Art blooms in the Carefree Desert Gardens

For 33 years, Thunderbird Artists has brought its fall art festival to Carefree. This November, visitors will find the art in a new setting.

The Fall Carefree Garden Art Experience will take over the Carefree Desert Gardens Nov. 7-8, placing more than 100 juried artists among the cactus, sculptures, water features and pathways in the center of town. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, with free admission and parking.

“We couldn’t be more excited for our new November event in Carefree,” said Denise Colter, president of Thunderbird Artists. “This fall we’re unveiling a completely open layout, no fences, so patrons can freely explore the entire festival.”

The four-acre gardens, home to the town’s 62-foot sundial, give visitors room to move between large-scale sculptures and smaller works without leaving the festival grounds.

Artists from 15 Arizona cities and 13 states will show work in a wide range of mediums, including painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, glass and mixed media. Sculptures will range from bronze and stone to metal, clay and gourds.

Featured artists Sheko Kirby and Sarkis Choulijian have worked together under the name Nyeari since 2015.

The couple creates one-of-a-kind sculptural jewelry using hand carving, metalsmithing and other joining techniques. Their pieces often incorporate high-karat gold, high-purity silver and unusual stones, with designs that draw from both contemporary ideas and the past.

“Our work is born from a collective endeavor where each unique piece is designed and handcrafted by both of us,” they said in a joint statement. “While the pieces are meticulously engineered, it is the story that drives the creation.”

That artist interaction is part of the weekend as well. Visitors can meet the people behind the work, ask questions and hear how individual pieces came together rather than simply viewing finished art from a distance.

Music will fill the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion throughout the festival. Soul Groove will perform a mix of Motown, R&B, disco and classic soul, while steel drummer Paul McDermand will make a special appearance Saturday.

“Add in free admission and a special Saturday performance by renowned steel drummer Paul McDermand, and it’s shaping up to be one of our most inviting events yet,” Colter said.

Wine, spirits and microbrews will be available for sampling near the stage. Food options include The Dog Father, with hot dogs, burgers and sausages, and Xavier’s Crepes, serving both sweet and savory crepes.

Because the festival sits in the middle of downtown Carefree, visitors can also step away from the art for nearby restaurants, shops, galleries and cafés before heading back into the gardens.

Thunderbird Artists has been producing fine art events since 1981 and has held more than 400 festivals in four states. Its current season includes events in Carefree, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Chandler.

The Art Experience takes place at the Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St., Admission and parking are free.

Visit ThunderbirdArtists.com.