Scottsdale Gallery Association Elects New Officers

The Scottsdale Gallery Association (SGA) has announced its new members and officers for 2012-2013. Veronica Graffius of Calvin-Charles Gallery will remain president of the nonprofit organization. She is joined by new vice president Ace Bailey of Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours. Kevin Cawley of Joan Cawley Galery will continue as treasurer of the organization, along with recording secretary Jane Phillips of Scottsdale Fine Art and corresponding secretary David Wilkinson of Legacy Gallery. New Board members include Teresa Lewis (Touchstone Gallery), Maria Cherry (Maria Cherry Gallery), Holly Bohling (Amery Bohling Fine Art) and Paul Eubanks (Gallery Russia and Paul Scott Gallery).

Internationally known as a mecca for art collectors, Scottsdale is home to more than 100 galleries. The Scottsdale Gallery Association was formed in the late 1980s by professional art dealers as a way to help promote their unique art galleries. Dedicated to exhibiting the finest visual art from all over the world, this local concentration of prestigious galleries offers a dazzling and diverse array of work by hundreds of top artists in a wide variety of media.

The SGA’s members strive to make art accessible to all, from the serious collector to the casual art appreciator. The association’s members produce “America’s Original ArtWalk,” the Scottsdale ArtWalk, which has been an important part of the galleries’ involvement with the community since 1975. ArtWalks are free to the public every Thursday evening from 7-9 pm along Main Street from Scottsdale Rd. west to Goldwater Blvd., and on Marshall Way north of Indian School Rd. to Fifth Ave. Restaurants, museums and free trolley and/or horse-drawn carriage rides are available during ArtWalk to transport folks from numerous free parking areas throughout the Scottsdale Arts District and Scottsdale Downtown.

The SGA regularly presents special ArtWalk events that celebrate specific themes. Soon to come in 2012 are the popular Summer Spectacular ArtWalk (Jul. 5, 7-9pm) and the brand NEW 38th Anniversary ArtWalk (Oct. 18, 7-9pm). Many of the West’s top galleries feature new exhibits, free opening night receptions and artist appearances, along with live music and more during these larger ArtWalks. A complete schedule of special events can be found at www.ScottsdaleGalleries.com.

By supporting arts projects in local schools through its YEA! – Young & Emerging Artists program and it SGA Art Education Fund, the Scottsdale Gallery Association has also become an important partner in the cultural development of local youth. A portion of proceeds from various events and sponsorships are contributed to supporting tomorrow’s artists.

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