From primitive cave drawings left behind by early civilizations to the famous landscape paintings of artist Dale Nichols, the Southwest has long been an inspiration to mankind. Arizona is especially appealing to creatives, with many vibrant artists’ colonies spread across the state. Whether you’re a sculptor looking for a new muse, or simply searching for pieces to add to your collection, stop by these popular attractions on your next visit to Arizona.
Arcosanti is an incomparable art compound located about an hour outside of Phoenix. The massive living museum was originally started in 1970 by visionary Paolo Soleri, but construction on the site continues to this day. Soleri designed Arcosanti to be a self-sustaining city, complete with mixed-use buildings for living and working. After you explore the bizarre city of Arcosanti, don’t forget to pick up a famous wind bell from the gift shop.
Known as the home and photo studio of brothers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb, today the site is a historic museum offering resplendent views of the Grand Canyon. Located on the precipice of the South Rim, Kolb Studio exhibits the brothers’ historic photographs of life in the early twentieth century.
After your visit, explore a whole new perspective of the area with a Grand Canyon tour from Papillon. South Rim airplane tours depart at Grand Canyon National Park Airport, less than ten miles south of Kolb Studio.
Once home to a thriving copper-mining industry, the town of Jerome fell on hard times during the Great Depression. It was considered a veritable ghost town until the 1960s brought new life to the area. Jerome is now known as a bohemian settlement – and one of the weirdest towns in the West. On a walk through city streets, visitors can view ghost town relics, far-out craft studios, and folk art galleries.
Tubac, Arizona was also on the brink of becoming a ghost town in the late 1940s, until resident and renowned landscape painter Dale Nichols founded an art school in town. The institute inspired other artists to settle in the area, and Tubac was born again as an arts colony. Art is still a major component of life in Tubac, and the Tubac Center for the Arts is a great place to explore what local pros have to offer. The center provides exhibits for the whole family, including work from area artists, film screenings, and concerts.
Those who prefer the art of music will love the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. The massive space features instruments from all over the world, with exhibits categorized by region. Visitors can also view instruments owned by their favorite musicians, including galleries dedicated to Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and more.
Sedona’s red sandstone landscape is a vision to the many artists and craftsmen that call the town home. Almost every street has several galleries to discover, or you can develop your own skills with a workshop at the Sedona Arts Center. Another must-see is the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Festival held each September.
If a trip to the Southwest has you feeling inspired, join the annual Art Unraveled event in Phoenix to learn valuable skills while making new friends. Running for a total of seven days, Art Unraveled has over 125 classes to choose from. Workshops include drawing, painting, jewelry making, collage, sculpture, and more.
Papillon is the world's oldest and largest aerial sightseeing company. We offer over forty unique and affordable excursions featuring spectacular views of the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Monument Valley, and beyond. On your next trip to Arizona, experience Grand Canyon sightseeing like never before by visiting Papillon at www.papillon.com.
Slide 3 By CodyR from Phoenix, Arizona, USA (arcosanti apse on Flickr) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons Slide 4 By Grand Canyon National Park [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons