12
Spring 2022
Camelback Studio Tour
Decade-long event keeps artists and visitors coming back
By Mallory Gleich
E
ach year, a gathering of artists takes place in south Scottsdale and west Phoenix. These artists open up their studios to guests, who come from far and wide to get a first-hand look at how Arizona's creative minds establish their works. This week-long event has become known as the Camelback Studio Tour. Started in 2009 by four Arizona artists looking to showcase their art, the CST is a self-guided tour through working studios in Scottsdale and Phoenix neighborhoods. "Back then, they held it in the Sherwood Heights neighborhood, where most of the studios are still located," Organizer Lynn Gustafson said. "Over the years, three of us moved on to new adventures, so I am now the sole organizer. The founders established The South Scottsdale Art Alliance, which sponsors the event." Each studio has a host artist who opens their space so the public can see "where the creativity begins." Artists from around the Valley can also sell their works. The tour takes place during the first weekend in November. "It is the artists that make this event so popular. We have a lot of great local people who participate every year and work in several different mediums. Folks have an opportunity to see how something is made and the space it is made in. Visitors can see every studio in a weekend, and some even come back the next day," Gustafson said. Below are three artists who not only take part in the tour but may also be familiar to those who have visited the Shemer Art Center in recent years. camelbackstudiotour.com shemerartcenter.org
Kevin Caron
Caron was born in Connecticut and lived in Florida before heading to the desert in 1973. He's lived in Phoenix since. "I was 13 - my mother said 'get in the car!' and away we went. I took to the desert right away, though, spending many hours riding through the beautiful expanses of the West Valley," Caron said. Caron is a sculptor who works with metal - primarily steel and aluminum - and 3D-printed filament. He's participated in the Camelback Studio Tour three times. "I've been working in metal since 2002 and became a full-time artist in 2006. My largest sculpture is a public commission in Chandler, titled The Seed, which is 14 feet tall. It is installed at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center," he said. Around 2012, Caron began working with 3D printing technology. He prints in various materials, including bronze and rubber. "My tallest 3D-printed sculpture thus far, a commission for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Columbus, Ohio, is 5-1/2 feet tall," he said. "But I'm always learning, following my curiosity with materials and techniques. To me, part of being an artist is discovery through creation." Caron has also had indoor and outdoor exhibits presented at the Shemer Art Center. His 3D-printed jewelry is available in the gift shop. "I believe in community, and the Camelback Studio Tour and Shemer epitomize that. I also like that both are centrally located, making them easy for Valley residents to visit," Caron said. "Both of these organizations are very supportive of local artists, too." His advice for those looking to go professional? "If you are thinking of becoming a full-time professional artist, don't quit your day job. I worked part-time as an artist for four or five years before going full-time. Every artist I've known who 'focused only on being an artist' has gone back to a regular job," Caron said. "Starting part-time lets people get an idea of what it would be like to work full-time before they take the leap." kevincaron.com
Topknot by Kevin Caron Violet by Fiona Purdy Ocotillo Yellow Peak by Cheri Reckers
Previous Page