The Grand Canyon is a truly epic site that has captivated artists for hundreds of years. The Celebration of Art is an annual event where award-winning artists gather to capture the Canyon’s awe-inspiring beauty. The Grand Canyon Conservancy is behind this celebrated event that raises funds for a forthcoming arts venue. New this year? More than just plein air painters will be in attendance. Since the event’s inception in 2009, the Celebration of Art has featured almost all plein air or artists who create landscape paintings outdoors while looking at those scenes. Visitors can look forward to seeing not only paintings, but basketry, drum making, photography and silver smithing from Sept. 18 to 21 at a variety of venues located throughout the South Rim. On Sept. 21, visitors can even enjoy an artist quick draw from 10 a.m. to noon. Artists will also all gather at a special sunrise demonstration on Sept. 20 from 6 to 10 a.m.
“People can enjoy the art of the Canyon through many different creative lenses,” says Mindy Riesenberg, chief communications officer of the Grand Canyon Conversancy. “We were able to work with other artists who can provide a very different take on their interpretation of Grand Canyon through mostly Indigenous art.”
Can’t make the September event? The Conservancy will hold an online exhibit and one at the Kolb Studio from Sept. 21, 2025, to April 26, 2026. The importance of this event cannot be overstated. It also helps raise money for an arts venue that’s slated to be built at the historic Grand Canyon National Park headquarters building. When the art center is finally completed, Grand Canyon visitors will be able to see artwork that’s been in storage for years. “At Grand Canyon, there is a museum collection that most people never see that is curated and is full of amazing artworks and artifacts, and anything and everything you can think of, and that was the impetus for Celebration of Art. ‘How do we create this venue?’” says Mindy. “We needed to raise funds to do so. The fact that it’s all culminating now. Finally, we can say, ‘Oh my gosh. We have a venue.’ This is very exciting.” − Teresa K. Traverse
MORE ART GALLERIES IN NORTHERN ARIZONA: Shows, exhibitions and happenings
