More than 125 artists from across the Southwest will gather March 7–8 in and around Litchfield Square Park for the annual Art & Wine Festival, a free, two-day event featuring fine art, live music and Arizona-made beverages.
The festival will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 279 N. La Loma Ave., with artists lining the streets and pathways surrounding the park. Attendees can browse original paintings, photography, jewelry, glass and other handcrafted works while meeting the artists who created them.
For Diné artist Darrin Denny, events like the Art & Wine Festival represent more than a sales opportunity. Markets are a chance to share culture and stories that rarely reach audiences beyond his home in Chinle.
“We’re deep in the reservation, we don’t have this kind of foot traffic,” Denny said. “People in the Valley see what’s commercialized. We want them to see the real people behind the art.”
Denny, of the Naakaii Dine’é and Tódik’ǫzhí clans, has spent more than 30 years creating acrylic paintings, stone carvings and etchings inspired by the colors and ancient markings of Canyon de Chelly. Many of the stones he works with are gathered directly from the land. His wife and artistic partner, Yolanda Bia, creates handcrafted jewelry using turquoise, coral and other traditional materials blended with modern design elements.
Denny said speaking directly with visitors is an essential part of the work.
“A long time ago, my ancestors didn’t have a voice,” he said. “Today, we do. I’m here to educate people about our craft and our culture.”
Mesa-based artist Scott Palmer of Copper Phoenix Studio, who has participated in past Litchfield Park art events, also emphasized the importance of direct interaction. Palmer creates hand-shaped copper wall art treated with patinas, a chemical process that alters the metal’s surface to produce natural color variations. Each piece is made individually.
Palmer said he transitioned to copper after beginning his career as an abstract painter and credits art festivals with helping him build a full-time business.
“In galleries, I don’t get to meet the people buying my work,” Palmer said. “Here, it’s direct access to the customer.”
Those conversations often lead to custom commissions and help introduce fine art to new audiences, Palmer said.
Festival organizers expect a wide range of work, from paintings and mixed-media pieces to hand-blown glass, ceramics and large-scale sculpture. Artists scheduled to appear include painter Mallory Cash, photographer Bob Gertz, jeweler Sean Berton and glass artist Jami Goldman.
In addition to visual art, the festival will include live music and a beer and wine garden offering Arizona-produced wine, beer, mead and spirits. Drink tickets will be sold on site, with discounted tasting packages available in advance.
Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Famer Big Pete Pearson is scheduled to perform blues sets both days from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., with additional performances planned.
For artists like Denny, the event’s value lies in the exchange between creator and viewer.
“When a piece goes to someone’s home, that’s the heart-touching part,” he said. “Sharing that story face to face — that’s why we make the trip.”
The Art & Wine Festival is free to attend, with free parking available.
Visit litchfieldpark.gov for more information.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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