Posted By Les Conklin on Feb 1, 2017

By Sue Kern-Fleisher

Event provides chance to see the magnificent horses up close, watch artists draw and paint them, and tour through 110 studios featuring diverse, original fine art

February at the Arizona Fine Art EXPO begins with a nod to exotic beauty, stamina and spirit as the 10-week fine art show welcomes special guests from the Scottsdale Arabian Horse show.

Claudiaa

The event, “Up Close with Royal Arabian Horses”, takes place on Saturday, February 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., giving patrons a chance to see two magnificent Royal Arabian horses up close. The two-hour event also will feature a lively Quick Draw, where artists have a brief timed period to draw the horses, and some artists will plein-air paint them. Artist participating in the Quick Draw include Wei Tai, Scott Wallis, T.J. Thompson, Nancy Christie Moore, Angel Elquest and Gary Babb.

“This is a rare chance to see these radiant horses up close, learn about their history, and see how artists recreate their striking beauty,” said Judith Combs, CEO of the award-winning Thunderbird Artists and Partner of Arizona Fine Art EXPO. “Bring your camera to capture their beauty and then spend the afternoon touring through artist studios or relaxing in our sculpture garden.”

The owners, Jim and Sally Bedeker, will proudly present their two Royal Arabian horses, Claudiaa and Bella Soleil GA, from Scottsdale-based Gemini Acres Equine Ranch, along with trainer Claudinei Machado and manager Taylor Mason.

Claudiaa is a beautiful mare born in Belgium in 2002. She was imported by Gemini Acres Equine a few years back and has been a wonderful asset to Gemini’s breeding program. The farm is expecting two foals in 2017 from Claudiaa, both by Gemini stallions.

Bella Soleil GA

Bella Soleil GA was born and raised in Scottsdale on the Gemini farm. This beautiful three-year-old mare has had successes in the show ring and is now being ridden both in the arena and through the desert here in Scottsdale. She is one of the select sale horses at Gemini.

Arizona Fine Art EXPO has come to be known as one of Arizona’s best venues for collecting fine art. The event features 110 patron-friendly working studios within a 44,000 square-foot space, where guests have a rare chance to meet the artists, see them in action, and learn about their inspiration and techniques. Throughout the 10 weeks, artisans will sketch passionately in pencil, charcoal and pastels; sculpt and fire clay; drill, chisel and carve stone; paint in all media; stain and etch gourds; design lost wax casting; solder and weld jewelry; assemble mosaics and more. Art is for sale and commissions are welcomed.

The Arizona Fine Art EXPO runs daily through March 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. under the “festive white tents” at 26540 N. Scottsdale Rd., on the southwest corner of Scottsdale and Jomax Roads, next to MacDonald’s Ranch. Season passes cost $10; season passes for seniors and military are $8; and children under 12 are free. Parking is free.

For more details about participating artists or events during the show, call (480) 837-7163 or visit www.ArizonaFineArtEXPO.com.

Quick Draw Event

Event Summary

EVENT: “Up Close with Royal Arabian Horses” presented by Arizona Fine Art EXPO

A special event featuring a chance to see several magnificent Royal Arabian horses up close. The two-hour event also will feature a lively Quick Draw, where artists have a brief timed period to draw the horses, and several artists will plein-air paint them.