education programs and exhibition schedule. We are proud to continue this established tradition with The pARTy 2008, which will take place at the Museum on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 6:30 pm. Last year was hugely successful with 850 guests in attendance including art collectors, civic leaders and Museum supporters!

The pARTy 2008 will be an equally chic evening of dinner, served in all three levels of the the new Katz wing, dancing, and music performance by Grammy award winning Artist, Billy Ocean. Once again, we will produce our beautiful event catalogue, The Journal of The pARTy – volume III, featuring even more fabulous artwork from our collection. This year’s theme will focus on the Museum’s wonderful volunteers, who number over 2,000. We sincerely hope that you will continue to be a part of this elegant publication.

There are several ways to get involved in The party 2008 and The Journal of The pARTy – volume III that are 100% tax deductable and go toward furthering program development at Phoenix Art Museum.

To see an online catalogue display of the 2007 The Journal of The party – volume II click here.

For more information on The pARTy 2008 click here.

Holiday Affair

November 11

The 2008 Holiday Affair, sponsored by the Phoenix Art Museum League, will be held Tuesday, November 11, beginning at 10:00 AM in Cummings Great Hall at the Museum with the Silent Auction Treasure Sale. Items will include antiques and designer accessories from an award-winning interior designer and antiques dealer. The luncheon, provided by Arcadia Farms, will be served at noon. Kiss Me Kate will present a holiday fashion show modeled by League Members. A Live Auction will conclude the program.

For further information, contact Pat Emmert at (480) 941-4119.

ArtPick 2008
November 14, 2008, 6pm

Don’t miss an opportunity to play curator for a night!

ArtPick, one of Contemporary Forum’s (CF) liveliest events held throughout the year, provides an evening of glorious food, unlimited drink and a very special silent auction – highlighted by the opportunity to vote on which significant piece of art should be added to the Museum’s contemporary collection! Since its inception, five major works have been added to the Museum’s collection as winners of ArtPick. Last year’s winning selection was a Chromogenic color print, Untitled #1179-04, by Richard Misrach. Nine additional works of art presented as ArtPick choices have been purchased for the Museum with funds provided by private donors or Contemporary Forum.

In addition to playing curator, enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner, hosted bar and a unique silent auction featuring travel, dining and entertainment packages.

This year ArtPick has a very special bonus. Everyone attending will be eligible to be the recipient of a terrific Santa Fe vacation package. You just have to be present when they call out your name.

Everyone is welcome to attend ArtPick. Admission is $95, dress is casual.

For reservations, call (602)307-2029 or visit the CF Web site.

Carnivale!

January 23, 2009

Experience the magic of Venice without leaving the Valley, as the Friends of European Art (FEA) hosts its own Carnivale! at Phoenix Art Museum on January 23. Inspired by the revelry enjoyed at historic Venetian celebrations, Carnivale! will combine festive food and drink with exciting music and a silent auction in a setting designed to capture the spirit of 16th Century Venice.

Guests in attendance are encouraged to shed inhibitions and don costumes and masks similar to those worn by Italian masqueraders. Once inside the museum’s Great Hall, they will dance the night away to the upbeat sounds of Snake Eyes, Arizona’s premier party band. They also will have the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind artwork, antiques as well as exclusive tickets to cultural and sporting events.

Tickets for the Carnivale! are $150 per person and $75 for Young Collectors (40 and under). All proceeds generated from the event benefit the Friends of European Art’s acquisition and exhibition fund. For more information visit the FEA website or call (602) 852-0217

Contemporary Forum 2009 Art Auction and Dinner
February 21, 2009, 5:30pm

This culturally rich evening has been acknowledged for years as the most celebrated art auction in Arizona. The live auction, conducted by leading art auctioneer Christine Sullivan, will showcase premier contemporary works of art including paintings, sculpture and photography by internationally recognized artists. In addition, a silent auction featuring works by emerging artists will be offered, continuing a popular tradition of this exciting event.

A new dimension of this year’s event will be a pre-gala reception hosted by Carolyn Ellis of Arcadia Farms, offering inventive fare, specialty cocktails and wines. The distinguished M Catering by Michael’s will create this year’s dinner, featuring innovative cuisine uniquely presented in contemporary settings.

For more information, call (602) 307-2029 or visit the CF Website.

 

West of Western Wine & Chocolate Opening Gala
March 12, 6 - 9pm
Bentley Projects

To celebrate the festival's 5th Anniversary, we will serve dessert first at the West of Western Wine & Chocolate Opening Gala. Hosted by Bentley Projects, Phoenix's premier gallery of international contemporary art, the event will feature chocolate confections by half a baker's-dozen of Arizona's finest Pastry Chefs and chocolatiers, paired with special reserve wines poured by sommeliers from West of Western wineries.

We will also introduce our latest exhibition "In Contemporary Rythm: The Art of Ernest L. Blumenschein," opening the Sunday March 15 during West of Western Culinary Festival at Phoenix Art Museum. A variety of musical entertainment and informal food and wine demonstrations will accompany this black tie event. Admission: $80, tickets limited. Call (602) 262-5652 for more information.

Bentley Projects stands at the center of historic downtown Phoenix and offers a remarkable 22,000 square feet of interior gallery space devoted to "art of our time." Originally a linen laundry dating back to 1918, this renovated warehouse features distinct architectural details such as original brickwork and soaring ceilings with exposed wood bow-truss beams. The interlocking gallery rooms display world-class contemporary painting, photography, sculpture and prints by both major international and local artists. Exhibitions change frequently, providing guests a unique experience at each visit.

West of Western

March 14 & 15, 2009

“It’s an upscale chef’s dream come true…In only four years, West of Western has become the premier culinary event in Arizona.”- Howard Seftel, Arizona Republic restaurant critic, Mar. 16, 2008

The 2009 West of Western Culinary Festival, presented by Phoenix Art Museum, will celebrate its 5th Anniversary with their largest event yet, March 12-15, 2009. The highlight of the Festival is the Chefs’ invitational two-day food and wine tasting held at Phoenix Art Museum, Saturday March 14 and Sunday, March 15, 2009. Over the weekend 50 of Arizona’s most renowned Executive Chefs, Chefs de Cuisine and Pastry Chefs and their crews chosen from Arizona’s premiere independent restaurants and resorts will perform their culinary skills al fresco at The Grand Tasting held on the grounds of the Museum’s Dorrance Sculpture Garden.

Different restaurants will present each day.

Inside the Museum’s Great Hall over 100 wines and spirits from around the world will be poured and discussed by experts at The Wine Table. Festival Chefs and guest food and wine experts present cooking demos and classes throughout the day, along with interactive art activities for children organized by the Museum. Local foods join local culinary talent at talks presented by Slow Food Phoenix. Live music completes the garden party ambience.

General admission to the Museum is included in the Festival ticket, and the weekend is the opening of our Spring exhibition: “In Contemporary Rhythm: The Art of Ernest L. Blumenschein,” co-founder and the most successful of the Taos School of artists working in the early 20th century.

The West of Western Opening Gala & In Contemporary Rhythm Opening Party will be held Thursday, March 12. For information about West of Western events, and to purchase advance tickets, please visit the website at: westofwestern.com, or call Call (602) 262-5652. Discounted tickets available to Phoenix Art Museum members. Quote your membership number when ordering.

Check back soon for an update on participating chefs and wineries as well as schedule of the day's activities.

 

Bell Lexus Copperstate 1000
Departure: April 5, 2009
Tempe Diablo Stadium
Gates open at 8am, departure starts at 10am
Rally: April 5 – 8, 2009

The Bell Lexus Copperstate 1000 is the preeminent vintage car road rally in North America. Created in 1990 by the Men’s Arts Council, the Copperstate 1000 is Phoenix Art Museum’s most unique fund raising event.

The annual Copperstate 1000 celebrates the cultural legacy of the automobile by featuring over 70 of the finest vintage, sports, racing, classic and grand touring automobiles manufactured before 1974. In past years, the field has included Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Rolls Royce, Maserati, Corvette, Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo and more.

The annual rally traverses 1,000 miles of the most diverse scenery in the American Southwest – desert terrain, verdant river valleys and alpine landscapes. With the sweeping curves, long straight-aways and cliff-hugging switchbacks, this 4-day adventure is a must-do for any driving enthusiast. Although the route changes each year, one thing remains constant – the natural beauty that is Arizona.

The Copperstate 1000 is one of three fund raising events organized by the Men’s Arts Council to support the operation and endowment of Phoenix Art Museum. During its 18-year history, the Copperstate 1000 has raised over $800,000 for the Museum.

Find out more by visiting the Copperstate 1000 dedicated website.

 

Select Partner Events

Every month we work with our community partners to highlight new and exiciting events around the valley. Be sure to check back reguarly for updates!

Meet The Food Network’s Giada DeLaurentiis at Kierland Commons

Join us October 18 at 12noon at Sur La Table as The Food Network’s Giada DeLaurentiis signs copies of her new book, Giada’s Kitchen: New Italian Favorites. This is a ticketed event; tickets will be distributed at Sur La Table with the purchase of Giada’s new book, starting October 1.

Click here for more information.

The Lion King at ASU Gammage!

January 2 through February 8, 2009

Experience the phenomenon of Disney's The Lion King when the Valley's best-loved musical makes a triumphant return to ASU Gammage following its record-breaking 2005 engagement! Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you'll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgetable score including Elton John and Tim Rice's Oscar®-winning song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and "Circle Of Life."

Let your imagination run wild when the Tony Award®-winning Broadway sensation returns to the ASU Gammage stage.

For more information visit asugammage.com

**Special ticket prices and advanced sales available to Phoenix Art Museum members

Phoenix Theatre tickets!

Arizona’s longest running arts organization. Its 88th Mainstage season includes The Producers, Company and the musical masterpiece, Les Miserables. Phoenix Theatre is located on the same grounds as Phoenix Art Museum in the Northeast corner of Central and McDowell Rd.

Bring your Museum ticket stub to the Phoenix Theatre box office and receive $5.00 off your Tier 1 or Tier 2 tickets. For more information on upcoming shows visit phoenixtheatre.com

Arizona Opera invites you to a world of comedy!

Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado.
Written at the height of their creative genius, this popular operetta is filled with hilarity and wit.
November 20, 21, 2008 (7:30pm)

Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love
In Donizetti’s charming opera love triumphs with the aid of a willing heart and a “magic potion.”
January 22, 23, 2009, 7:30 pm

Tickets are on sale August 17, 2008. Call the Arizona Opera Box Office at 602.266.7464.

Visit azopera.com for more information.

**Special ticket prices and advanced sales available to Phoenix Art Museum members