Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art will celebrate the opening of a new exhibition, “Language in Times of Miscommunication,” with a series of events March 3–4.

“Language in Times of Miscommunication” presents artworks by 18 artists who use various forms of language to critically examine the complexities of social reality during times of rampant miscommunication.

The first people with an opportunity to view the exhibition are Scottsdale Arts ONE Members, who are invited to a special SMoCA Member Preview event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, March 3, before the exhibition opens to the general public.

Anyone can reserve free tickets for the museum’s Spring Opening Celebration later that night, 7–9 p.m. Friday, March 3 for a chance to mingle with exhibition artists and fellow art lovers.

The event also includes music by Miss Mixx in her Desert Disco Boxx, drinks from a cash bar and light bites and gelato from the Merkin Vineyards food truck.

“There’s so much to look forward to for the Spring Opening Celebration; it’s going to be a special one,” said Julie Ganas, curator of engagement and digital initiatives for SMoCA. “For those who miss the Opening Celebration, the Artist Encounter the following day will be an intimate, informal way to experience the exhibition with the insights of select artists and the ‘Language in Times of Miscommunication’ curator, Lauren R. O’Connell.”

Running 2–3 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, the Artist Encounter offers attendees an in-depth perspective on the artworks from the new exhibition. Free tickets are available with the purchase of regular museum admission that day.

“We are thrilled to be opening a new and exciting exhibition of nearly 20 artists who work in the critical space of language and art,” said Jennifer McCabe, SMoCA director and chief curator. “’Language in Times of Miscommunication’ features a diverse array of artists, mediums and subjects that all reflect the divisive and complicated moment we live in. We will celebrate with a fun-filled night of music, art and food.”

In addition to “Language in Times of Miscommunication,” two ongoing exhibitions remain on view. “Inside Job: Staff Selections from the SMoCA Collection,” is on view through April 30, and “Phillip K. Smith III: Three Parallels,” featuring a site-specific installation that highlights changes in perception as related to light, color, time and space, is on view through Aug. 6. Additionally, the SMoCA Courtyard features Janel Garza’s mural “Environ” and two public artworks: James Carpenter Studios’ “Glass Scrim Wall” and James Turrell’s “Knight Rise” skyspace.

Learn more about the exhibitions at SMoCA.org/exhibitions, and find details on the events at SMoCA.org/events.

SMoCA is located at 7374 E. Second Street in Scottsdale. It is open 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Thursdays.

Admission is $10–$12 for non-members; $7–$9 for students, seniors (65+) and veterans; and free for Scottsdale Arts ONE Members, healthcare workers, first responders and patrons 18 years old and younger. Admission is free every Thursday and every second Saturday of the month. Timed-entry tickets are required. Save time and money by booking online.

SMoCA would like to thank the following partners and sponsors: City of Scottsdale, Billie Jo Herberger, Adam and Iris Singer, Mark J. and Elizabeth L. Kogan Family Trust, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Foundation, Arizona Republic’s Season for Sharing, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement, HonorHealth, Peggy Sharp, Charles Schwab, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, Nancy and Robert Kravetz Philanthropic Fund, Valdes Group of Merrill Private Wealth, and Airpark Signs & Graphics.