Creative Connections Fine Art auction seeks artist submissions to benefit desert lands

Artists are encouraged to submit up to three pieces of original art, numbered prints and giclees, which will be considered for submission in 2D and 3D mediums art through March 28.

Benefitting the nonprofit Desert Foothills Land Trust, submissions are accepted for the spring Creative Connections Fine Art auction that runs April 29-May 10. Creative Connections Fine Art is dedicated to fostering the artist and collector community, established by fine art artist Nancy Breiman of Scottsdale.

Donations are also accepted. Submission fee is $15 for up to three pieces, and artists may also donate artwork and deduct $5 from the submission fee for each donated item. Artists receive 65% of the total sale price, according to a press release.

This is DFLT’s seventh annual art exhibit and sale, following last year’s event that was shut down prematurely by the statewide Covid-19 orders. Bidding for the online auction opens at 6 a.m. on April 29 and closes at 8 p.m. on May 10, the release said.

“Without question, the past 12 months have brought many surprises, challenges and changes for us all,” says DFLT’s Mary Warren in a prepared statement. “Desert Foothills Land Trust, like other nonprofits and businesses, has had to seek out creative ways to continue their work, engage the community and earn support. We’re excited to be selected as benefactor for the online auction.”

The theme of celebrating the connection between art and the land will remain the same, with more than 65 artists are expected to submit both 2D and 3D work for “Protecting the Land We Love." Included will be representational art, contemporary art and craft, and indigenous peoples, the release added.

“The auctions are a win-win for everyone,” said Ms. Breiman in a prepared statement, noting a goal to raise at least $20,000 in total sales. “As local artists, we cherish our beautiful protected lands, wildlife, and indigenous culture to both enjoy and paint. Giving back to those in need fills my soul.”

For online artwork for purchase, selections for “Jurors Choice” will be made by jurors A.H. Smith, an Arizona Artist Guild member, painter and mixed media artist who taught locally for 32 years; and Tempe glass artist and painter Laurie Nessel, a member of the Arizona Glass Alliance.

The public has a chance to vote for “People’s Choice” during the preview days through April 28, according to the release.

Several artists and collectors have donated numerous items for DFLT, which will receive nearly 90% of the proceeds including:

• “The Way” by acclaimed artist J.E. Knauf, valued at $3,500;
• A contemporary, colorful glass sculpture by Carole Perry valued at $4,500;
• An oil painting of one of DFLT’s protected lands, “Galloway Wash,” by award-winning painter Michele Schuck, valued at $680.

DFLT is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission for meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. Founded in 1991, DFLT focuses conservation efforts in Anthem, Carefree, Cave Creek, Desert Hills, New River, north Phoenix and north Scottsdale.

Having permanently conserved 850 acres on 27 sites, the release said DFLT’s mission is to protect these lands cherished by the community and sources of inspiration for artists.

Information:  https://www.creativeconnectionsfineart.com/ or email Breiman at CreativeConnectionsFineArt@gmail.com.

For artist submission information, visit the Creative Connections Fine Art website at www.creativeconnectionsfineart.com and click “call for art info.”