Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio is one-of-a-kind Arizona draw
Arizona’s largest and longest-running artist studio tour — Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour — returns for its 26th year during the last two weekends of November: Friday through Sunday: Nov. 18-20 and Nov. 25-27.
Coordinated by 501(c)(3) nonprofit Sonoran Arts League, this year’s free, self-guided tour features 174 artists at 47 studios throughout Cave Creek, Carefree and north Scottsdale. The popular event attracts thousands of patrons who appreciate fine art and seek a variety of mediums, styles and price ranges.
With the event taking place the weekends before and after Thanksgiving, the art tour also attracts holiday shoppers who want to find an original, unique gift. Studios are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both weekends, giving plenty of time to visit multiple studios.
“Planning your tour is easy,” said glass artist Carole Perry, event marketing chair and host of Studio No. 31.
“Some guests like to visit studios based on the genre of art they are attracted to. Others may choose studios based on a certain style, such as contemporary or western. It’s also fun to get a group of friends together and meander through the tour, stopping randomly at studios along the way.”
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Tips for Hidden in the Hills:
Ms. Perry offers these few tips for planning your tour:
- Go to HiddenInTheHills.org where you can download a map to help you navigate your tour.
- Artist directories and maps are available at all studios as well as the Sonoran Arts League’s Center for the Arts (Studio #1). The address is 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Suite 144, at Stagecoach Village in Cave Creek.
- Look for the yellow Hidden in the Hills signs on the side of the main roads, such as Scottsdale Road, Cave Creek Road, Carefree Highway and other main arteries.
“Remember, too, that there are many great restaurants in the area that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Ms. Perry said. “And, if you’re feeling really inspired, plan a staycation and try to visit all 47 studios over both weekends. Some art enthusiasts have accomplished this in the past, but it does take a lot of planning. Most importantly, enjoy the experience of meeting renowned and emerging artists, and treat yourself to a beautiful piece of art if it speaks to you.”
