Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art will note both the past and the future during its fall opening.

“This fall, we look back and ahead simultaneously through a special event for our opening with SMoCA architect Will Bruder in conversation with exhibiting artist Phillip K. Smith III,” Jennifer McCabe, SMoCA director and chief curator, said in a press release. “The event is a soft launch toward our 25th anniversary, which we will celebrate on Valentine’s Day 2024."

As the site of a James Turrell Skyspace, SMoCA allows Bruder and Smith to consider the histories of the Light and Space Movement while looking toward the future.

Smith’s ongoing exhibition, the “Three Parallels” installation, provides a different kind of movement: “Four Shades,” a site-specific performance of four dances by Nicole L. Olson, set to an original score by intermedia artist Shomit Barua, according to the release.

Inspired by the subtle shifting of colors in “Three Parallels,” the parts of “Four Shades” refer to discrete moments that exist in the continuum of human emotion, according to the press release. Barua’s score is augmented by custom software that enables the mobile devices of audience members to become individual channels for spatialization and live manipulation of sonic texture.

“Four Shades” and the artist talk with Bruder and Smith are part of a ticketed event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22. The cost for this portion of the evening is $30 for Scottsdale Arts ONE Members and $40 for non-members. Availability is limited. There will be light bites and each guest will receive two drink tickets.

Following the ticketed event, the party will continue with a non-ticketed portion of the evening from 7 to 9 p.m. with music, cash bar and another special performance by Olson in the new exhibition “Roelof Knol: the space in between,” which will visually respond to the dancer’s movement.

“This fall opening will be a special one,” Julie Ganas, SMoCA curator of engagement and digital initiatives, shared. “The additional programming complements the exhibitions and brings together local, national and international artists for engaging collaborations. It will truly be a celebration.”