Mesa Art League Annual Show at the
Arboretum June 3 - July 22, 2006

      Spring flowerbeds around Boyce Thompson Arboretum offer a color-wheel of choices to the artist, from the deep red of a Turk's Cap flower to spindly yellow columbines, which upon close-up inspection resemble delicate undersea creatures. Violet cactus blossoms are trailside, along with Victrola-shaped datura flowers. Don't forget to look skyward to see Arizona's pure white state flower atop the saguaro cactus. During July and August visitors were invited to see this fabulous floral display daily, and also to view works by members of the Mesa Art League.

      The six-week exhibition opened June 3 with a special "Arts-in-the-Park" morning where invited plein-air painters captured flowers and botanical scenes on canvas and Mesa Art League members had an open-air exhibit and a picnic. Painters worked at easels during the morning, and at 10:00 a.m. Plein air artist Cindy Carrillo demonstrated her craft at a class which was attended by about 35 people. Visitors were invited to observe and enjoy, meet the artists and watch new works emerge on canvas. Live music and a potluck lunch completed this festive morning. Paintings, drawings and photography continue to be displayed in our visitor center gallery.

      "This was a toe-tapping, art-loving, nature-walking, good eats kind of day," said Mesa Art League President Cynthia Rider. "Our annual event is a great chance for people to learn more about art and to appreciate a range of works by our members. Throughout the morning artwork was displayed on the wooden fence that separates the picnic area from the Demonstration Garden, and visitors were invited to meet the artists."

      Mesa Art League's June 3 event launched a six-week exhibition of painting and photography by members; their show continues in the visitor center gallery until July 22.

      "The Arboretum's pathways, bridges, and vivid color are inspiration for a wide variety of painters, photographers and nature-lovers," said Rider. "Dozens of plant species are blooming in the Demonstration Garden during early June, so this event is a chance to visit the Arboretum for the pure enjoyment of the season. Visitors could observe Cindy Carrillo and even ask art questions while she demonstrated her beautiful technique, offering painting tips to those who aspire to her talents. Each year this is a great family-oriented outing. Bring the kids -- and coloring tools -- to create your own artwork alongside others who love art!" View samples of the artist's work at
cindycarrillo.com

      The event was also a "happy anniversary" reminder that Mesa Art League, founded in 1936, continues to give back to the community through its outreach programs and promote Arizona artists by recruiting their talents to enrich East Valley cities and towns via photography, painting, sculpture and outreach programs. Rider founded the Budding Artist outreach program for children; this particular effort has bloomed through an alliance with Mesa Art League and the Save the Family Foundation in Mesa. Volunteers use arts to mentor children of various ages, explained Rider. "We teach at whatever level the child is able to be successful. It is a joy to work with these lovely children from our community."

      Mesa Art League annual membership costs just $24, which allows members to participate in exhibitions throughout the year.

       The June 3 picnic and exhibition continued a popular annual tradition formed by the close relationship between Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the Mesa Art League. "This fine-art show is a valuable resource for art league members to get their work into the public eye," said Rider. She spent the past year as president arranging memorable spaces for MAL artists to display and sell their work. "Viewers can expect to see a wide variety of top-notch artwork." For more information about art sales email Mesa Art League President Cynthia Rider at CJ@MesaArtLeague.com

      Works shown on this page are (clockwise from upper right) "Scarf Valley" by Helen Rowles, "Stop and Rest a Bit" by Cindy Carrillo, "Grand Canyon" by Kimberly Smith, "From Peralta" by Bud Heiss, "Variety" by Sandy Conder and "Red-naped Sapsucker" by Paul Mudersbach. All works in this exhibit are available for purchase.

     Boyce Thompson Arboretum is at highway 60 milepost #223 near the historic copper mining town of Superior, a drive of about 45 minutes due East of Mesa. During June and July visitors are admitted from 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., and the Arboretum closes at 3:00 p.m. The Arboretum is an Arizona State Park and daily admission must be paid to enter the Visitor Center where our gallery is found. Daily admission is $7.50 for adults and $3 for ages 5-12. Annual membership is a smart option; these start at $35 for a couple and may be purchased in the gift shop on the day of your visit to the Arboretum. Annual memberships include a year's access, guest passes for your friends and family, and other benefits. To review other recent gallery shows from...

April-May, 2006 CLICK HERE
March, 2006 CLICK HERE
February, 2006 CLICK HERE
January, 2006 CLICK HERE
December CLICK HERE
November CLICK HERE
October CLICK HERE
September CLICK HERE
July/August CLICK HERE
June/July CLICK HERE
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January CLICK HERE
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