It is truly disorientating to stagger off a tremendous mountain hike, shower and set off on a cultural odyssey that only a sophisticated city could present. First stop: Cosanti, the gallery, studio and residence of renowned Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri. I was privileged to meet with this still-productive 91 year old artist whose new Soleri Bridge and Plaza opens in Scottsdale next month. The old man still has a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Next: a charming Ace Bailey of Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours took me on a fascinating insider’s look at Valley Ho, a lovingly restored 1950’s landmark hotel, formerly the getaway spot for the likes of Humphrey Bogart and Tony Curtis.
Scottsdale has a wealth of Public Art on show throughout the city, from Western mustangs to overpass bas-reliefs. There are also nearly a hundred art galleries throughout the city, concentrated in the Arts District, which I explored on the Scottsdale ArtWalk which takes place weekly on Thursday evenings.
And the museums…Way too many for me to fit them all in, but I managed the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), the Scottsdale Historical Museum housed in The Little Red Schoolhouse, and my favourite: MIM – Musical Instrument Museum. This is modern museum presentation at its very best: state of the art audio and video envelop visitors in a cocoon of musical arts from around the world.
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